Edward Dela Cruz “walks the walk” when it comes to advice about consistency. He runs every day of the year.
Aaron Pamintuan says people who want to make fitness a lifestyle need to start a routine, and stay consistent.
Looking at Jerry Diaz’s résumé reveals a life spent in movement. He has a long list of fitness training certifications, is a gold-medalist karate practitioner, and a former member of the CNMI national basketball team.
If you want to catch Rhine Russel’s Zumba class, meet her at Gold’s Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. She’s pictured here kneeling, wearing a black cap.
WITH January coming to a close, you may be among those still strongly committed to their New Year’s fitness goals — or you have completely abandoned them by now.
If you’re someone who’s on the road to making fitness a lifestyle this year or need some inspiration to get back on the fitness path, a little advice from the right source could be all it takes to reach a new level of success.
Variety spoke to the health & fitness nominees of the SoMe Awards ahead of their big night on Feb. 3 when they and the rest of the island’s top social media content creators will be celebrated.
What the health & fitness nominees offer is advice to get you firmly on the fitness track.
Start small
According to runners Aaron Paul Pamintuan, aka @a.a.runs on Instagram, and Edward Dela Cruz, aka @storm501st, it’s important to start small and be consistent.
“It starts with the smallest thing,” Dela Cruz said. “Most people say they don’t have time. I just suggest you make it a daily routine and start small — five to 10 minutes. Eventually your body and mindset will adapt, and you can start increasing it to 10 to 15 minutes. You can’t just dive into it.”
Pamintuan said something similar.
“I started running back in 2022. I ran frequently at the beginning of the year, but on May 4 was when I started to run every single day,” he said. “Start small, build a routine, and just do what you can. Don’t do too much right off the bat and forgive yourself when you fall off track.”
Dela Cruz and Pamintuan “walk the walk” when it comes to their fitness advice as they are both known on social media for running 365 days a year, no matter the weather.
Dela Cruz is an avid runner, but he said you don’t need to be.
“The biggest thing is that people need to find the activity they would enjoy. If they love the ocean, go swimming. If you love dancing, sign up for Zumba. Or just go walk or hike around the island. There’s so much that people can do on this island to stay active.”
In case you do want to be an all-year-runner, Pamintuan said the “feeling of accomplishment” after every run is what’s so enticing about the challenge.
“Didn’t matter how I felt before the run, I always feel good about myself after every run,” he said.
Keeping it simple
Jery Diaz, who’s also known as “bbj_athletics” on Instagram, is a fan of “keeping it simple.”
“Start with the basics,” he said. “For example, walk at the pathway, ride a bike, include body weight training, swim at our beautiful beaches, hike at various paths, make it a family or friends activity, join a group class. Do what works for you.”
Diaz has a long list of certifications that include endorsements from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He’s a personal trainer, a gold medal karate practitioner, and a former member of the CNMI national basketball team. He also owns BBJ Athletics Fitness Studio.
Diaz has a message for everyone taking up fitness as a lifestyle this year:
“The thought of making fitness a lifestyle takes courage and motivation. No matter where they train — at home, in the parking lot, at their favorite gym, with their favorite trainer or class instructor — start now and keep going. Train with a purpose and enjoy the process. Trust the process.”
Move and groove
For those who want to move and groove their way into a fitness lifestyle, check out Rhine Russell’s Zumba class at Gold’s Gym on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Russell, who goes by @ohitsrhine on Instagram, said the best way to start doing Zumba is to just get up and do it.
“Put on your gym clothes and head to the closest gym or open area to work out,” she said. “All of us have tasks and obligations to complete, yet all you need is an hour or 30 minutes each day to replenish and increase your energy.”
Among those who attend her Zumba classes is a 74-year-old lady.
She said a benefit of Zumba is how little it takes to get started. All participants need to do once they find a class is to wear comfortable clothes, find enough space in the class to move around, and bring water.
SoMe Awards night
As for which fitness influencer is going to come out on top, it’s anyone’s bet, as the voting period for the SoMe Awards has ended already.
Local comedy group PalmTrio670, which is in charge of the event, said it is their “biggest undertaking” yet.
The SoMe Awards will be held live at the Saipan World Resort Royal Taga Ballroom starting at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $45 each and are sold at Ina’s Kitchen, Coffee Stop, Sushi Spot, and Aqua Connection. Vendors will no longer have any tickets to sell after Wednesday, Jan. 31. Tickets are not available for purchase at the door.
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