Doctor drops 95 lbs, quits smoking, and overcomes hypertension to lead Fitness First New You Achievement Awardees 2011

Weight loss isn’t just about inches and pounds. It can mean eligibility to donate blood, ability to have a baby, or staying on the road to recovery. It can mean being an inspiration and even a teacher to others, improved relationships due to a new-found confidence, or better performance in sports and life. It can also mean independence.

These are some of the real-life experiences from the 15 finalists of the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards (NYAA) 2011 held last July 28 at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong. Categorized into Health, Shape, Sport, Strength, and Staff with an Overall winner coming from the category winners, the event recognizes—for the third year in the country and for nearly a decade globally—the health and fitness achievements of Fitness First members.


In keeping with the awards night’s Mardi Gras theme, which bids farewell to bad habits, finalists shared their life changes during the program hosted by fitness enthusiasts Steve Patrick and Gelli Victor.


Charm Valenzuela lost 95 lbs from 233 lbs within a year and nine months of working out at Fitness First Platinum Trinoma. “I am a doctor who, ironically, was a hypertensive smoker and an emotional eater. Gradually embracing exercise and eating right made me become a better version of the old me. I am an example of just how much people can actually surprise themselves if they only make the decision to take better care of themselves,” said the Overall winner and Shape category winner.


Gerry Dakoykoy, Strength category winner, said that he enrolled in Fitness First Cebu at age 71. “I had never worked out in my entire adult life but the desire to live longer and healthier pushed me to engage the services of a personal trainer who gave me the right program for my age. Now being able to keep up with much younger relatives and friends makes Fitness First my best investment,” said the retiree.


Sports category winner Alfred Delos Reyes finished 7th in the 2011 102K Bataan Death March, placed in the top 25 in 6 other ultramarathons, and 7th in a 42K marathon. “I ran the race of my life but it took a lifetime for me to actually believe I can. Finishing strong proves that an ordinary gym-goer like me can believe, train and work hard to achieve any goal I set. At 38, a training program gives me that advantage,” said the language teacher and Fitness First Alabang member.


Angelita Mercado had a stroke when she was 31. The possibility of a recurrence motivated her to enroll at Fitness First RCBC. “Regimen results of weight reduction, toned muscles, improved endurance, and positive disposition at 46 prove that I can take control of my life. I know that I am as physically capable as any regular 20 to 30 year old, and my family has also now made exercise and healthy eating a part of their life,” said the Health category winner.


Recognized under the Staff category was Abby Liquigan, club administrator of Fitness First RCBC for seven years now. “I wanted to stop feeling embarrassed by sometimes being mistaken for a man, shopping in the men’s section, and having to suffer a variety of medical conditions that include hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovaries, scoliosis, and apnea.” Most of all, Abby achieved her primary reason for enlisting the help of a trainer and nutritionist: she’s currently expecting a baby.


“The New You Achievement Awards is an annual celebration but in truth, everyday in our 18 Fitness First clubs in the Philippines, we celebrate the stories of our members; stories of overcoming personal challenges, emerging better versions of themselves, proving something to themselves and inspiring others.


Special awards were also given to Ederlyn Maneja and Donna Guanzo for the outstanding results they achieved under the Fitness First exclusive weight loss programs Lose Big and Lose it! respectively, both designed by Dave Nuku, The Biggest Loser Asia Blue Trainer and Fitness First’s Regional Fitness Manager.


This year’s panel of judges included acclaimed fashion designer Frederick Peralta, film director Joey Reyes, NYAA 2010 Overall Winner Ivan Camasura, Fitness First Fitness training manager Joann Santos and Fitness First Head Nutritionist Rency Caga-anan.


NYAA 2011 was in cooperation with Athena, Manila Nature’s Link Corp., Metrobank, and Belomen. It was made possible by Colgate Plax and Nestle Ice Cream Special. Special thanks go to Enervon HP, Fruit Magic, Jordan Rice and Lux Asia.

Lose weight fast with Fitness First’s Lose It Program

March, 2011 - These days, people are constantly looking for a quick fix, a convenient solution to everything; from a hassle-free way to getting coffee in the morning to losing the extra weight gained over the holidays. While there’s no short-cut to physical health, Fitness First hastens the progress with the launch of its exclusive weight loss program, Lose It! That will help individuals lose up to 10 lbs in 4 weeks.

Lose It! is a fitness plan that aims to help different individuals attain their short-term weight loss goals in a matter of weeks. Whatever the motivation is, Lose It! can help participants look good, stay healthy, be more energized, or get back to that desired dress size through the different exercise routines.

“We understand that time is now a luxury with people living multiple lives balancing their careers, families and friends and because of this, health and fitness have taken the back seat. With the introduction of Fitness First’s Lose It!, we will be able to provide people with a quick and effective work-out solution for individuals on the go”, said Mark Ellis, Fitness First Country Manager.

