Crossroads

But what is the wise choice when well-being comes into crossroads with the pursuit for success? The prioritization of one aspect is not worth the sacrifice on the other. Paano uusad sa trabaho o sa pag-aaral nang walang kasamang pagpupuyat, pagpapagód, or being up and about during the hours that are normally for rest? How will a dish be developed to perfection when energies are exhausted spending time instead with beloveds?

At Global Academy we believe that when it comes to career and well-being, choices need not be made. Both life aspects should be lived simultaneously.

Take it from Benny and Anna Ledesma, major stakeholders of Global Academy and Central Ground Crossfit.

They started doing Crossfit on the 6th year of Global Academy. Today, both institutions have a collective credit of being the first culinary school with world-recognition and being a conduit to individual success. “Crossfit was perceived as hardcore and underground with a cult following”, Benny quips, “It was nowhere near mainstream as it is today. “. Anna adds, “When we started Crossfit we didn’t come across any chef or chef-aspirant in this fitness regimen. Over the years however, it has gained acceptance and practice over this group of professionals and students who come face to face with the need to be fit everyday.”.

We interviewed some chefs and culinary students who came to know and love Crossfit. Look how their everydays are beautifully balanced between personal time, career, and workouts. These culinarians have an average of 5 to 17 hour work/school weeks and 4 hours per week of Crossfit.

WHY CROSSFIT?

Albert Trinidad Chef, Okada Manila: It's a full-body workout in just an hour. Plus, it’s fun and encouraging to work out with friends and to be cheered on when it gets tough.

Julie Panganiban Global Academy alumna: The workouts are always different and challenging and the community is family.

Oliver Philip Gubaton Culinary School Alumnus: I’ve tried rugby, Taekwondo, tennis, swimming, and going to the gym, and Crossfit has become my best choice. It’s fun, quick, and provides practically all the routines I need to stay fit - olympic weightlifting, cardio, gymnastics, and functional strength.

James Torres Chef/Owner Melt Grilled Cheesery: It is the most well-rounded training that I know of - not just a workout but a lifestyle of fitness. It allowed me to realize my weaknesses and be motivated to do better in everything I do.

Gregory Guy Chef: I started Crossfit for aesthetic reasons and stayed on for the added value of fitness and friendships.

WHICH BOX DO YOU GO TO?

Gregory Guy: I used to go to Boxes closest to my residence, but I now go to Central Ground because of the coaching.

Oliver Philip Gubaton: I go to Merge Crossfit* in Laguna Central, Sta. Rosa Laguna (09178421235 merge.crossfit.inc.@gmail.com). It is close to where I live, the fees are reasonable, and it has a big space.

Julie Panganiban: Central Ground. I initially did Crossfit upon my boyfriend’s influence. Now I’m hooked because of how it constantly improves my quality of life.

Albert Trinidad: Habitat Crossfit in Molito, Alabang (0917 122 0217 habitatcrossfit@gmail.com). Accessible, and encouraging atmosphere/community.

James Torres: Central Ground for its programming and coaching, community, and convenient location.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES CROSSFIT GIVE YOU?

Oliver Philip Gubaton: For me the biggest benefit of doing Crossfit is that it helped me stay fit and healthy. It has also helped me to be aware of what I eat and to keep up with my work especially that being a chef requires a lot of stamina and strength. Since Crossfit, I have felt good about myself, feeling I am a better version of myself everyday.

Julie Panganiban: As a petite woman with zero athleticism, Crossfit makes me feel much stronger and motivated everyday. It has also made me realize how much easy it is to overcome difficulties when you really put your heart and mind into it.

Gregory Guy: Crossfit’s begged benefits are health-related. It has also helped in socials and gaining new friends.

Albert Trinidad: Being active and staying active is part of a chef’s life. Cooking all day means tasting food all day as well, so for me to keep doing what I do, I have to burn calories off after work. Crossfit helps me achieve these.

James Torres: Crossfit conditions and gears me up for things I thought I could never do or achieve. Most importantly, it enhances fitness and builds friendships.

DO YOU THINK CROSSFIT IS TAILOR-FIT TO CHEFS AND CULINARY STUDENTS?

Albert Trinidad: It is perfect for those with tight schedules yet want a quick, full-body workout.

James Torres: Relative to other everyday work grinds, the kitchen doesn’t require rigorous bodily movements. However, its demands are mentally and physically draining, and Crossfit helps owing to its functional fitness program. Crossfit helps improve overall health and even mood/disposition at work.

Julie Panganiban: I believe so. It would be great for chefs to inspire foodies by being living testimonies of the love of food while staying healthy. Although it is beneficial to different professions, Crossfit develops endurance especially while working in kitchens for long hours and during high volumes of orders where things get pretty stressful and draining.

Gregory Guy: I think Crossfit is a program that can be tailor-fit to anyone who wants to get healthy. There’s a scale for every movement so anyone can benefit from it. However, this benefit, plus the advantage of being able to concoct food that hits daily macronutrient requirements, makes Crossfit perfect for chefs.

Oliver Philip Gubaton: Crossfit requires only one hour of one’s time so with the schedules that chefs and culinary students have to keep, I believe it is tailor- fit for this set. Also, Crossfit is for anyone who wants to be fit and healthy while having fun. You heard it from the culinarians – career success and a healthy being do mix! So gear up and get on it!

See you at the Box!

Let us help get you started on your culinary and baking careers plus a healthy lifestyle!

Up to Php50,000 discount on all Global Culinary and Hospitality Academy courses An additional Php10,000 discount on our professional courses when you present your proof of membership in a box upon enrollment

Choose Central Ground Crossfit and get free trials and 2 class starters, a Php1,000 discount for all chefs or culinary aspirants, and up to 8% discount for regular memberships! Central Ground Crossfit Unit 13-15 One Parkade Ave. cor 28th St., 7th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila +639 458 531 861 Email: hello@centralgroundcf.com

*Merge Crossfit Student Promo: P2,000/month for 3 months. Trial Pass P900 for 3 sessions within ten 10 days.