I recently got invited to the launch of Gold’s Gym x Metcon’s new training hub at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City.

A lot of us who have been into fitness for at least a few years would be familiar with Gold’s Gym which, at one point, was the top fitness chain in the Philippines.

With the onset of the pandemic, however, and the rise of newer, bigger fitness centers, it, along with other gyms, have slowly faded away.

Then came the rise of functional fitness and hybrid training.

Unlike traditional gyms with traditional equipment and exercise routines, functional fitness focuses on building a body that can perform real-life movements efficiently and safely. It emphasizes exercises that mimic everyday activities, improving strength, power, mobility, and balance, ultimately making daily tasks easier and safer.

Hybrid training, on the other hand, combines cardio focused exercises with strength training, emphasizing the importance of both and demolishing the age old belief that one is deterimental to the other.

Exhibit A of this emerging trend is the rise of Hyrox, which has basically exploded into the sporting world in the last couple of years. See previous columns containing my Hyrox explainer.

As someone who has taken interest in this new sport, I have found it challenging to find a gym that has the proper equipment and personal trainers with the proper hybrid skills that can help me improve in the sport.

I’m talking about sled equipment, skiergs, sandbags, etc., which one would not ordinarily find in your traditional “bakal” gym or even the toniest fitness centers in town.

Which is why I am glad there are now gyms like Awaken (in Metrowalk), F45 (several branches), Active Central, and now Gold’s Gym x Metcon.

The new 750-square meter facility located at the third floor of the Venice mall features all the specialized equipment and training zones specifically optimized for Hyrox preparation.

“Hyrox represents the future of functional fitness competition, and Gold’s Gym x Metcon is helping Manila be competitive in this growing trend,” Edmundo Luis R. Vega, owner of the gym, said.

As one enters the gym, one immediately sees the impressive 20-meter carpeted sled push/pull area, which is missing in many other fitness centers.

They have also wall ball areas that mimic the ones we find in actual Hyrox races, making it easier for athletes to do simulations. For the run part, they have both manual and electronic treadmills.

Their line up of personal trainers is likewise impressive, with many having participated already in international Hyrox races.

They also offer Boombox boxing club and Cobrinha Manila Brazilian Jiujitsu club.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they have a premium recovery suite featuring ice baths and saunas for optimal performance and recovery.

Gold’s Gym x Metcon has just made it easier to get started by offering a promotional founding membership rate of P8,500 a month.

So don’t just look for a babe in Hyrox (as the meme goes), you can very well be the Hyrox babe yourself. No more excuses.