Lose It! was developed by The Biggest Loser Asia Trainer for two seasons and Fitness First’s Regional Fitness Manager, Dave Nuku and supported by Fitness First Regional Group Training Exercise Manager, Jacqueline Wong. The program was built to work for all body types. It’s designed to provide access to a defined period with a clear objective and an end result in mind. Lose It! is a flexible and personal exercise plan based on the individual’s weight loss goal versus the number of times he/she can commit to going to the gym.

The best part about this program is that it is determined and tailored fitted to one’s personal weight desire and needs, for instance, losing as much as 10 lbs in 4 weeks. “We developed the Lose It! Program for people who are currently not enrolled in a gym but are looking for a fast and effective way of losing weight,” said Dave Nuku, “ Aside from access to the gym, the program offers a Lose It! Body guide, body journal, three one hour one to one personal training sessions and team work out sessions. The team work out is a full hour of complete training that helps to improve cardiovascular, strength and flexibility of a person. It’s an exercise class done in groups which is fun and challenging. The exercises include games, plyometrics and circuit training.”

To learn more about Lose It! please visit www.fitnessfirst.com or go to any Fitness First club nearest you. Lose It! hits the clubs this March.

Fitness First invites you to gym for FREE to celebrate the International Fitness Week

March, 2011 - Have you been thinking about hitting the gym recently? Are you feeling like you’re not exercising so much? Have you been meaning to go out for a run or join a marathon with friends but have been putting it off? On March 14-20, Fitness First gives you a good reason to hit the gym because in celebration of the 2011 International Fitness Week, the world’s leading health and fitness club will open all its doors nationwide to everyone for free!

International Fitness Week is a global campaign that aims to promote healthy living and fitness through exercise and enjoyable group activities. Now in its third year in the Philippines, Fitness First together with former Spice Girl and Global International Fitness Week Ambassador, Mel B, is encouraging the public to becoming more active and fit while providing solutions to different health concerns such as weight loss and high cholesterol.

“Our business at Fitness First is all about changing lives. We offer our services to help people get healthy no matter what their motivations are. Whether it’s to have more energy to keep up with your kids after a long day at work, to look better or to feel healthier, Fitness First is here to support you. This March, we are strengthening our commitment to wellness through International Fitness Week. We’d like to encourage everyone to start moving and prioritize their health.” Says Mark Ellis, Country Manager of Fitness First Philippines

For an entire week, Fitness First will treat everyone to a selection of services. Each day will have a different focus including “Strength Day” where activities will center on how one can build their strength, “Cycle Day” in which spin classes will be offered to both rookie and experts, “Shape Day” where classes devoted to sculpting and toning one’s body will be offered with the help of different innovative techniques and free consultation with Fitness First’s resident nutritionist and “Health Check Day” which will provide participants with a 5 point health check. In addition to this, there will also be “Functional Training Day” which can help people be more productive and energized to tackle their daily activities, and “Group Exercise Day” where beginner cardio classes will be offered. Finally, to culminate the week-long celebration, “Fun Day” will give participants a preview on Fitness First’s newest weight loss program, Lose It.

“To me, Fitness is a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to my body. Exercising helps me focus more during the day. It provides me the energy to do the things I love” says International Fitness Week global ambassador, Mel B. “My partnership with Fitness First and International Fitness Week allows me to motivate and inspire other people to get moving! I urge everybody to take advantage of this opportunity and hit the gyms. ”

Fitness First would like to invite members and non-members alike to this opportunity as it will only run for 7 days during International Fitness Week. Use the gym, feel free to try the equipment, consult with a nutritionist and join the many exciting classes this coming March 14 – 20 2011 at any Fitness First club near you!

To learn more about International Fitness Week and Fitness First, please visit www.internationalfitnessweek.com or www.fitnessfirst.com.ph

Fitness First gears up the Philippines

Fitness First gears up the Philippines for International Fitness Week and opens doors to give free workout experience

Set to roll out exciting fitness activities from February 1 - 7

January 25, 2010 – As evidenced by the sudden growth of running communities and dance classes, increase in demand of healthy food and beverages and sudden spurt of healthy restaurants around the metro, health and fitness has indeed become integral in the Filipino lifestyle.

To further create awareness on the importance of Fitness with the aim of creating a healthier nation, the world’s number one fitness chain, Fitness First, is set to roll out a week-long campaign in support of International Fitness Week scheduled on February 1 - 7, 2010.

International Fitness Week is the first ever awareness campaign backed by Fitness First to improve the health of the nation by offering members and non-members the chance to try something new for free and generate local networks with the involvement of local schools, colleges and offices nationwide. With over 400 gyms across 15 countries participating in the campaign, Fitness First pioneers bringing the campaign to the Philippines.

“We are proud to celebrate International Fitness Week this year. It’s amazing to see more and more Filipinos embracing a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” said Mark Ellis, Fitness First Country General Manager. “Exercise shouldn’t be seen as a chore but as something fun that fits into your life and we’re hoping the week will give people the opportunity to discover renewed inspiration and make a permanent lifestyle change,” explained Ellis.

