Resistance at Saddle Row BGC
The first time I went to a Saddle Row branch was for WeWork RCBC’s launch event, Fitness for Founders, wherein we got a taste of their spinning and rowing classes. It was at their first branch, Saddle Row Rockwell. While I somewhat enjoyed, since it was a complimentary session, we only had 30 minutes and not the full one hour experience. So for the sake of this article, I’ll write as if it’s the first time.
Since opening in 2015, Saddle Row has been known to cater to both the spinning and rowing community in Metro Manila, but comes top of mind for the latter. Named after London’s famous bespoke suit street, they create customised workouts in a stylish space. Both workouts have been known to have high calorie burning rates with less impact on joints.
After going to several great sessions at Ride Revolution last week, I decided to try the other spinning studios in Metro Manila to compare the difference. I have to say that among spinning studios, I definitely love the interior of Saddle Row, especially their fancy lockers (even if I’m terrible at using them). I’ve gotten a whole new appreciation for studios with electronic locks, especially because I always get to nervous when I go to studios that don’t and I realize I don’t have a padlock with me.
Keeping in mind that I booked the 9:30am, 60 minute Resistance class through ClassPass, most of its classes are half the number of credits (3 credits) as other spinning studios in the same range of quality. It’s also the only studio offering both rowing and spinning in the BGC area. They also have a good range of class times with the first class at 7am, the last at 8:50pm and up to 4 other class times in between. For someone like me whose schedule is pretty erratic, having all those options on my ClassPass app is a relief!
For those who are interested, their spinning classes has three available variations:
THE EXCHANGE
A pure cycling workout that’s a test of stamina, with sprints, climbs, and rides at different paces and speeds.
THE RESISTANCE
A combination of climbs, dance moves, and sprints, plus resistance bands to work the upper body and core.
THE UNDERGROUND
A cardio-heavy dance party on wheels, with varying beats-per-minute and coordinated arm moves.
I chose the Resistance because the other spinning classes I’ve tried often are more often than not like The Exchange and The Underground with minimal weights. I thought it would be an interesting experience to do a spinning class with resistance bands!
The staff were very nice. Like other studios, they ask you to sign the waiver, lend you some shoes and assign a bike slot. This studio, undoubtedly has my favourite kind of spinning bike. It’s because they have a counter that shows your distance cycled, RPM, and calories burned. Just seeing the numbers go up drives a little competitive edge for me and keeps me cycling a little faster!
I have to say that it’s my first time doing a spinning class with resistance bands. I didn’t know it would make such a difference! I was tired a little faster than I thought I would be. I also appreciated how some coaches like Ting Joson would really look at their tablet to see your progress and tell you to increase the resistance when they know you can do more. One of my favorite Saddle Row coaches has to be Mia Cabalfin who always brings such great energy to my morning workouts!
Compared to Ride Revolution and Electric Studio where all the towels from the actual session to the post-workout are included, Saddle Row requires a Php50 rental fee for their large towels which I think is fair because SaddleRow only takes up half the credits and not everyone showers after their workout. So should you book a class and need to run to work after, best to bring you own. While I also like that they had bottled water for people like me who forget their tumblers, it’s also Php 50. So please, save the environment (and your wallet) by bringging your own tumbler!
I liked how it was so conveniently located inside Central Square, which is a small high end mall so it didn’t take a lot of going around and walking to find it. I did have problems when I took a class that was before mall hours as I didn’t know what mall entrance would let me in at that time. Just a tip, it’s the entrance near TWG!
If you’re interested in enrolling as a regular, here are their rates:
You can walk-in to pay or sign up through their website! If you’re interested in joining me on ClassPass, use my referral link to get Php 1500 Off your first month.
Saddle Row BGC
