It’s never too late to get fit

It was now or never for fitspirations Romaness Cornelia, Dan Gadia and Gwynn Tianero. These three ultra-fit gym regulars are finalists for the fast- approaching Bodycon, the search for fitness ambassadors. 

While coming from different backgrounds, they are all late bloomers in the gym. Looking at them now, it’s really hard to believe they didn’t start in their 20s. Romaness, Dan and Gwynn are living testaments that it’s never too late to get fit. Here are their stories:

The Philippine STAR: What got you into fitness? 

Romaness Cornelia: I believe fitness is my ability to function at my optimum in several aspects of my life; a leader, a businesswoman, a performing artist, a daughter, a lover and a mentor every single day. 

When my sister was diagnosed with lupus, our family drastically changed our eating habits and bought a treadmill. We agreed that we will get better with her and she will not feel alone with this battle. She managed her way out without chemotherapy. I have embraced the habits and started going to the gym. I discovered that I enjoy the gym classes and that I want to learn to dance.

Dance has been my constant cardio activity. I pursued several different classes from jazz to Dance Hall to dancing in heels, until I met Kristel de Catalina (Pilipinas Got Talent’s Golden Buzzer champion for her aerial performance). She is my pole champion, as she tenaciously worked with me to learn pole techniques, to dance with pole and ultimately fall in love with pole.

When I fell from the pole and dislocated my left elbow, the doctors recommended that I have to go through therapy to recover and regain its strength back. Going to the gym to work out and recover was just the tip of the iceberg, it was looking for several ways to be healthier and stronger that stamped the consistency.

Dan Gadia: I’m a single father and seeing my son growing up was the reason I got into fitness. I had high- blood pressure since I was in college. I also have scoliosis and with my family history, I was bound to acquire diabetes sooner or later if I didn’t take care of myself. 

There was a time when at my heaviest of around 260 lbs., my blood pressure would shoot up to as high as 160/110. I didn’t really feel weak, which worried doctors because I may not feel it when something worse was coming. I listened to their advice and thought about my son and how I couldn’t bear thinking of him growing up without a dad because I neglected my own health. 

Gwynn Tianero: Like many who want to be in shape or sexy, I was a victim of thinking that the gym was the answer, but diet and sleep didn’t play a vital role in losing weight aside from the workout. I gave birth to three kids, all through C-section delivery. That was when losing weight without working out and proper diet became challenging. Sweets were my reward. 

Although I wasn’t so happy about my appearance, I was very happy with my kids. I weigh around 168 lbs. I was never worried about my weight. I just accepted it as package deal of being blessed with three wonderful children. 

I started to have palpitations, asthma attacks, joint pains, since I am overweight that time which lead me to entertain the idea of being back to shape and go to the gym. I discovered that we needed to be fit for quality living, longevity and prevention of disease and illnesses.  

Take it this way, it is a common knowledge that we need to exercise and diet for a healthy and fit lifestyle. But how many of us would really take the extra mile and do it. Risk outweighs the benefit. The cost of health care in the Philippines is high compared to spending on fitness.  Medications are expensive and the liver sometimes cannot cope with the side effects. 

How has fitness made an impact on your career or business?

Romaness: Fitness has tremendously shaped me in becoming a better person. No matter the setbacks I have been through, I walk around with a hopeful smile and with a grateful heart because life is so much more than our struggles. 

At this day and age, juggling different roles 24 hours a day can be exasperating, but when you spare time for yourself to nourish your body with food that it deserves, to prepare each and every muscle for the enormous tasks ahead, you affirm your mind with positive energy, every day is a walk in the park. 

I feel good every day, I can easily calm myself in very stressful conditions, I feel energized and I spend more time engaging rather than rushing.

Dan: I actually have more energy now compared to around three years ago when I started on my current role at work. You have to understand that change doesn’t happen overnight. You really have to work for it. 

Fitness is like a relationship. You have to commit, you have to focus, you have to be dedicated, determined and disciplined. Nothing great comes easy that’s why it helps to have the best support you can get around you at all times.

Gwynn: Way back in 2012, I was bombarded with problems and errands with no rest and leisure time. I decided to join dance classes in our neighborhood. Dancing with friends gave me some relief, motivation, emotional support and camaraderie. 

I considered dancing as a workout and outlet. I realized that if you sleep well, eat well and exercise, you can think clearly. In fact, you can keep your emotions aside in making decisions.  Coping with stress is tough but now I can still smile and laugh about it.  

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.