Oakwood Premier launches its Fitness Center.

Every end of the year, as New Year’s Eve approaches, I begin drafting my list of resolutions. It sounds a bit obsessive-complusive (OC) and fussy, but I want them to be ready by the very start of the year so I get the feeling that I’m all ready to start fresh.  This year I decided to go one step further and not just have them ready by the beginning of the year, but actually get started on them in earnest on the very first day of 2010.

As can be expected with someone in my line of work, most of my resolutions had to do with more cardiovascular and resistance exercise, more nutritious meals with less fat and sugar, and some 'me' time that didn’t get in the way of family time.  Nothing very complicated, but somewhat difficult to get started on at home, smack in the middle of wonderful leftovers from New Year celebrations and children who didn’t have school and wanted my undivided attention.  I thought long and hard about how to achieve what I needed and came up with a brilliant solution.  On New Year’s Eve, after the usual festivities, I started packing and on New Year’s Day, my entire family and I checked into Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg in Ortigas.

Something that I noticed about a lot of women like myself is that even if we have a bit of free time, we’re not likely to use it to enjoy ourselves or to get stuff done for our own benefit – instead, we finish up family projects, check around the house to see what needs to be done or bought or fixed, etc., catch up on email or cards to family and friends, get a headstart on work so that it will be ready in time for clients – I’m sure many of you know exactly what I mean. I had to physically tear myself away from the distractions of home and get somewhere where I could focus on me and the direction I wanted my year to go.  Once I felt that I was on the right track, I could safely incorporate the new attitude into my regular lifestyle.

I chose Oakwood Premier because, for the launch of the Fitness Center by Oakwood, I had taught several weeks of Yoga Moves sessions in their studio and I loved how the beautifully appointed cardio and weight training gym overlooked the indoor pool and hot tub and a gorgeous view of the city.  I figured that I would be able to work out and watch the kids at the pool and not feel guilty that I was abandoning them. Also I had checked out their menu at the Oakroom and noticed a lot of nutritious options that weren’t boring – my all-time bane when it comes to healthy eating!

At first I felt guilty to be so self-involved but as soon as we checked in, I knew I had made the right decision.  Plush and gorgeous as everything is, you can tell that it’s meant for family comfort and a warm and cozy atmosphere, not at all dry and foreboding so the children loved it and were immediately running around exploring everything and chatting with the helpful and friendly staff.

More on my spa getaway next issue…

FITNESS BULLETIN. We are holding Seniors Yoga classes on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Somerset Olympia Bldg on Makati Avenue, specially geared for ages 55 and up, even with no prior yoga training.  Learn safe and beneficial poses for strength, flexibility and stability without overexerting.  For inquiries, send a message to 09179613765.