Look, Ma, no surgery!
No, the finely-sculpted man in the pictures on this page is not Richard Gutierrez although he does look like him. He’s Richard’s “new” and “re-invented” twin brother Raymond who happily tells STAR readers how he turned himself into Mr. Body Beautiful.
Without much ado, let’s listen to the newly-created Mr. Body Beautiful.
How did you get that kind of body?
“It’s the product of hard work, dedication and a lot of sacrifices. Getting to this point turned my world upside down. I had to give up a lot of the food that I used to enjoy and adjust my body clock to be a morning person. I’ve since become pescatarian with meals usually revolving around tuna, salmon, veggies and good fats. I dedicated a lot of time to working out and really adjusted my schedule for it.”
Some people suspect that you underwent surgery (bariatric, etc.). React.
“This makes me laugh because my entire fitness journey was documented online on my YouTube channel and on my social media. So those who have been following me know the hard work that went into this for the past several months. Getting surgery would mean just losing the fat, but my physique, strength and stamina can speak for itself.”
How much did you weigh before and after?
“In December last year I weighed 260 pounds and I’ve since lost 65 pounds.”
What encouraged you to go for it?
“I was unhappy with my weight which made me unhappy with myself. I felt like I could do so much more with my life. I felt like there were so many things I couldn’t do because I was overweight and insecure, like something as simple as going to the beach with my friends. I would stay back in the hotel while everyone else would swim. Or being limited to what I can wear. I enjoy fashion and it was tough for me to do that when nothing fits me.
“But aside from vanity, it was also for health reasons. There were moments where I would have a hard time breathing or I would feel weak, and I just wanted to be fit and healthy. I would always have an excuse as to why I didn’t workout, whether it was because ‘I have no time’ or ‘it’s too hot outside.’ I was my own roadblock. It was December 2016 and a new year was about to start. It was going to be another year of me making promises to myself. But this year, I finally made it happen.”
Describe the procedure or the diet/workout that you were required to do…and for how long?
“In December, I started moving my body by doing spinning classes at Ride Revolution which is co-owned by my friend Isabelle Daza. It got me hooked on working out again and I would go every night after work. In January, I officially started the Century Tuna No Excuses 90-Day challenge. What’s nice about the challenge is that all information is online and for free.
“So we gathered a group of experts: Arnold Aninion as my trainer, Nadine Tengco who helped out with the diet, and Erwan Heussaff as my lifestyle coach. We produced videos and articles which people can follow by going to www.superbods.ph. I worked out daily, I would do cardio in the morning, usually a sprint session at 7 a.m. and in the afternoon after my meetings, I would meet up with Arnold at around 5 p.m. to do weightlifting. As for my diet, I would stick to an all-fish diet, kamote, good fats like avocado or almonds, and no rice.”
What went into the preparation for the diet/workout or whatever procedure was involved? Did you have to undergo an executive checkup?
“The diet was based on my weight so the portions were based on what I need for sustenance and energy every day. If it’s not needed nutrition-wise, then I didn’t need to have it. But more than anything I think you have to be prepared mentally. You have to really want it and dedicate your time and energy into making the changes possible.”
Any sacrifices (staying away from your favorite food, etc.) for the duration of the effort?
“A lot of sacrifices went into it. I pretty much gave up on my social life and would decline dinners and parties…things that I used to enjoy on a nightly basis. I would only drink on special occasions like holidays or if there’s a big party at The Palace. But aside from that I would stay at home and sleep at 10 p.m. I had to adjust my body clock to wake up at 6 a.m. so I could do my cardio by 7 a.m. I also used to eat very unhealthy and would finish a bag of chips in one sitting. All the bad habits had to go out the window.”
How did you feel when you woke up one morning, seeing the “new” you in the mirror?
“I honestly feel like a brand-new person. It’s like a clean slate for me. I’m so excited to travel, see the world and start new adventures with a more positive outlook, and not be held back because of my weight and insecurities. After this, I feel like I can do anything.”
Now you look exactly like Richard and you are mistaken for each other. How does it feel? How do you think does Richard feel about it?
“Chard has always been supportive of my endeavors. He has stood beside me throughout and would give advice. He’s always been the more athletic twin, and his hobbies include all sorts of sports and even underwater photography. Now I feel like we can do more things together and I wouldn’t be limited to what I can join.”
So now that you have slimmed down, did you have to overhaul (completely changed) your wardrobe (shoes and all)? What did you do with your “old” clothes?
“I’ve had to buy a whole new wardrobe including new underwear! Everything had to be changed but I still keep my old clothes as a reminder of what I don’t want to fit in. It’s funny when I put on my old clothes now; they fall so differently on me.”
Any risks of you regaining all those shed poundage? What are the safeguards so that you will stay in this shape?
“Now more than ever, I’m aware of myself and my body. I know how to strike a balance and would never be reckless like how I was. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way and I’m never going back.”
Any pieces of advice for people who want to lose excess poundage and stay as good as you do now?
“It’s all in the mind and it’s all about what you want to happen. It’s all about your determination. That’s my magic formula. Because I could have had the best trainers, the best gyms, and the best food before — and I’ve had access to that for years — but it’s when you decide to make a change, that’s when you see results. It’s up to you. I could have given up halfway through and said, ‘I’m happy, I’m satisfied, I’ve lost 10 pounds, so I’m okay.’ It’s not about how expensive your gym is, it’s about dedicating your time to it and sticking to a plan. Don’t let the excuses in your head stop you from reaching your goals. If I can do it, so can you.”
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)