From drab to fab

After a stormy past that brought out her real strength as a woman and eventually made her even stronger, host, actress and Pilates expert Plinky Recto is proud to say that she’s now more equipped and skilled to face anything in her life. And yes, she’s back.

“I have learned to pick up the pieces and move on,” Plinky said. “I am now ready to spread my wings again.”

During her most trying moments in 2006, Plinky shared that she went through a series of painful experiences — she feared for her life, went on a denial stage, was very angry, became bitter and became sickly. To make matters worse, there was even a point when fair weather friends did not want to be associated with her. “The last four to five years are the worst and best years of my life,” she said.

But good things can find their way to good people, even in the most awful situation. Fate eventually started turning out in her favor. Those who wanted to support her cause found their way to help, quietly. And most cases (she filed in court) have also been settled in her favor.

Plinky is glad to report that although her fight for women’s rights and the custody of her other son continues, she is now physically, emotionally and spiritually stronger. She continues to draw strength from her loving family, friends and Pilates (a system designed to condition your body through stretching, strengthening and toning), when she went through the most trying moments of her life.

Plinky swears to the effectiveness of Pilates on her transformation from drab to fab. “Pilates helped release the stress I had during the series of court hearings,” she said. She first tried Pilates in 1996 in the US. She immediately got hooked to it, especially when she learned about its health benefits.

Pilates helps strengthen your core muscles and back muscles, gives you a better posture, improves flexibility, reduces stress and fatigue, induces deep sleep, improves your focus, restores body alignment, promotes joint release and mobility, develops mind-body communication skills and improves sex life.

Plinky became a certified instructor in the Method of Pilates after her extensive training in the US. She went on to teach Pilates here in the Philippines to help cure those who are suffering from osteoporosis, slip disc, scoliosis, paralysis, and a host of other physical problems. She works with renowned orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists like Dr. Tyrone Reyes. She has been teaching Pilates for seven years now.

You can be sure to get the best Pilates training from her because she is accredited with respected groups such as the American Council on Exercise, the Senior Fitness Association, the American Kinesiotherapy Association, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the Acrobatic and Fitness Association of America, the International Sports Trainers Association, and the National Athletic Trainers Association.

“I enjoy working out,” she said. “Aside from exercise, I also eat well and spend quality time with my son.” She encourages everyone to fight for his rights and live a healthy lifestyle.

Plinky shares the art of sculpting a body in fighting form through her instructional booklet and VCD on Pilates titled Pilates to Go. “It is perfect for people who are too busy to hit the gym,” she added. The package includes a cube that helps intensify your workout sessions.

However, if you want a more personal touch from an expert like her, you may visit her studio at The Bodyworker (145 Esteban Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City).

Rizal is Alive

The Knights of Rizal, through the Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (KOR-RYLI) together with the Organizational Change Consultants Int’l, Inc. (OCCI) and DepED, will launch the Rizal is Alive DVD on tomorrow, June 17, at the Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago. The Rizal is Alive DVD, the first interactive material of its kind, aspires to influence the youth in translating Dr. Jose Rizal’s standards and principles in their everyday lives. The highlights of the launch will be the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by KOR-RYLI, OCCI and DepED, and the screening of the Rizal is Alive. Pledge forms to the DVD fund are available during the launch and in the following offices: Knights of Rizal Headquarters, Port Area, Manila, tel. no. 528-1974 c/o Maureen Fernandez, and at the OCCI, Emerald Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, tel. no. 632-7553 c/o Armin Pullantes.