Sparks flew last Saturday March 23rd as men and women from different walks of life competed to see who could squat the most in “Squats for a Cause”, a Women’s Month charity event hosted by Kinetix Lab. It was held inside Kinetix Lab One Ayala, the gym’s newest branch, with Spark Philippines as the beneficiary. 

The funds generated from the event will be donated to Spark Philippines, a non-government organization dedicated to fostering the growth of women and women’s groups through active involvement in programs and mentorship opportunities. The NGO’s objective is to also advance gender and development by involving government, private, and civil society in acknowledging and tackling gender-related concerns. 

The competitors consisted of both men and women, the latter being required to squat 50% of their body weight for as many reps as they can. Male participants, however, had to squat 100% of their body weight. The competitors with the most number of reps per category would become winners. There’s also a Best Lifter award, given to the competitors with the highest tonnage per category.

Competitor KC Leyco during their turn on the squat rack

Although simple enough, the challenge proved to be quite difficult considering there were a lot of competitors who signed up, with each one bringing their A game that day. It also helped that the competition was for a good cause.

Competitor Jaime Cabigas squatting 70kg

Among the female contestants, Sheila Sajorda emerged as the best lifter with a total tonnage of 2100kg, showcasing exceptional strength and determination. Her performance inspired many, proving that women can excel in strength-based competitions and defy stereotypes in the fitness world. Sheila’s victory was a testament to her hard work and dedication to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

On the male side, Mark Espino stole the show with his impressive display of strength and endurance with a total tonnage of 4440kg. Mark’s ability to handle 100% of his body weight in squats highlighted his commitment to fitness and his willingness to push himself beyond conventional limits. His victory not only earned him recognition but also served as motivation for others to strive for their fitness goals relentlessly.

Event sponsors: BTIC, Groove Activewear, and Crew Cafe

The success of Squats for a Cause wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of sponsors like Wheyl, Groove Activewear, BTIC, and Crew Cafe. Their contributions helped make the event a resounding success and enabled Kinetix Lab to raise funds for charitable organizations dedicated to health, wellness, and community development.

Winners (Women’s Category)

3rd place – Nisha Ansoc, lifted 30kg for 57 reps

2nd place – Shiela Sajorda, lifted 37.5kg for 56 reps 

1st place – Mina Tomas, lifted 25kg for 67 reps 

Best Lifter: Shiela Sajorda, total tonnage of 2100kg lifted

Winners (Men’s Category) 

3rd place – Jaime Cabigas, lifted 70kg for 37 reps 

2nd place – Mark Espino, lifted 120kg for 37 reps 

1st place – Justin Asinas, lifted 72.5 for 38 reps 

Best lifter: Mark Espino, total tonnage of 4440kg lifted

The synergy between Kinetix Lab and its sponsors, combined with the dedication of participants, showcased the power of fitness to bring people together for a meaningful cause. Squats for a Cause not only promoted physical well-being but also fostered a sense of community and philanthropy, making it a truly impactful event in the fitness and charity realms. As Kinetix Lab continues to innovate and inspire, we can expect more initiatives that blend fitness, philanthropy, and community engagement for a better, healthier world.