Since lockdowns have been implemented, people tried to find a way to kill boredom. Some finally have time for hobbies while others developed or learned new skills; from gardening to arts and crafts. Still, there are those who finally had time for sleep.
Doing a workout or fitness routine is one of the activities that many are now engaged in. The lockdowns gave us an opportunity to have time for exercise. We hope that you’ll be inspired with the fitness routines of these politicians.
Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao
To be fair, Manny Pacquiao is the “Pambansang Kamao.” He’s been training as a boxer since he was just a teenager. But Manny’s last fight was in 2016, a few months after he was elected as a Senator. Being an elected official is time consuming but he still trains like there is no time to lose.
“I’m addicted to training and exercise, even when I don’t have a fight scheduled. I work hard so I can fight easy,” Pacquiao shared in an interview with Men’s Health magazine.
He trains six days a week with a double session for three of those days. His 90-minute workout routine includes ten rounds of spars (twice a week), followed by 15 rounds of heavy bag, double ended bag, speed bag, jump rope, shadowboxing, and over a thousand sit-ups.
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri
Migz Zubiri’s quarantine companion is Arnis. He gave credit to Arnis for his fast recovery from COVID-19 last year when he became one of its victims.
The Senator encourages Filipinos to take time to practice our very own form of martial arts. He shares that the advantage of Arnis is that you can train alone. He also encourages his son to train for martial arts to build a stronger body and mind.
Zubiri’s passion for Arnis doesn’t stop from his household. He has been promoting Arnis since 2009 which led him to author Republic Act No. 9850 or An act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines. Currently, the senator is the chairman and president of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF). It is the sole recognized National Sports Association and governing body for ARNIS in the Philippines.
Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez
Richard Gomez and his whole family are advocates of healthy living. The Gomezes regularly post about physical fitness related activities and topics. Along with their posts, they share skincare routines as well. They want to break the stigma that skincare is only for women.
Aside from daily jogging and hiking, Richard Gomez regularly joins marathons and other recreational sport competitions such as archery and skeet shooting. In one of his most recent instagram posts, he shares winning the award “Shooter of the Month” at the Balete Sporting Clays Range.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Pia Cayetano
Pia Cayetano is not the typical office woman. On her days off and after her work, she trains for triathlon. She is one of the country’s prominent triathletes. Pia is into multiple sports; she bikes, runs, swims, plays soccer, does yoga, to name a few.
Her daughter is her companion in her sports activities. Pia has a series of workout routine videos uploaded in her YouTube channel (Pia Pia Pia Cayetano). Anybody can follow her do a specific workout right in the comforts of their homes.
Deputy Speaker Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
Former actress Vilma Santos-Recto wowed the netizens when she shared her daily fitness routine in her Instagram account. Vilma revealed her secret to stay looking young and fresh. She has inspired the “Vilmanians” to hit their workout routines while in quarantine.
Vilma follows the quarantine guidelines by doing her workout at home. Everyday she spends 30 to 60 mins doing indoor cycling to get her blood flowing. She trains with her trainer Noli Valeroso either physically or through a virtual cycling class.
In one of her posts, the Deputy Speaker said “We need to boost our immunity. Exercise is essential for our well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic.”