Fitness thirst: How to get a model’s body

Up until this photo shoot, the two things I knew about fitness were that you can’t have all that moist chocolate cake, and if ever you do have all that moist chocolate cake, you have to haveone less slice of it next time. And while that “next time” may have sounded like a lie, some of our approaches to health and fitness really need more fine-tuning, if not a whole overhaul.

Enter two of Cal Carrie’s rising models: Kim Fernandez (19, communication arts senior from Colegio De San Juan De Letran) and Jeremiah “JM” Manalang (21, full-time model, graduated BS nursing from De La Salle Health Sciences Institute Dasmariñas in 2011). In 10 questions, we’ve consulted the pair on what it takes to get not just bodies like theirs, but a better frame of mind in terms of staying in shape.

Okay, fine, just bodies like theirs.

They’re the fitness nerds I never was, so make sure to heed their ab-vice.

YOUNG STAR: How and why exactly did you become a model?

KIM FERNANDEZ: I became I model when I joined the Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines 2010. I landed in the top three of the competition. Danica Magpantay was the winner that year. It was my dream since I was a child. I am also a camera freak, so maybe that’s one of the reasons I became a model. I always wanted to be in front of the camera.

JM MANALANG: My friends pushed me to try modeling but I didn’t want it at first ‘cause I was still studying and I wanted to make sure that I finished first before trying something else. When I graduated, I started my modeling career with Gerry Katigbak, a fashion designer. He asked me on Facebook if I could do a photo shoot. I said yes and that’s it. He told me to see what can we do. Basta ‘wag kang magma-madali (Just don’t hurry.) It takes time para makilala ka ng tao (It takes time for people to know you).

What fashion shows are you the most proud of joining since then?

KIM: I’m proud that I became a part Michael Cinco’s fashion show and Leslie Mobo’s. Both of them are well-known designers here and abroad.

JM: Philippine Fashion Week, of course, because that’s where you can see all the top models gather in one show. Last season I joined Supermodel 2012 and I won as first runner-up and best in runway. I also did Bench Universe and Cosmo Bash.

Let’s talk about your bodies. What full-body workout do you recommend to people who want to become as fit as you?

KIM: My usual workouts are: curl with lunges, (good for both arms and thighs), core workouts such us crunches and crunches with ball (good for your abs; 15 repetitions, three sets), dumbbell chest press (good for chest and triceps, 15 repetitions, two sets), biceps curl (good for biceps, 15 repetitions, two sets). Most of my workouts are just for toning. You can also do cardio (treadmill or stepper, 30 minutes).

JM: First, they should have perseverance and determination in order to attain their goals. If they really want to become fit, they should go to gym three to five times a week. Treadmills and core exercises work on all parts of your body. They should stay in the gym not more than two hours.

Are there any workouts you hate doing, though?

KIM: I hate upper-body workouts. My arms are weak I just don’t know why.

JM: The thing I least like doing in the gym is the workout for the shoulders. I don’t know why but I find it hard to execute all the exercises. It easily drains my power to do other body exercises.

What alternative forms of exercise can you recommend?

KIM: If I couldn’t make it to the gym, my alternative workout is walking. Instead of riding a cab or jeep, I prefer walking especially if my destination is just near. Also, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator is a good alternative exercise.

JM: Running is the best thing. So if you don’t have time to go to the gym, you can just jog around your house or subdivision. Fun runs would be good also.

As models, what do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

KIM: Actually, I eat the same things normal people eat. For breakfast, oatmeal, rice and bread. I just make sure that I eat the right amount. No more, no less. As my trainer would say, “You can eat everything, just know how to control it.” At lunch, I eat rice, but less than the usual. During dinner, I don’t eat carbs. I usually eat fruits and vegetables because at night, our body is unable to burn the food that we eat so I eat less at night to stay fit.

JM: It depends. If I’m on a diet, I just eat kamote and bananas. That’s for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And I only drink water. Less carbs, less calories. It also depends on what body they want to attain but like me I just want to have a lean body, so I’m very conscious on what I put in my mouth.

What five things do you love eating during cheat days? Honesty is the best policy, guys.

KIM: Pizza, burger, and rice (since during diet I eat less rice), ice cream, and chocolates.

JM: Ice cream. Cakes. Pork. All carbs, especially rice and soft drinks.

But how do you really go through a cheat day?

KIM: Don’t over-indulge. Because you’ll pay for it once you get back to the gym. (Laughs really hard)

JM: I’m very deprived of food especially when I’m on a diet so when my cheat day comes I make sure that I eat all the food that I see. That’s why I always have empacho to the point where I can’t breathe. (Laughs)

Kim, balancing school and modeling might be a little tricky. How do you do it?

KIM: I balance them by choosing what go-sees to attend, what photo shoots I should go to, or shows I should do. I prioritize my studies so if a show, shoot, or go-see might affect my class, I wouldn’t go anymore. But I’m lucky enough that most of my projects don’t affect my school.

And to the kids who want to become models, what wise words can you share with them?

KIM: Prioritize your studies. You can go and achieve your dream, but make sure that you won’t sabotage your studies since education is really important. Modeling is always there. Just be patient.

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Photos by JOSEPH PASCUAL, Makeup by MOLLIE DEL ROSARIO, Swimsuit by Soak Swimwear at Retail Lab, Rockwell Power Plant