Drama Princess Kim Chiu won the “Drop-Dead Stunner” award in last year’s Star Magic Ball and just recently garnered 67 percent of the online votes (that’s 5,382,008 in exact numbers) for a landslide victory as Inside Pinoy Showbiz’s Sexiest Woman. She is the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine’s June issue, her third time, where she appears in figure-hugging clothes to highlight her curves.
Everyone gushes that pretty as she was, the new fuller Kim Chiu is now even more gorgeous. It all started with her role in the 2011 ABS-CBN television series My Binondo Girl where she likened her role to Disney’s Mulan. She had to appear stronger, fiercer. She was determined to gain weight and so she went to the gym.
It was in the same show that the public warmed up on her team-up with Xian Lim, also a Star Magic talent. I invited myself to one of the photo shoots featuring the famous love team and they filled me in on how they keep fit.
My daughter reminded me to tell Kim and Xian that I am one of the avid fans of their team-up. Endearing as they were on television, I walked out of the shoot liking them a lot more. Star Magic, now celebrating its 20th year in managing talents, has done a remarkable job not only in developing talents but also in nurturing great character. Kim was everything she was on TV — sweet, kind, friendly, charming, real, and funny.
Her personal trainer Boyet Trinidad describes Kim as a model client. “She is very committed. She hits the gym thrice a week despite being extremely busy. She follows the exercise regimen without any complaint. She has gained pounds already, improved her cardio, strength, and has developed muscle endurance. She can now run 3k on the treadmill.”
While more people are in a constant battle to lose weight, it is equally challenging for thin people to gain weight. Let me share my conversation with lovable Kim on how she succeeded.
PHILIPPINE STAR: You dance a lot. Is that your regular exercise?
KIM CHIU: Dancing is both my exercise and warm-up for productions. I have to practice my body to dance to the beat, learn the moves, and groove for our ASAP (the Sunday noontime variety show of ABS-CBN) production numbers. At the same time, I sweat and burn calories.
Were you ever fat?
No (laughs)! But my tummy was really big until I started running on the treadmill and around the sports oval. Dancing a lot also helped.
You are also quite flexible, right?
A little! I was a cheer dancer in school. From my freshman year until junior high.
Were you ever active in sports?
I play badminton and volleyball. I also swim. But never competitively as part of the school varsity. I still play badminton up to now as a hobby.
How often do you train with your personal trainer?
I try my best to train every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with him. If my schedule doesn’t permit, I make sure I train at least twice a week.
It’s remarkable that someone as busy as you really devotes time to regular workouts. What benefits do you derive from regular training?
First, I gained weight! I used to weigh 96 pounds and I am now 108 pounds. I am 5’6” and I hope to reach 115. I also feel happier after working out. It gives me a positive aura. It improves my mood. I also feel stronger and better. When I don’t work out, I feel something is missing. My body looks for it. It also improved my appetite. I eat more after working out.
What’s your favorite exercise?
Running on the treadmill and TRX suspension training.
How do you know you are getting stronger?
My PT notices it. He makes me lift heavier. And when it seems I can’t do it, he motivates me by telling me to focus on all those critics who keep on saying I’m thin.
How does this newfound strength make you feel?
It makes me feel powerful and fulfilled. I didn’t expect that I could lift as heavy as I do now. But when you go regularly, you become stronger and stronger.
What is your fitness goal?
When I started last year, I wanted to exceed 100 pounds from my usual 96 to 98 pounds. I ate a lot, but nothing worked. Only my tummy and cheeks grew. So I decided to build muscles instead. Now I am 108. Before, I was like a stick, but people say now that I am developing curves.
Any other fitness goal, now that you’ve already reached your first one? Does this mean you will stop working out?
No. I like it so much that I think I’ll be doing it for a long time. I still want to gain a few more pounds. Plus when I stop working out, I lose weight again and my arms get smaller.
What do you do when you travel abroad?
My PT gives me a program, exercises that I can do in the hotel gym.
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Congratulations to Star Magic for 20 years of developing great talents like Kim Chiu. Thank you to Lambert Pangilinan and Thess Gubi.
Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.