Fit Filipino Movement Challenges the Philippines to lose 1 Million lbs.

After the phenomenal growth of people who are now involved in the running culture which started almost a decade ago, many have completely transformed their lives for the better and have become staunch advocates of its benefits to our holistic wellbeing. One classic example of that transformation is me when I decided to have a complete turnaround from the unhealthy lifestyle I was into before with 182 lbs. on a five-foot five height. In short, I was overweight .

A challenge for a fitter and healthier Philippines...

The other day, I stumbled upon some not-so-old pictures of me and I was surprised at how I changed through the years. My journey was not easy and its not over. On many occasions, I tend to be so consistently driven but, after a while, the preoccupation of busyness from work tends to pull me back to sedentary living again. When I fail to be conscious about it, kilograms are gained back just as quickly as I lost them.

Me, at 180 lbs. (Circa 2009)

Along the way of my fitness adventures, I got to learn some valuable lessons in losing weight. Before, I was stuck on one form of physical activity: running. But, later on, I discovered the importance of cross-training that involves other muscle groups which are essential in losing significant amount of calories and fats in our body. In many ways, these cross-training exercises optimize other muscle fibers which tend to be in “rest mode” during running. That is why, a variety of cross-training exercises are important to weight loss because more muscle fibers that move constantly mean more fats attached to them will be burned. 

Members of the Philippine National Police taking in on the challenge and committing to pledge 500,000 lbs. 

Over the years, I have incorporated several cross-training activities with my running regimen, most especially during rainy season. Some indoor workouts I do are: wall climbing, jumping rope and Metafit exercises (I also play ultimate Frisbee on Thursdays). Sometimes, I'd combine jump rope and metafit on days when I can’t run. To find out more about this metafit exercise, you can read about it here in my blog. For jump rope, you can watch my video in another blog post for an actual demo.

Fit Fil proponents, Coaches Toni and Jim Saret with Fit Fil brand supporters, Phil. Med. Association president, Dr. Raul Lapitan and Robinsons Supermarket Marketing Director, Ms. Angela Tatones... 

The metafit exercises were introduced to me by a friend who is also a very popular fitness coach Mr. Jim Saret. According to fitness experts like Coach Jim, Metafit exercises can actually burn as much as 600 calories in four minutes of high intensity execution. It is a combination of “simple” callisthenic exercises such as Half-burpees, Jumping Jacks, and mountain climbers. On the other hand, Jumping rope has also proven to be a very effective to weight loss. By jumping 120 revolutions per minute, one can actually burn 13 calories in just one minute.

120 revolution per minute can burn 13 calories in one minute. 

This year, Coach Jim Saret and his wife, fitness coach Toni Saret, offer the Filipino people a challenge to lose I million pounds in six months in a campaign called the Fit Fil National Weight Loss Challenge.  The National Challenge is the first activity for the Fit Filipino Movement's vision of one million fit Filipinos by 2020. According to Food and Nutrition Research Institute's (FNRI) Mario Capanzana, “Three in 10 Filipinos are overweight or obese. Of these three, one overweight adult can be found in the National Capital Region.

FNRI President, Mario Capanzana

“We want Filipinos to see that getting fit and healthy can be easy and fun when you have the whole nation rallying together for this cause, “ said Coach Jim Saret. 

Recently, the Fit Fil Challenge was launched during the Philippines Heart Association Convention at the Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The PHA, as one of the lead convener of the event, presented some medical facts from Cardiologists, Endocrinologists and other specialists about the effects of living a fit and healthy lifestyle. Likewise, they also talked about the adverse effects of being overweight as well as proper and safer weight loss programs to those who wish to lose pounds. The Symposium ended with public pledging from the audience that publicly announced their support and the number of pounds each group wishes to commit that will be counted for the One Million lbs. target in six months.

“We want Filipinos to see that getting fit and healthy can be easy and fun when you have the whole nation rallying together for this cause, “ said Coach Jim Saret. 

Among the groups that were present and showed their support were: Robnisons Supermarket, Far Eastern University, Conrad Manila, Anytime Fitness, Fitness First, FWD Insurance, Nurture Wellness Village, and the Philippine National Police, who committed half of the target which is 500 thousand lbs., to be spread out to the entire police force in the country and various Pharmaceutical companies and LGUs of different municipalities across the regions. 

Ms. Cathy Turvil forging her commitment to pledge 1,000 lbs. for Nurture Wellness Village 

For individuals who want to participate in this noble health initiative, the registration is free from June 5 to December 5, 2017. Everyone can visit select Robinsons Supermarket branches every Saturday to register and submit their official weight. After their final weigh-in, participants can avail of a reward if they achieve their wellness goal.

Members of the academe of Far Eastern University also pledge their support...

Regardless of your physical regimen, it is important that you start somewhere. I would also recommend not letting yourself be stuck on just one form of sport or exercise. Try to learn other physical skills or activities so that more muscle groups will be optimized to burn those unwanted fats. And again, weight loss is always 20% exercise and 80% diet, so always make sure to watch the food you eat.