Filipino folk dance Tinikling is about to jump into your workout routine. Thanks to this new innovative exercise tool, what was once just a performance at school stages and cultural celebrations is now a dynamic and effective way to get fit.
tiniXercise is a device that “simulates the rhythmic movement of bamboo poles, just like in traditional tinikling, but reimagined as a modern, safe, and accessible way to get active—anytime, anywhere.”
Its inspiration struck a few months ago when Demeven Quirino, a US-based Filipina who founded the active lifestyle brand Pinoy Rising, attended a Philippine Cultural Night at her daughter’s high school.
While enjoying the tinikling performance, the founder attempted some of the moves at home.
“After a few lateral hop steps, I felt like I was working out as I was catching my breath,” she recalled.
That moment became the “aha!” moment for Quirino, who said, “tiniXercise was born that night because I came up with a way to make it a practical exercise at home or outdoors and I also thought it would be a great way to get the Filipino community active while highlighting our culture.”
The vision for tiniXercise extends far beyond a niche market. Quirino’s research unearthed a 2019 study by the International Journal of Exercise Science, which confirmed that Tinikling offers substantial health benefits as an exercise.
“Specifically, we found that the mean metabolic intensity of tinikling dance (6.9 METs) easily exceeded both the 3.0 and 6.0 intensity threshold commonly used to define moderate (3.0 to 5.9 METs) and vigorous (6.0+ METs) intensity activities,” the study read.
While the traditional folk dance requires the use of bamboo, tiniXercise uses an automated stick movement that perfectly replicates the classic timing.
Highly portable and easy to use, the device is perfect for various settings. Its adjustable rhythms cater to all fitness levels, from traditional paces to a challenging “beast mode,” ensuring an effective workout for everyone.
Prototypes have been showcased at major events like the LA County’s UbeFest and the Long Beach Filipino Festival, and have garnered positive reactions from Pinoys and foreigners.
“The reaction ranges from being in awe, surprised, [and] curious, to finally having fun when trying it or just watching some people try it. I was surprised about some non-Filipinos actually recognizing and even explaining what the device was to their Filipino companions. The interest was definitely there,” she said.
tiniXercise is still in its crucial development phase. “We just completed an improved version of our first prototype. But more product research and development is still needed,” the founder explained.
To bring tiniXercise to fruition, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched to raise $35,000. With support, the brand is set to finalize prototype testing and safety certification, paving the way for its first production run. At the same time, the team plans to launch a comprehensive online exercise program, along with classes and live events.
Quirino is hopeful for strong support from the Filipino community, with a goal of fulfilling actual products to campaign backers by the end of the year if funding is secured.
“We know that as a workout, there are legitimate health benefits that our community can enjoy while highlighting our culture,” Quirino states. “Eventually, I envision tiniXercise growing from within our community and getting accepted worldwide as a mainstream workout.”
