Friends in fitness and in health

Friends are the family that we choose. While many factors affect whom we choose, shared values and passions always top the list. That’s why I am inspired by KP Fitness, a group of avid fitness enthusiasts and good friends.

While other barkadas hang out in restaurants or bars, KP’s headquarters is the gym.  Here, they religiously meet at 6 a.m. daily — including some holidays and weekends. Their backgrounds are all very different but their passion for fitness keeps them together. Here are the fitness stories of three of the group’s most active members, all Bodycon 4.0 finalists — Vanessa Sampang, Lauren Lim and Ricardo De Jesus.

Vanessa Sampang: Two years ago, I put up my own business to assist clients in developing and improving the accounting software of their companies. With the growing demand and pressure, I worked 15 hours a day, seven days a week. I started smoking a pack per day. I also started overeating and bingeing, consuming around six bottles of beer every night.

In spite of all my financial successes and career advancement, I did not feel fulfilled and I knew that I lost myself. I became overweight and did not fit in any of my clothes.

Then I found my current coach, Kel Padilla, and decided to enroll in his program. Kel introduced to me proper eating habits and food groups that would help me build myself. I learned exercises that focused on particular parts of the body.

Slowly but surely, I made a lot more progress compared to when I was doing things on my own. I also met individuals who shared the same story as I had, and learned that it is very important to prioritize myself and be healthy at the same time.

Self-reflection and reassessment are some of my takeaway from most of the conversations I shared with newly found friends in the gym. I still practice these on a daily basis.

Lauren Lim: Despite dabbling in different sports like swimming, basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, dancing, table tennis, and powerlifting, I never really found my passion — something I could make into a lifestyle. Weight and size were constant issues as well. For a long time, I struggled at 170 lbs. I hated looking in the mirror, I hated taking photos of myself or being part of them.

Triathlons, cycling, running, and lifting as cross training never crossed my mind. It only crossed my mind after a friend of mine challenged me to join a 5-km. run, which I finished in an hour and thirty minutes. On my second run, I finished at a better time (40 mins.) and realized running was fun. I transitioned into running 10 km. and without planning won my first podium during 2015’s World Vision Run. It was only then that I decided to look for formal training, and started becoming competitive in the 10-km. category.

Later into the year, I branched out to 21 km. and ended up signing up for a 42 km. and an Ironman70.3.  I initially focused on the 42 km., which I ended up placing third overall, and first in women’s then moved on to focus on the Ironman70.3. I have won a number of races since then.

Ricardo de Jesus: I wasn’t always this fit. I was a thin guy growing up, but I know I needed to be fit and healthy to live my best life. I started to exercise when I was 22 years old, with the goal of being fit. Growing up, I realized that I also want to always give my best in everything I do, be it as a model, student, or marketing manager. Being healthy helps me fulfill my various roles.

As a model, I also need to look after my body to stay in the industry. With the daily requirements of life, usually my biggest challenge is finding time to exercise — but I don’t want it to be my crutch. I squeeze in a few hours of exercise no matter how busy I get. I incorporate three D’s in everything I do: determination, dedication, and discipline. I’m glad to say I learned to apply this to my career as well.

Being part of a group that shares your interest helps us bring our best selves. I also make sure everything I eat is healthy. I love vegetables! There’s nothing special about my diet. Definitely no to junk food, soft drinks and other sinful food.

*   *   *

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