For vanity or for health, one thing’s certain: being fit is very much in vogue. And if you haven’t considered working out, then you are most likely to be a thing of the past. You may be loathing your punishing weighing scale, having anxiety attacks on the growing rate of premature cardiac arrests or just growing a self-confidence deficiency. You are not alone!
Below is a list of secrets of fitness. And who better to preach about the fitness craze than the men and women who firmed, flexed and flaunted their muscles. They are now hailed as the gods and goddesses of the EDSA billboard scene, which honestly made the traffic worse but more bearable. They are the figures that turn multi-million product endorsements into economical (meaning minimal) clothing. They make us tune in on late night TV just to have sweet dreams. They are the hottest bodies we’ve ever seen and you’ll have the chance to feast on them in the next couple of days. Here’s the first enviable bod on our list:
Most men have a distinct loyalty for sport; some of them have two to three, but only one, at least in this country, can claim to do almost all. And we give that distinction to Marc Nelson, the other half who completes the Sports Unlimited duo. (Marc is also a columnist for The Philippine Star’s Young Star section – Ed.) And no, he does not consider it work. More like a weekly workout. "I see it as pure unadulterated enjoyment! I get to do two of my favorite things. One, travelling, and two, I get to do the sports I’ve always enjoyed doing and I have yet to try," he says of his job.
It was too demanding to ask him what his first sport was. So after what seemed like an hour of reminiscing, he came up with gymnastics, which was totally unexpected. "I remember doing my first somersault when I was six, and I was like ‘Wow, that’s great fun!’ So I started doing it in school. Now, come to think of it, a lot of the sports I do in Sports Unlimited, a lot of the initial trainings involved come from gymnastics."
And now, far from his tumbling days of yore, nothing seems to have steered him away from sports. Born with a mix of Thai, Chinese, Burmese, English, Scottish and not a drop of Filipino blood and raised in Australia by diver parents, Marc took to the water as only water babies can. He stared scuba diving when he was 12 and is biased towards water sports.
"It’s not particularly a physical sport but it helps if you’re fit. But, really, you don’t have to be in fantastic shape to enjoy it," he says.
Whenever he’s out of the water and on solid ground, Marc Nelson takes on modeling with such discipline as though it were a sport. Well, maybe it is. With him as a player, it could be the most popular yet.
How did you develop the desire for staying fit?
I wanted to get in shape and when I started seeing results, it inspired me even more.
What motivates you?
It makes me feel good and more confident about myself. That’s enough motivation, I guess.
What is the right attitude, mindset and trait to staying fit?
Dedication, motivation and getting my lazy butt out of bed and to the gym. Here’s a tip. Live close to a gym!
What is the downside of a healthy lifestyle?
Very little, although friends are always trying to get me to drink. I have very low alcohol tolerance.
What don’t you do to maintain a healthy body?
Don’t eat too much rice nor smoke or drink.
How do you manage to balance work with your healthy lifestyle?
My work is a healthy lifestyle!
Do you have a sport?
I enjoy climbing, wakeboarding and snowboarding. And I love scuba diving!
What’s the best diet regimen for you?
I watch what I eat, especially carbo. I don’t starve myself. I love pizza and fires!
Do you still get insecure or conscious about your body?
Of course! Nobody is ever completely happy with himself!
Which part of your body are you proud enough to flaunt?
Probably my abs.
How do you feel when a person gets more attracted to your body than your personality?
Get attracted to the body but stick around for the personality!
How would you encourage others to stay fit?
I shame my buddies into going by making fun of them. Then I bring them to the gym and punish them. After the initial pain, they feel the effects and are inspired to go again, I hope. The best way to inspire the guys is to tell them about the girls.
Tomorrow: Anna Shier