In this day and age, a fast-paced and hectic lifestyle has become the norm. So when Dusit Thani Manila offered to let us try their luxury spa and gym services, we immediately said yes because #SelfCare2018!
Find out what happened when we—Lou, Ira, and Tisha—tried one circuit training sesh and followed it up with a two-hour relaxing Thai massage:
DFit Fitness Center (Circuit Training)
The DFit Fitness Center is located on the 2nd floor of Dusit Thani Manila. Its gym equipment ranges from treadmills, to stationary bikes, and weights. There's also a small studio across the reception area where they conduct hip-hop classes and suspension training workouts. Read on to see how our afternoon circuit training session was like with our trainer, Dom!
Lou: The first time I ever heard about circuit training was back in college. It was known for being one of those PE classes that students take when they really want to lose weight. I honestly felt pumped to experience a new kind of workout. (Little did I know that this energy level would go down quickly, aka just 15 minutes into the session, LOL). For starters, the warm-up on the treadmill wasn't that bad; it was the TRX Suspension workout that was a bit challenging. I held onto straps that were attached to a metal bar that was mounted on the ceiling. Each push and pull really tested my muscle strength and core, but I'm glad I survived!
Ira: I've done circuit workouts before, but I have never tried a TRX suspension workout. TRX is focused on bodyweight exercises, so you'll really have to push (or pull) yourself to feel the burn. I hated every second I was suspended, but I loved how I felt right after. It was like I did something good for my body. Before, I was always intimidated by TRX cables, but Dom's coaching session convinced me that I should do it often.
After the intense sweat sesh, Dom helped us cool down by stretching our tired muscles, and whoa, it really felt good. My body wasn't awfully sore the next day.
Tisha: I've never tried circuit training before, so I was a little nervous because I heard people say it's ~*intense*~. Good thing Dom gave us the "beginner-friendly" version; I didn't die! I experienced a lot of firsts during the one-hour session like: exercising with straps attached to a metal pole, doing a warm-up that instantly made me want to sleep, and planking for 30 seconds! I'm particularly proud of the last one because planking is one of my BIGGEST workout enemies. I've never been able to hold it for more than five seconds. However, the reason I was probably able to hold it for that long is because I've been doing Barre3 recently and that has planking involved, too. Still, I'm proud of myself! *pats self on the shoulder*
DFit Fitness Centre 2018 Membership Options and Rates
- Annual - P42,000
- Semi-Annual - P25,000
- Quarterly - P20,000
- Dusit Lifestyle - P29,400
- Day Pass - P800
- 5-Day Pass - P2,500
- 3-Day Pass - P1,500
- Pool Fee (Adults) - P500
- Pool Fee (Kids) - P300
Devarana Spa
The Devarana Spa was the perfect place to be after a workout session. We got a very warm welcome from their staff, who gladly talked about the different treatments in store for us. We learned that the massage therapists trained in Thailand, and that the products used for the treatments were imported from there, too.
Lou (The Harmony of Tad Si)
Price: P3,900 net
Fun fact! In the Thai language, Tad means "body element" and Si means "four." Based on the Buddhist teaching that the human body is composed of four elements, this therapy focuses on the balancing of earth, water, wind, and fire.
The treatment starts off with a warm herbal compress that's dipped into aromatic jasmine oil. This was very soothing, especially after a tiring circuit training session! I felt the strain in my arms and legs after the suspension workout, so it was great that the herbal compress got to relieve all that tension.
TBH, the best part was the Thai massage right after. I fell asleep immediately because it was just so calming. I was so relaxed that my massage therapist had to wake me up when it was time to do stretching techniques. And even if my therapist didn't use any kind of oil (unlike the Athlete Reviver Devarana Tamrab and the Monsoon Magic Moment Package that did), the massage portion of the treatment did not disappoint! 10/10 would recommend.
Ira (Athlete Reviver Devarana Tamrab)
Price: P6,000 net
Lately, I've been stressed, so I was looking forward to the treatment. I felt like a queen the moment I entered the suite. It was spacious, and I loved that the attendant adjusted the temperature and music volume to suit my liking.
The 90-minute massage unraveled the muscle knots on my shoulders, so my body felt recharged after all the kneading. The massage oil that was used also helped calm my nerves and senses. The scalp massage was also tops! It was like my mind and soul were in heaven during the whole pampering session.
Before the attendant prepared my tea bath, she applied aloe vera gel mask on my face. It was cooling and hydrating. I was excited to see my complexion's ~*glow*~ after removing the facial mask, LOL!
As for the herb and tea bath, it was warm, and it soothed my body. I listened to a guided meditation to clear my headspace. After 30 minutes of peaceful bliss, I was recharged. It was like I was a new person!
Tisha (Monsoon Magic Moment Package)
Price: P5,200 net
The Monsoon Magic Moment Package is actually a combination of two types of treatments: Back to Basic package and Treats for Tired Legs package. The former starts with polishing the back with a soothing lavender back scrub and ends with the unique Devarana back massage. The latter makes use of Swedish massage techniques to re-energize and relax your feet. When done together, it's the best after-workout treatment!
The lavender scrub smelled so good, the skill of my massage therapist (Hi, Kris!) was just right, and the hot towels were so relaxing! TBH, I fell asleep for the first hour.
As someone who rarely gets massages—this was only my second time—I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to my friends, mom, and titas.
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