CEBU, Philippines – Team Metafit led by Cebuano fitness ambassador Alan G. Choachuy formally launches its ‘Share A Dream” advocacy aimed at charting a better lifestyle path for obese individuals.
Since he established his Metafit program in 2011, Choachuy had been actively involved in touching the lives of others, helping people who lead sedentary lives nurture a healthy physical well-being through his fitness boot camp.
Choachuy is very passionate about what he’s doing because he once wallowed in that predicament being an overweight five-foot-nine frame of 309 pounds. But since that life-changing stint he had with a reality television show, the man now known by his followers as ‘Coach A’ has become a catalyst of change and a symbol of hope to others.
“I launched Metafit five years ago as an advocacy to help obese and overweight Filipinos get the right direction in their fitness journey,” said Choachuy. “I was once an obese person living life at the edge with a very unhealthy lifestyle, but my stint with the ‘Biggest Loser’ camp in 2011 has given me the chance to help other people as well on how to get fitter.”
Now that his Metafit family is getting bigger as the drive for being fitter, stronger and healthier is now well-entrenched in the hearts and minds of his members, Choachuy has decided to form Team Metafit with goals leaning towards a bigger challenge ahead.
“We joined local and international events, from running to triathlon and cycling, and by finishing each event, we have helped raise awareness about the importance of fitness,” explained Choachuy.
“But what makes our team different from other groups is that our goal is to complete not compete. If ever one of us make a podium, then it’s already a bonus,” added Choachuy, a successful ’70.3 Ironman’ challenger who is also now a certified marathoner.
Interestingly, some of Choachuy’s followers at Metafit have raised the bar higher in their pursuit of fitness and athletic excellence.
For one, Dandy Maturan, one of their strongest triathletes who placed first in his age-group during last year’s Cebu City Triathlon, placed 12th overall in the Cebu City Marathon just two weeks ago.
By religiously joining Metafit’s training repertoire, Jeffrey Corro also got the surprise of himself after learning that he is a strong swimmer, biker and runner. He was not into these sports during his high school days but with proper training, his athletic capacities has been unraveled.
Zusette Jarina-Co, their strongest female contender, is also making a name for herself in the triathlon scene. A strong runner, Zusette now dabbles in the popular three-in-one sport of triathlon. Under the watch of Fritz Co, her ever supportive husband who also serves as her training buddy, coach, motivator and bike mechanic, Zusette is likely to go places in her sporting endeavor.
Michael Manabat, who lost 20 lbs. last year, could hardly run, but now takes pride for completing a 21-kilometer distance twice already in Milo and CCM.
Lem Co, Jon Ouano and Pimco Pimentel, who are all professional photographers, also have their business to take care of as they try to complete their first ever 70.3 Ironman this August. Soon to be married couple PJ Cañedo and Donafel Tacandong, who finished side by side during the CCM, are also set for second 70.3 Ironman despite their hectic schedule preparing for their wedding in September.
“We all thought that as we grow older and wiser, our body will get weaker but our body and muscle was designed that you lose what you don’t use. Our body gets weaker if we have lesser activity but if get out our comfort zone with the correct progression of exercise, our body will adjust and take the beating,” said Choachuy.
“The only problem is in the mind set. When we think we can’t do it, then our body will follow. So it is all in the mind and how strong you think you are,” he added.
Sharing their fitness and athletic journey is Metafit’s way of inspiring others, with hopes of providing them a fitter place to live in.
For Choachuy and his Metafit band, there must be ‘no excuses’ for one to get fitter, stronger and healthier.
Those who want to be part of their noble ‘Share A Dream’ advocacy, interested individuals may e-mail Choachuy at alanchoachuy@gmail.com o contact him at 406-9267. One may also visit their FB page at www.facebook.com/METAFITCEBU or log on to www.alanchoachuy.com (FREEMAN)