ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPH BRAVO
It’s about time you take charge of your health, explore your maximum fitness potential and push yourself to the limit.
Let the upcoming Supremo Obstacle Challenge help you as this one-of-a-kind gathering by Medicard Philippines Inc. will surely test your endurance, strength, agility and stamina through a series of exciting but challenging obstacle courses.
Inspired by the rise of multi-sport races in the Philippines, Medicard opens this gathering to both the fitness enthusiasts and beginners, who are looking to jumpstart their way to a healthier and fitter lifestyle.
Medicard, the first health maintenance organization founded and run by doctors, aptly names its first obstacle challenge “Supremo”, which refers to someone in charge of the organization, situation, or area of activity as it believes that “when it comes to health, we should take charge.” This newest activity formed part of the company’s drive to provide the most comprehensive and innovative health care programs and fitness activities that could help one achieve a healthier life.
Taking on the challenge
Those who plan to take on the Supremo Obstacle Challenge will just need to register via www.medicardlifestyle.com, fill up the application form, sign the waiver and pay the registration fee of P1,500. Each participant will get a Medicard Supremo Kit composed of a singlet shirt, a gym bag, and a head tie. The fee will include gift certificates for free workout sessions in accredited gyms and boxes in Metro Manila, as well as a workout plan.
Each participant will have to go through a two-week conditioning program courtesy of Medicard. Here, fitness experts will train, prepare and guide the participants in three batches. It will happen Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The first batch of participants will train from March 16 to 27 at Centris in Quezon City; the second batch on April 20 to May 1 in Filinvest, Alabang; and third batch on May 4 to 15 at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City.
The conditioning program, meant to prepare the participants for the grueling culminating activity by end May, will comprise of cardio exercises, running, crossfit movements using dumbbells, as well as short high-intensity exercises. These are meant to build well-rounded strength, increase overall athleticism, and improve one’s endurance.
Stellar roster of coaches
A stellar roster of fitness coaches will be on hand to lead the two-week conditioning program as they will need to assess the participants based on their performance during the workout and profile them as either a beginner or advanced. They will also develop the workouts.
Coach Jason Truman of the Affiliate Alliance, an organization seeking to promote CrossFit and overall fitness in the country, will lead the coaches.
With him are Andrea Arcega, the former head coach of Spartan Race Philippines; Mark Lamson, who started his CrossFit journey with Complete Fitness Ortigas in 2015 and is one of the country’s elite athletes; Cilyn Abella, corporate coach for employees at Asian Development Bank and was the Fittest 2019 Champion for the women’s elite division; Nolan Collado, who has a background in physical therapy and has competed in CrossFit and Weightlifting events; Raymond Manuel, who coaches at multiple CrossFit gyms in the south and has a background in calisthenics and gymnastics; and Vlad Salum, who competes in both CrossFit and Weightlifting.
At the end of the conditioning program, these coaches will select the top three female and male participants from the beginners and advanced categories or a total of 36 contenders, who will all qualify in the Medicard Supremo Obstacle Challenge culminating event.
The selection will be based on the scores of the participants for every workout session.
Ultimate event
On May 31, the 36 qualifiers will compete head on at the challenge at the Glorietta Activity Center, based on how fast they will finish the obstacle course. A total of 12 judges and marshalls will ensure proper movement standards are being met by participants; scores and reps are counted properly; and the right winners are recognized.
On the side, even the mallgoers or other Medicard members will get a chance to win some exciting prizes if they participate in the burpees and workout challenges on that day.
First place winners in the beginners and advanced categories, in the women’s and men’s division will each get P25,000 in cash and a medal, while those running second will get P15,000 each and a medal. Third place winners will get P10,000 each and a medal.
So if you’re looking to finally up your fitness regime and push your limits to the test, then the Medicard Supremo Obstacle Challenge is just right for you.