Next-generation bodybuilders

Fitness changes lives at every age. Studies have shown that regular exercise can extend one’s lifespan by as much as 10 years. Throughout my many years in the gym industry, I have seen exercise save lives. It has helped people in their recovery from various illnesses and injuries, allowing them to emerge as stronger individuals both inside and out.

In the formative teen years, the impact that fitness has in life is even greater. Weightlifting and bodybuilding, in particular, are pastimes that develop values such as discipline in young men and women besides the obvious growth in strength and endurance. It helps keep kids away from vices as they have an increased understanding and appreciation of their bodies. The gym also serves as a supportive community where they meet and learn from likeminded people who share their interests and philosophies.

 Two young men — Ming Jereza Jr. and Paolo Abes — found their passion in the gym. At 20 years old, Ming and Paolo were the youngest contestants of the recently concluded BodyCon fitness ambassador search. While they did not win titles, both stood out as valiant competitors with amazing stage presence and physiques during the finals night.

Ming Jereza Jr. is a college student taking up Marine Transportation. As a young boy, seeing his father lift weights in the gym inspired him to do the same someday. He started working out at just 15 years old, idolizing fitness models he saw in magazines. He vowed to himself that someday he would be just like them. 

 At his young age, Ming has developed an admirable physique and discipline beyond his years. “I bring my training clothes and equipment to school and right after class, I go straight to the gym,” he claims. “I train seven times a week,” he adds. 

 He developed his personal diet and exercise program through research, trial, and error. He follows a low-carb, high-protein diet, usually limiting his rice intake to one cup per day and eating chicken and plenty of vegetables. Ming lifts lighter weights at high repetitions, as he is not trying to get any bigger but just maintain his size. “My current fitness goal is just to get more toned and more ripped,” he adds.

Working out has also helped Ming develop independence and overcome some challenges he has faced in life. “My mom and dad separated when I was a kid,” he says. “I was raised by my grandmother who taught me to be independent,” he adds. “My philosophy in life is really discipline. Without proper discipline, you will never achieve your goals,” he claims. 

Aside from BodyCon, Ming also participates in other body building competitions, usually going up against much older and more experienced guys. He is set to participate in the upcoming 2015 Mutant Philippines bodybuilding showdown. 

“I’m very passionate about fitness. That passion is what pushed me to achieve a good physique at my young age,” he shares. “Hopefully, I also get to help inspire and motivate other people to live healthy and be physically fit,” he concludes.

Ming Jereza Jr.: He developed a personal diet (low-carb, high-protein) and lifts lighter weights at high repetitions just to maintain his size. 

For Paolo Abes, sports have always played a big role in his life. “Growing up, I was into a lot of sports,” he recalls. “I was in the swimming varsity since I was 12 years old and for majority of my grade school life. I tried multiple sports like martial arts and basketball,” he adds. 

Unlike Ming, Paolo only got into weight training two years ago. “I started trying to work out to get a beach body in time for our tradition of going to Boracay after high school graduation,” he admits. “Then two years ago, on January 1, I really set my goal and focused on my workout and diet program for myself,” he claims.

From then on, he got hooked to the point that he was inspired to make a change in his career choice. “This year, I decided to shift out of my Marketing Business course to pursue a profession in nutrition,” he says. “It was a complete 180-degree turn with no connection whatsoever and it was hard to convince my parents to support the decision,” he recalls. 

Paolo follows a flexible dieting program, which involves calculating and tracking your macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat) for the day. “If it fits your macros, you can eat whatever you want,” he believes. He follows the big five workout program involving a lot of lifts and squats, and uses the Rate of Perceived Exertion or RPE as a strength training tool. 

Beyond his own program, Paolo also helps develop nutrition and exercise programs for his friends. “I’m working with some ‘clients’ of sorts — my own friends and their friends. I’ve been helping them and sharing my knowledge with them so that they can reach their strength goals,” he beams.

Ming and Paolo are just two of the many young men who have discovered their passion for bodybuilding at an early age. Fitness has inspired positive change in various aspects of their lives — allowing them to become stronger and inspire their peers. Their incredible bodies are a very welcome added bonus.  

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