Strengthen family bonds through fitness

Amazing positive energy surrounds model, fitness ambassador and personal trainer Culver Padilla. His daily grind starts at 6 a.m. when his clients and friends start pouring into the gym and continues into nighttime. He goes home to fulfill father duties to his boys Cloud and Zeus who he raises with his beautiful wife Debbie. 

With fitness such a big part of Culver’s life, and with Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, June 17, we asked him how he teaches his sons to start active, healthy lifestyles early on.

Here’s how Culver Padilla and his family strengthen their bond through fitness.

Philippine STAR: What keeps you busy?

Culver Padilla: Fitness, family, self-enrichment and friends are the things that keep me occupied everyday. As a fitness trainer, I’m usually at the gym as early as 6 a.m. and go home at around 9:30 p.m. During those times where I don’t have clients to train, I catch up on reading and researching about anything that is useful to me. Sunday is family day. I normally take them out — eat, shop, pray or watch a movie. Since most of my students are also my friends, I sometimes invite them to have a good time either in the gym, outdoors or at home. 

Why is working out a priority for you?

Fitness is a lifestyle and also my bread and butter. As an ambassador of fitness and healthy lifestyle, I have to set an example to others, especially to my clients. How could you convince them if you don’t walk the talk? Besides, I’m doing this not only for myself but also for my family. I want to take care of them longer. 

Are your kids into fitness or sports?

I have two boys — my source of strength and inspiration. Cloud is six years old, while Zeus is almost two. Cloud has been showing me different fitness moves already like pushups, planks, pull ups, l-sits etc. and has been very excited about swimming. They are still young, so it’s hard to tell if they will follow my footsteps in the future but I have been exposing them to the kind of lifestyle I embrace. I have brought them to fun runs and hiking, hoping to inculcate in their young minds the beauty of fitness. 

How do you balance time for exercise with family and your busy schedule?

As much as I love fitness, I rest on Sundays. And dedicate this day for my family. Since it’s a lifestyle, I have influenced my family to get fit and stay healthy. Exercising to us is also family time — we workout and stay active together. It’s just a matter of leading your life in a way you can infuse your work and family into the same world. We just have to be strategic and creative. 

What’s your family’s favorite fitness bonding activities?

We go hiking, swimming and do fun runs together on weekends.

Do you follow any special diet? Are there any efforts done in the kitchen at home to keep the family healthy?

I have no special diet since I’m not into bodybuilding anymore. We just eat healthy foods as much as possible all the time. No junk food, no sodas, deep-fried or oily food. We make it to eat home-cooked meals, in that way we are sure that what we’re having is clean and nutritious. 

What advice would you give other dads who want a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families?

It’s never too late to embrace a healthy lifestyle. If you love your family you have to learn to care of yourself so you can better take care of them.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph. or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.