Super Boy Joaquin Valdes: ‘I wanted to look like a super hero’
Would you believe that this Superman-like physique of Joaquin Valdes was once covered by fat?
It’s hard not to like Joaquin Valdes, what with his megawatt smile and boy-next-door charm. Add a six-pack and chiseled muscles and he’s sure to make any girl swoon.
You would never believe that his Superman-like physique was once covered by fat. The self-proclaimed late bloomer fell in love with fitness late, but all in perfect time as he recently won his first-ever competition BodyCon 2016. Joaquin bested 38 other aspirants, earning the title Mr. Gold’s Gym Philippines and taking home prizes in cash and kind, including an all-expense-paid trip to the USA for the Gold’s Gym International Convention
As if that wasn’t enough, the guy is uber talented. He can sing, act, and direct, which he continues today as both his passion and profession.
Joaquin is a film director for a production house called Yellow Brick Road, working on commercials, digital content, and films as well as live events, concerts, and stage performances. He’s no stranger to the stage either. Joaquin has appeared in theater productions and will be playing the sexy boy toy Spike in Repertory Philippines’ staging of Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, written by Christopher Durang and directed by Bart Guingona. The show will start in January 2017. He also manages a blog called “Berto in Brogues: A Guide for the Modern Filipino Gentleman.”
We prodded Joaquin to share his inspiring fitness journey.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: When did you start going to the gym and why?
JOAQUIN VALDES: I distinctly remember doing a five-trial session at a gym near my house when I was in 3rd year high school. I loved comic books and superheroes, and as I was growing up, I had wanted to look like them because it was never expected of me to do so. I was not the athlete, and would never get picked first in choosing teams. So I thought lifting weights was the solution.
I had no idea of what I was doing, suffice to say that my trial period eventually expired. I was always insecure about my body and honestly quite jealous of those who were active in sports. This came because all my attempts at playing sports as a child resulted in me being teased, mocked, and belittled.
What major lifestyle changes did you make to get to where you are right now? How long did it take for you to get to this stage?
I bloomed late. My being an athlete came when I got to college. It was a fresh start. I had a chance to reinvent myself, meet new people who had no preconceived notions of who I was and no expectations. I also had a new sense of independence. So, I tried everything and anything. I lifted weights, joined the rowing team, did Ultimate Frisbee, among other outdoor stuff. I liked non-traditional sports and focused on the outdoors, nature-driven sports because it allowed for a sense of camaraderie and community. I liked being part of a team.
The main change was my diet. When I started to understand how my body reacts to training, supplements, rest, and food, I had a better grasp of how far I could take it. I had an understanding of my threshold, my limits, and my barriers.
You mentioned that you were overweight, what prompted you to do something about it?
Being overweight, especially in the industry I’m in, is as hard on the mind as it is on your body. It weighs you down emotionally and mentally, too. My insecurities would often lead me to signs of depression. While it is hard to believe since I’m usually the extrovert, my self-worth and body image were oftentimes beaten down. My wife can attest to this and only she knows how serious it gets.
I decided I wanted to stop feeling sorry for myself and to stop being a self-doubting ball of low morale. I wanted to be a source of comfort, joy, and encouragement to people around me and to be genuinely helpful and encouraging. I wanted to live long feeling good and looking good. I wanted my future kids to look up to their dad and know that superheroes do exist in real life.
How important is the support of family and friends in your transformation?
Support of family is probably the single most important ingredient in one’s transformation. Words are extremely powerful, especially to kids and teens. They can set things in motion and they can tear dreams apart. I’m so thankful I have my wife who is always so patient and supportive even at times I am most difficult. I think the benefits are more mental, emotional, and spiritual than they are physical.
What’s your diet like?
It’s never a one-size-fits-all formula. I’ve learned that I don’t react to milk and dairy too well, although I still eat a lot of egg whites. I like knowing the sources of my food, knowing how it’s cooked, and being conservative in adding on extras for flavor. I like the natural flavors of proteins, fat, and carbs. I just watch the amount of my intake and make sure it’s commensurate to the training I’m doing. I know how my body reacts to sodium or sugar, etc. Knowledge is really the bigger battle. Carbs aren’t the enemy. They’re a friend. So, it’s about knowing how to use them and when.
I promised my wife that I didn’t want my process in preparing for a competition or maintaining my fitness to take away from the joy of our loving and living with each other. The whole purpose of it is to feel great and live life. So I don’t subscribe to being a fitness hermit like a musclebound Scrooge that is just moody and negative. I’ll have a cheat bite here and there, enjoy the few seconds of delicious flavor and be happy that I can share a moment with people I love. But then the sights always have to be set on the future, and the steps you’re willing to take to get there.
How often do you work out? Can you share your workout routine?
I sleep as long as I can. I’m usually up at around 5:30 or 6 a.m., then train at 7 a.m. After, I go to work and by this time, my mind is awake and alive. I set meetings, finish my tasks, and if I can afford it, go back for a second session in the afternoon or early evening. This is usually a cardio session or another auxiliary weights session.
Do you engage in sports? How often?
Since I focused on aesthetic training and bodybuilding, I haven’t had the time to do sports. I would like to go play Ultimate Frisbee again one day, or even get dirty again with rugby. But right now, time isn’t on my side. But as much as possible I play as often as I can.
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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.
