By Far the Best Boxing and Fitness Gym in the Summer Capital!

Whether you're a Baguio born lad like me or a tourist who wants to stay fit even on vacation, going to the gym is definitely recommended! Luckily, here in the Summer Capital, there are plenty of gyms you can choose from. In the iconic Session Road alone, there are three: Endless Gym and Fitness Center, Tauruz Fitness Gym, and YMCA Fitness Gym. Needless to say, SM Baguio has one too, and that's Fitness Edge and Fitness Club. The latter is often the preferred choice of many simply because it's in a well-known super mall. I've tried all the aforementioned ones' walk-in promos and was disappointed (more on this later). As a result, it brought me to Shape Up Boxing Gym and oh my! Many, myself included, consider the place the best gym in town! Find out why below. In case you're too lazy to read, just scroll down to the pros and cons section.

Shape Up Boxing Gym is located on the 2nd floor of Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza, often referred to simply as Cooyeesan or CSI. Though not as iconic as SM Baguio or Maharlika, residents of the Summer Capital are familiar with the place so simply ask for directions and they'll gladly point you to its location. That or you can commute using conventional means or use Google Maps.

The primary selling point of Shape Up Boxing Gym is Manny Pacquiao. Yep, this world-famous pinoy boxer had practiced a few times in the said gym before. Indeed there are other boxing gyms in the city, but Shape Up has the finest equipment there is so it's only natural that his then coach Freddie Roach chose the place. Of course this ain't just what convinced me to choose it over other gyms in Baguio.

Since I'm too lazy to write and I'm pretty sure you're too lazy to read as well, I'll just outline the pros and cons:

Pros:

• State-of-the-art boxing and fitness equipment.
• Spacious (more than twice the size of your average gym in Baguio).
• Freebies for walk-ins, promo card holders and members (drinking water, locker, sauna, and hot & cold shower).
• The most accommodating staff (what really hooked me).

Cons:

• Location. Quite the hassle at least for me since I have no car which means I have to commute twice to get there. Pobre tayo laeng brader. 
• Traffic gets on your nerves during rush hours (7-9am and 5-6pm). My advice is to go to the gym while avoiding these time frames.
• The cost is a tad bit pricey but reasonable since you can use all (well-maintained) fitness gym equipment. Training cost is not included. The same can be said to boxing.

Be that as it may, the perks far outweigh the cons.

Tips for First-timers:

• Sign up for the promo card. This promo entails 12 all-access no time limit pass and a personal trainer. This should prevent you from getting intimidated and/or look like stupid when using an equipment for the first time. For truly worthwhile visits to the gym, ask the beautiful gal at the info desk for Mike Doloy if he's available. Yep, this guy ►►►►
• Wear proper gym attire: rubber shoes, comfortable clothes (preferably dry-fit if you have 'em or jerseys, jogging pants, etc.)
• Bring two face towels -one for wiping your face and one for wiping your sweat from the equipment.
• Bring bath towel and a change of clothes (that's if you want to take a bath there after the workout).
• It will be painful. But if you want to achieve a rocking body, you have to work for it. No pain no gain! And don't forget your diet.

More Picz:

photo credit: Mike Doloy

Photo Credit: http://thefitpinoy.com/shape-boxing-gym/

Photo Credit: http://thefitpinoy.com/shape-boxing-gym/

Disclaimer: Not an affiliate of SUB, just a satisfied customer here. Thus, rest-assured there's no BS and ads in this blog. All my statements were based from personal experience.