JM de Guzman is back, fitter than ever
JM has been very open and honest about his journey recovering from substance abuse. JM prioritizes his health more than ever — hitting the gym regularly and following a sensible diet.
Health and self-care are so easy to take for granted. It is challenging to put well-being high in your list of priorities, especially when balancing it with a busy career. This was the case for JM De Guzman, the talented young actor whose acclaimed projects include the leading role in Angelito: Batang Ama and its sequel back in 2011-2012 and the hit rom-com That Thing Called Tadhana in 2014.
His acting career took an unexpected break when he experienced anxiety and depression due in part to drugs and had to check into rehab. JM has been very open and honest about his journey recovering from substance abuse. In an interview with Rated K, he shared how he felt when he mentally, emotionally, and physically hit rock bottom.
He took a break from showbiz and with the help of rehabilitation programs and support from his family, he has been able to bounce back. JM just celebrated two years of sobriety last December 2017. After a two-year hiatus, he is back with Star Magic and set to star in upcoming TV series Precious Hearts Romances Presents Araw Gabi alongside Barbie Imperial.
Today, JM prioritizes his health more than ever — hitting the gym regularly and following a sensible diet. Working out serves as a stress reliever for JM and his dedication is truly inspiring. The future is looking bright for JM and we’re all rooting for him. We sat down with his personal trainer Abraham “Abe” Quarte to get the details of his training regimen.
Philippine STAR: How long has JM been training?
Abe quarte: JM started working out regularly at the end of February. He really had to begin serious training because of his upcoming projects. He had to get into condition and get shredded for Araw Gabi because it’s somewhat a sexy drama. JM’s current fitness goals are weight loss, stress relief, and muscle toning.
How often does JM work out?
JM works out three times per week. He has a very busy schedule nowadays. Aside from his regular taping, he has ASAP every Sunday so he can really just squeeze in three times a week at the gym.
What are the main guidelines you adhere to for his health regimen?
Basically, he does functional training. JM has to lose a little weight because we’re trying to avoid making him look big on TV. We are avoiding bulking up and staying away from exercises that would cause a lot of muscular growth or hypertrophy.
Is there any special routine that he does? What is his physical objective?
There’s no special routine that he does. When it comes to JM’s workout, it really depends on his mood for the day. His limited time at the gym is a stress reliever for him as well as a means for him to achieve his goals. JM needs to achieve weight loss and muscle toning as soon as possible because taping for his projects is in full swing. Due to this constant taping and busy schedule, he also can’t have a set, repetitive routine because we can’t predict his condition for the day. There are days that he comes in where he slept late due to taping. That decreases the options for workouts that he can safely and efficiently perform. We never do the same routine.
How does JM keep his workout regimen going despite his busy schedule?
It’s really just sheer will. JM’s really motivated because there are really so many things that he has to improve to get back in shape after the challenges he has gone through.
What part of the body does he work out the most?
His favorite workout is hanging leg raises. FreeMotion core exercises really challenge JM, so we highly utilize that as well.
What kind of diet goes along with his workout routine?
Diet is another challenge for JM because he spends a lot of time at different locations to shoot and can’t always prepare his packed food. He follows a regular diet, with calorie intake according to his height and weight. He eats high protein, with less salt, less oil, and less sweets. I also advise him to avoid fad diets.
What is the ultimate advice you have given him as his trainer?
Discipline, especially with regard to his eating habits and focus in achieving his goals.
What is the biggest challenge in training JM?
The biggest challenge is time and schedule, because of the kind of job that he has. Most of the time, he is somewhere far from the gym, but I really commend his dedication to his fitness and health.
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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.
