The road to ageless

Melvin Te says: 'We, in our 40s, can still give these millennials a run for their money. We can still look fit, fab, hot and fabulous.

Life begins at 43,” claims Melvin Te, an HR executive by profession and fitness enthusiast at heart. Everyone who trains at the gym knows and respects him for his consistency, work ethic, and his group KPFitness trained by coach Culver Padilla.

 Melvin, a Bodycon 3.0 finalist in his 40s, has a physique that can easily compete with athletes half his age. He even got himself certified as a fitness instructor.  

Philippine STAR: What got you into fitness?

Melvin Te: When I reached 40, I was already feeling sluggish, slow and bloated, and have been taking maintenance medicine for my high-cholesterol level. Reality hit me and I came to my senses that I was not getting any younger. At that time, I couldn’t help but think of all the things I wanted to do, places I wanted to go, and goals I wanted to accomplish. Everything changed when I met 2016 Golds Gym Mr. Fitspiration Culver Padilla. Sept. 24, 2018 marks the second anniversary since I said yes to fitness.

What made you compete?

At first, I only wanted to trim down, improve my endurance and flexibility.  When my coach prepared for BodyCon, I decided to follow what he was doing — from diet to the workout program. I experienced the struggle, the pain and sacrifices that he went through to achieve the physique that he wanted. It was then that I admired him even more and his heart for his craft. When he eventually won as Mr. Fitspiration, that’s when I decided  to join the next edition, BodyCon 3.0.

What was your diet like before you competed?                                                     

 I was on the heavy side with a bulging stomach. I did not care about what I was eating then and I wasn’t conscious of my diet. Just like any corporate slave, who’s always busy with office work, I consumed junk food, fast food, juice, soda, and anything that needs less preparation in the kitchen or none at all.

What changes did you have to make to your fitness and nutrition regimen?

Since my coach put me on a challenge, “The 90 Days Fitness Challenge,” I had to make a drastic change in my daily activities and with the food I eat. I would wake up at 4 a.m., drink a glass of lukewarm water with half a lemon, do 30 minutes of fasted cardio, eat breakfast at 4:30 a.m., then prepare meals for an hour. I consumed five meals for the entire day (no salt, no sugar, no oil). It’s either boiled, steamed or grilled. I would train from 6 to 7:30 a.m. with my coach before work from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Finally, I would end the day with abs workout from 7:30 to 8 p.m. I followed this schedule Monday to Saturday while Sunday is my active rest day.

As an HR practitioner, why is the fitness of your employees important to you?

I work for  Century Pacific Food, Inc., makers of Century Tuna, Argentina Corned Beef, 555 Sardines, Birch Tree, Angels Milk and more. As a senior HR manager for Total Rewards Management & Employee Wellness, I use my position as a platform to influence the lifestyle of the employees.  The well-being of our employees is important because they are the main resource of the company, they make the organization grow.  In return, the company will provide for their needs and security.

What is your favorite part about being fit?                                                          

 I can come up with an endless list on what it’s like being fit, but my favorite things are being able to wear anything I like, hearing compliments from people around me, being flexible, agile and strong, looking young, getting extra attention wherever I am, and the most important, I think, is being able to influence people at my age.

What message or advice would you give those aspiring to get fit?                            

First, do not venture into fitness just because you want to join the bandwagon or because it’s the “in” thing now.  It will just be a waste of time, money and effort. In the end, you will just be frustrated and fail because you’re doing it for the wrong reason. Second, age is just a number. We, in our 40s, can still give these millennials a run for their money. We can still look fit, fab, hot and fabulous. Lastly, when you reach your desired fitness level, be a blessing to others. Help those who want to start their own journey in your own little way. You can use social media, a go-to platform nowadays, to update your story and inspire the others eventually.  

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