For years, people have been on a long quest to get proper mental health and physical wellness. While many already achieved their goals, others find it challenging to focus due to their busy schedules and work hustles. Another reason hindering them from attaining that is their fear of judgment. Many can agree that stepping into a gym or a fitness class can be pretty intimidating. But that is not the case at this studio in Makati City.
Led by general manager Jan Lynn and her partners, Open Mat Studio provides a safe space for anyone who wants to dip their toes into martial arts and yoga. Its founders understand how hard it is to start a fitness journey, that’s why they created a place where people can freely explore without restrictions.
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“The name itself represents our brand ethos,” Jan tells Style Weekend. “It’s a safe space where you can be a part of a wellness community that welcomes you with no judgment or restrictions—where you can be your authentic self while practicing something that will make you become the best version of yourself.”
Open Mat Studio boasts a warm and inviting space with interiors featuring elements from traditional Japanese houses. Its clean and textured walls provide the perfect backdrop to its wooden furniture. The Japanese aesthetic is also echoed in its bathrooms inspired by onsen baths. It also has a cozy nook where attendees can spend their time with each other.
“Even our mats are called Tatami mats similar to the floor of a Japanese house,” Jan muses. “We have a minimalist couch area where you can chill before or after class and it’s also where we serve tea after each practice.”
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People can join their yoga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) classes, which come in beginners, open-level, and advanced categories. Its power yoga and 90-minute yogilates classes are perfect for participants who want something intense. Its Jiu-Jitsu 101 is suited for those starting to get into the practice. As for the classes' fee, people can enjoy Unlimited Yoga for 30 days for P6,500 and P6,000 for 10 sessions good for 40 days. The Unlimited BJJ for 30 days is priced at P4,000 while P3,800 for a 10-class pack good for 35 days. Apart from the adult sessions, Open Mat Studio also has classes for kids aged three to five and six and up. The jiu-jitsu classes are led by Jan as well as the studio's head coach Professor Barry Brillantes.
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This September, the studio invites everyone to a 10-week Basic Adults Gymnastics workshop every Sunday. It will be led by one of its yoga instructors, Ina Fernandez, who also used to be a national-level competitive gymnast and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) cheerleader.
“The great thing about enrolling at Open Mat is that it’s okay to have zero experience,” Jan says. “We have classes specifically made for beginners like Gentle Flow Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Jiu-Jitsu 101. In fact, people don’t even have to bring their own yoga mat or jiu-jitsu gi to start. They can rent one in the studio until you feel comfortable enough to invest in their own equipment. All beginners need to bring is an open mind and enthusiasm to learn!”
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General wellness is at the core of Open Mat Studio. Recently, it has expanded its services through its Wellness Room, which features a cold plunge (down to 3°C) and sauna (up to 65°C). "There is a multitude of scientific research that backs up the benefits of cold and heat shock therapy," Jan adds. "Both are amazing for firing up the metabolism, stopping inflammation, and speeding up recovery.”
One of the best parts about Open Mat Studio is its location. With it being a three-minute walk away from Salcedo Park, people can have the ultimate #StyleWeekend experience in the area. To make the weekend well-spent, Jan’s tip is to take the studio’s 10 to 11:15 a.m. yoga class then head to the Salcedo Market for a nice lunch in the park.
“There are many cafés and restaurants around the studio,” Jan says. “The Salcedo community is such a joy to be a part of so we highly recommend going for a nice stroll in the village.”
Open Mat is located at Unit 2B, Country Space I, Salcedo Village, 133 HV Dela Costa, Makati City. To know more about its space and classes, visit openmatmakati.com and @openmatmakati on Instagram.
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