Experience is the best teacher

CEBU, Philippines - Five years ago, my life made a 360-degree turn. From an obese mired in a sedentary lifestyle, I was able to transform myself into a physically fit individual nurturing a sound state of health and well-being. Thanks to the 'Biggest Loser,' a health-oriented reality television show that changed my life for the better.

But losing weight is never a guarantee that you will be fit for life. Ninety percent of the contestants would either gain their weights back or even become heavier from where they started. It is really not easy to lose weight. The bottom line is that living a healthy lifestyle takes lots of motivation, hard work and sacrifice. That is the reason why after the show, I launched a fitness advocacy aimed at guiding overweight and obese individuals as they embark on a journey to be fit.

Looking back at the footsteps that lead me to where I am today, never did I imagine that I would be able to touch lives and inspire others with my advocacy. Just lately, I am faced with another challenge after I was offered to help my beloved alma mater, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, come up with its Physical Education program for Senior High School. Knowing that the grassroots level is always the best way to start an advocacy, I didn’t hesitate to take the challenge.

I could still vividly recall that PE was always the best subject for students as it is all about fun, games and playing, which is actually one of the most effective ways to fight obesity. One must keep on moving because once you stop, you will lose what you don’t use. The muscle mass in our body decreases as we grow older mainly because we have lesser activities. And as we lose those precious muscles, our metabolism slows down thereby slowing down also our capacity to burn calories which in turn makes us more prone to weight gain.

That is why the PE for Senior High School has a more scientific approach. It focuses on overall fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness. As for the SHS-Ateneo senior high students, they will be in for a meaningful ride with the fitness modules I crafted for them. No specific sport will rule but after our PE classes, it will surely benefit them in whatever sport they want to take from basketball, swimming, volleyball, dancing or running. I could guarantee that one will be stronger, faster and healthier at the end of the day.

In teaching the students the fundamentals of exercise, technique and proper form, keeping it simple is always the key. Exercises such as jumping jack, squat, push up and lunges are just few of the basic exercises one can do, but maximum benefits can only be achieved if they are done properly. Full and bigger range of motion and movement has the best way of hitting and recruiting all the necessary muscles. After Day 1, I am proud to say that even a top student-athlete suffered from muscle soreness just by tweaking and doing it properly. Anyway, the main objective of this class is to enhance the students' understanding on how to be fit on their own and hopefully they can use everything they have learned when the right time comes. I always believe that the best way to teach is through actual life experience. Leading by example, so to speak.

*****

Today, hundreds of triathletes will troop to the Durano Port in Sogod town north of Cebu for the 2nd 8080 Sogod Triathlon organized by Cornerstone Group, the same group that spearheaded the Cebu City Triathlon as well as 3rd SanRem 8080 on November 5 and the Defy 1616 on December 4.   

Cornerstone Group has consistently proven itself as one of Cebu’s best in terms of organizing triathlon races. Its safety measures, faster results plus cool give away have set their races above from the rest. Cornerstone gives away cool dry bag, which is water resistant, race belt, swimming and running caps made by “Three of Me,” a local manufacturer of tri suit, running shirts, basketball jersey, bags and caps, owned and operated by my good friend Niño Abarquez. On top of it all, the race again has a timing chip that accurately monitors the finish time of each triathlete. Although the timing split of each sport is still done manually but the overall time is what matters most.

Other races have used timing chips also, but it still takes more than three weeks for them to release the final result of all the participants. As for the Cornerstone Group, they have been the most efficient in terms of result. There are some hiccups and glitches, but they have been rectified and corrected at once. The 8080 Triathlon should be the race every local triathlete should support.

For the race, Team Metafit is sending its relay team, 2GA 2GA headed by US-based swimmer and Chicken and Eggs magnate Jidan Jakosalem, Youtube bike sensation Paul Yu and runner Carlisle Choachuy. Racing individually are coach Romulo “Head Hunter” Rosel for the full 8080 distance, while coach Fritz and Zusette Co, Coach Lem Co, Pim Co, Jeffrey Corro and yours truly will see action in the 40-40 category. Metafit Tri Team is supported by CLIP2FIT by Cliptech, YKK Bikes and Durabend PPR Pipes. Good luck to all triathletes and have a safe race.  (FREEMAN)