Taking the lead for International Fitness Week 2010 as the global ambassador for the campaign is former Spice Girl Mel B., who has become an international fitness advocate with a top selling work-out DVD tucked under her belt.

“I am so excited to be on board and see the campaign spread across the world,’’ said Mel. “ I want to encourage everyone to find what works for them and make being active part of their lifestyle. It’s easier than you think to get totally fit and we will show you how!”

From February 1 to 7, all clubs of Fitness First around the world are opening their doors and offering everybody the opportunity to experience working out for FREE and try something new in a bid to make the world a fitter place.

Fitness for a cause – Charity Spin

On top of building awareness on the importance of fitness through International Fitness Week, Fitness First has partnered with Gawad Kalinga to help the organization raise funds for its humanitarian efforts. With Fitness First’s Charity Spin on February 7, 2010 every participation fee of Php 150 will go directly to Gawad Kalinga. The donation of 150 pesos entitles participants to nine (9) special RPM and cycling group exercise classes.

The nine special RPM and cycling classes are offered in the following Fitness First clubs: MOA, SM Southmall, Robinsons Summit Center, Trinoma, Ortigas, North Edsa, Pampanga, Megamall and Cebu. Donations and registration for classes are facilitated at the receptions of all Fitness First Clubs.

Join our Group Exercise Classes together and dance, punch and grind your calories away.

Visit the official International Fitness Week website www.internationalfitnessweek.com to download a 7-Day Free Guest Pass and learn more about the daily activities.

Fitness First makes you slim in Facebook

Launches its very own Cut the Fat Challenge Facebook Application

Manila, 8 January 2010 – What better way to begin the New Year than shedding the pounds gained from the holiday feasting. The best way to begin the New Year is to start shedding the pounds from the holiday feasting. Fitness First offers just that with its new application on social networking site Facebook. The interactive game is about achieving one’s ideal weight through working out and eating the proper diet. Just like any interactive application on Facebook, the goal is to enjoy the game with your friends and thereby strengthening the bond of your network.

“Dedicated to motivating people to improve their overall health, Fitness First’s Facebook application draws attention to fitness and incorporates actual physical exercise in the digital interaction challenge,” says Fitness First Philippines Country Manager Mark Ellis.

The Cut the Fat Facebook Challenge provides an interactive and creative perspective on the relationship of food intake and its equivalent calories to the overall body mass index and weight. Fitness First continues to merge innovation and fun with their fitness routines to enjoin everyone to adapt healthy and fit lifestyles, and this same approach and message certainly extends to the online interactive game.

Join in the fitness fun and log on to http://apps.facebook.com/cutthefat/index to start cutting the fat.

For more information log on to www.fitnessfirst.com.ph

The Biggest Loser Asia LIVE Auditions in the Philippines at Fitness First, SM Megamall

The Biggest Loser Asia is coming to Asia for the first time and Fitness First is proud to be a sponsor of a show that has helped change the lives of people around the world for the better. Fitness First clubs around Asia will be exclusive venues for the live screen test auditions for participants who want to be part of the show. In the Philippines , LIVE screen test auditions will be held exclusively at Fitness First at SM Megamall on the 15th of August 2009 (Saturday) from 10am-4pm.

Since its debut in 2004 in the US by NBC reality television, the Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit viewed by millions, airing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. This is the first reality show where obese contestants are challenged and encouraged under guided expert supervision to undergo strenuous physical and mental training in order to shed kilos. The one who loses the most weight not only wins a grand cash prize of USD 100, 000 but also gains a healthier and better quality life!

Produced by Imagine Omnimedia (producers of Contender Asia) for the Hallmark Channel in Asia , Biggest Loser Asia will help change the lives of obese Filipinos who want to take up the challenge of shedding bad lifestyle habits and embracing healthier ones. The Biggest Loser Asia does not only look into the physical challenges of the contestants’ personal journeys but also their emotional and psychological trials and tribulations as they lose the kilos, inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

“We are extremely excited about being a part of The Biggest Loser weight loss reality TV show in Asia. This is a great opportunity for the Filipinos to show their dedication and commitment to staying fit and healthy” quips Fitness First Philippines’ Country Manager, Mark Ellis,

From June 22, to August 31, 2009, hopefuls can apply online at www.biggestloserasia.com and/or turn up at the LIVE auditions and on screen test events at the four selected countries in Asia which are the Philippines , Singapore , Malaysia and Indonesia .

LIVE auditions and screen tests in the Philippines will be held from 10:00am – 4:00pm at Fitness First at SM Megamall, Philippines on the 15th of August.

Watch The Biggest Loser US version season 6 now on the Hallmark Channel, every Tuesday at 9pm (SIN, MAL, PH, HK), 8pm (TH, WIB).

Fitness First is the number one global fitness company and the world’s largest fitness operator. For inquiries, please call 848-0000 or visit www.fitnessfirst.com.ph.