How Chelsea Manalo got fit for Miss Universe
To gear up for the Miss Universe pageant, the Philippines’ bet Chelsea Manalo embarked on a personalized fitness plan, which she knows is crucial for pageant success. By targeting specific areas such as posture and muscle tone, she aimed to enhance her stage presence and stand out from the crowd.
At Surge Fitness + Lifestyle gym in Glorietta 3, Manalo utilized a 3D Body Scanner to obtain precise measurements of her lean muscle, body fat, weight and posture. The analysis revealed a weak upper back and core, resulting from a “tech posture.”
Despite being a newcomer to the gym, Manalo’s fears were eased by coach Karlo Marcelo’s motivations. The program focused on optimizing upper body muscle definition and adding curves to her derriere through such exercises as squats, hip thrusts, walking lunges and kettlebell swings. She was also introduced to dance fitness and spinning classes.
Movement specialist Nhesalene Guiyab conducted postural and muscle tests, confirming misalignment in Manalo’s shoulder muscles and a forward head posture. To correct these imbalances, Manalo performed lat pulldowns, dumbbell rows and cable pullovers. Guiyab also employed blade massage using a movement mobility tool.
After just two sessions, Guiyab noted significant improvements in Manalo’s posture and alignment, as well as increased agility from her training with Marcelo.
With dedicated training and personalized guidance, Manalo said she is well-prepared to compete at the Miss Universe pageant.
Confidence builder
“Working out relieves stress and builds confidence. As your body transforms, you’ll feel empowered to take the stage,” said Manalo in Filipino.
During her frequent visits to the Empire Philippines Holdings, office of the Miss Universe Philippines at Estancia Mall, Manalo would squeeze in intense workouts at the nearby Surge Gym under the watchful eye of coach JD Andaya.
After each intense session, Manalo would refuel with a nutritious fruit shake and a bowl of moringa pasta from the gym’s in-house café.
Surge Fitness + Lifestyle stands out as a homegrown gym chain that caters to the unique preferences of Filipino fitness enthusiasts. Gandelbert de Chavez, manager of the flagship Glorietta branch, emphasizes the gym’s focus on creating a convivial atmosphere.
Unlike traditional gyms that follow a formula of exercise equipment and prechoreographed group classes, Surge branches offer a diverse range of amenities and experiences. The Glorietta branch, for instance, features a coworking space where members can work remotely or hold small meetings. This innovative approach allows members to combine fitness with productivity and social interaction.
Unique approach
De Chavez explained, “For our members, it’s not just about lifting weights. They value socialization and a relaxing atmosphere. That’s the key difference between Surge and other gyms.”
This unique approach has attracted fitness enthusiasts such as Manalo, who are drawn to the personalized training programs and welcoming ambiance.
Surge continues to push the boundaries of fitness by offering a diverse range of amenities beyond traditional gym equipment. The Estancia branch boasts bowling lanes, while Eastwood features a basketball court and a golf simulator. The Holy Spirit Drive location takes it a step further with the Surge Combat System. For families, kid’s gyms are available at Glorietta and Festival Mall.
To enhance the group exercise experience, Surge offers immersive and interactive GX classes at Jupiter Street, Bel-Air and Westgate Mall. And for those seeking relaxation and socialization, the spacious Tasty Habit Café, inspired by American diners, can be found at Ayala Fairview Terraces.
Technology plays a significant role in the Surge experience. There is facial recognition access and a robot to clean the space.
The Heart Rate Monitor measures and displays the person’s heart rate, level of activity and intensity. Users receive regular reports via email. Surge is unique with its 3D body scanner, which syncs results to your phone to monitor progress.
The Cardio Cage is a fast-paced, interactive fitness game. Players react to auditory cues, locate the corresponding illuminated target and strike it. This dynamic gameplay requires quick reflexes, spatial awareness, and full-body movement. By tracking reaction times and successful strikes, players can monitor their progress and enhance their cognitive and physical performance.
Some branches offer Fitin20 EMS (Electronic Muscular Stimulation), a cutting-edge technology that utilizes low and mid-frequency electric currents to stimulate muscles, delivering an intense workout in a fraction of the time. Sessions are guided by a coach.
