Last issue I was discussing how it’s perfectly possible to find a way to use just a couple of days to get on track with any fitness or health resolutions you might have by creating your own spa getaway to give you the “now or never” kick in the butt you need.  I brought my entire family with me and we stayed at a two-bedroom apartment at Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg in Ortigas from January 1 to 3, the whole idea being to enjoy time with my family and still pay really close attention to working out, eating healthy, sleeping well, and getting rewarded for the hard work with some pampering!

Although I knew that the Oakwood restaurant and room service menu offered a lot of healthy possibilities, it was great to have an excellently appointed kitchen to be able to store, prepare, and serve our own stuff in between going down to the Oakroom. The huge fridge, vitroceramic stovetop, oven, and microwave all came into use for my family’s meals – since they had no intention of eating healthy!

We went to the aptly named Power Breakfast buffet at the Oakroom and although I had the buffet, it wasn’t difficult to be good because I asked the chef at the Pancake and Egg station for a three egg-white mushroom and onion omelet.  It was not in the least bit bland and I had a plate of mixed fruit after and felt very virtuous and yet completely satisfied!  The buffet offers many other healthy possibilities, and the next day I tried the poached salmon, which was perfect. Their French Executive Chef Jerome Cartailler utilizes fresh and natural ingredients to create their menu, which has many other healthy dishes including Vegetarian Lasagna, Veggie Burger, Poached Chicken Breast, and Steamed Fillet of Grouper.

The rest of my day was divided between the health club and enjoying hanging out in the suite.  I divided my workouts into two daily visits to the gym, dividing my time between the cardio equipment and the weight training section, both overlooking the indoor pool and hot tub.

Aside from enjoying the built-in cable TV on the treadmill (I use music for runs and movies for long slow distance walks), I also had a chat with their Fitness Center manager Sonny Orallo who is a two-time national bodybuilding champion and is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  Sonny’s vision is “optimum health, maximum life” and he has created a six-point program that includes muscular strength and endurance, enhanced cardiovascular efficiency, improved flexibility and body composition, better nutrition, and wellness awareness in general. 
His staff consists of physical therapists and nutritionists who are trained to give, create, and supervise programs for the gym members and residents.  Sonny says that membership to the fitness center is limited in order to maintain exclusivity which is its main advantage over commercial centers which become so crowded that members have to wait to use the equipment.  If you’re in need of a snack while you’re working out, there’s usually a handy bowl of fruit at the reception desk but don’t get carried away or you’ll just be putting back on what you worked so hard to take off.

After all the working out and eating properly, I made the most of my stay by having a relaxing massage followed by a dip in the Jacuzzi.