6 Filipino-Americans Changing The Way We Think About Fitness And Health
When I was growing up, the most fitness related conversations in my household were basketball and anything related to the Los Angeles Lakers. I’m sure that can be said for most Fil-Am homes. However, with the growing trend of fitness and ‘health is wealth’, many Filipino athletes and trainers are reimagining how much we as Filipinos, can push our boundaries and represent our culture in the media, professional competitions, and an overall more healthy lifestyle. These 6 Filipino athletes, trainers and fitfluencers are showcasing what we as a people can bring to any of those industries.
1. Gem Zape
With the growing trend of athleisure wear and fitness fashion, you might see some of the top brands working with a Filipino model, Gem Zape.
Gem is an athlete for Ghost supplement brand, Navigation clothing, and Paragon activewear. Her inspiring story is not just about how she lost weight but how she had to explore multiple forms of training to figure out: how to take care of her body, how to genuinely love her body, dedicate her time to her craft, and develop consistency for the physical and mental well being she had been missing. This included getting her college degree in kinesiology and hiring a coach for her first bikini competition which she placed 4th in.
All the different modalities she studied eventually lead her to a more balanced fitness lifestyle that she now uses to coach her own clients. She sums it up best on her website “My goal is to help as many women with not only getting a bigger booty and nice physique, but a healthier mindset that will perceive and treat fitness as a lifestyle.” Follow her for more on her Instagram.
2. Kimmy Katee
A fitness influencer with a passion for powerlifting, Kimmy has recently turned her social media presence onto the powerlifting competition scene. Having recently competed in her first competition, Kimmy recorded a Squat of 265lbs, a Bench Press of 127lbs, and a Deadlift of 320lbs, totaling at 712lbs. Once known for her fitness advice and her elite gym fashion, she is now adding powerlifting to her resume, showing to the world that Filipina’s can be strong and also model with the best.
With Hidilyn Diaz taking Gold in Olympic weightlifting, we are hoping Kimmy is not far behind to be #1 in the powerlifting world. Follow her journey on here.
3. Alexander Quimson
Alexander Quimson, who is more known on social media as @lionhearted_aj , is a 2x NPC Overall Champion (National Physique Committee) for Men’s Physique Bodybuilding. Representation has been on the rise for our Filipino-American community in sports, music, acting, and now bodybuilding, thanks to AJ and his pursuit of Mr. Olympia since his professional debut in 2017. But not only is he transforming his own life but as a health coach, he has transformed the lives of over 350 clients. Not only is he personally promoting a healthier lifestyle for our people but he is also passing that knowledge on and dramatically bettering the lives of his clients. For any fitness advice or coaching, be sure to head to his Instagram to see how you can change your life for the better as well.
4. Jordan Mica
With the interest of powerlifting steadily increasing over the last few years, it’s no surprise to see the impact it has on our youth and their curiosity to pick up a barbell. 10 year old Filipino and Hmong American, Jordan Mica, has close to 100k followers on Instagram, breaking the myth that children should not be lifting heavy weights. With proper instruction and programming from his father, Jordan has posted personal records at the 2022 California State Championships with a Squat of 159.8lbs, a Bench Press of 82.6lbs, and a Deadlift listed at 187.4lbs, giving him a total of 429.9lbs lifted. With his hard work and natural born talent, I know Jordan will be joining the 1000lb club anytime now! Keep up with him on his Instagram.
5. Tuan Dinh Jr.
TJ is the definition of work in silence. He is highly known in the powerlifting community as one of the hardest workers, holding multiple state titles in powerlifting such as the USAPL CA Squat Record 200kg and the CA total record for 562.5kg in his weight class. Weighing at 135lbs bodyweight, his recorded competition lifts total over 1240.1lbs. Broken down, that adds up to a 440.9lb Squat, a 297.6lb Bench Press, and a 529.1lb Deadlift. That translates to him squatting 3x his own weight, benching 2x his own weight, and deadlift about 4x his own bodyweight. Although he is quiet in the social media community, the walls he is breaking for our community makes him a definite name to keep an eye out for, proving to the world that size is not equal to heart and hard work we have as a people. Follow along his journey here.
Powerlifting record holders, professional models, and bodybuilding champions, how often are Filipinos being discussed within those prestigious accolades? Might just be a select few for now but this should be an encouragement that there is a world where deadlifting 500 pounds and enjoying halo halo is possible. Just because Hidilyn Diaz is the first to win Gold should not mean she will be the last to do so. We as a community have untapped strength that the world has yet to see and I am excited to see what molds we can break in the coming years.
6. Betina Gozo Shimonek
If you’re regular on app based fitness programs like Nike’s or Apple’s, Betina Goza Shimonek is no stranger to you. Betina is a Nike Master Trainer and over the years, she’s worked with clients and top industry leaders as a fitness professional with a focus/emphasis on strength training.
Her #1 goal is to use fitness and training to inspire people to make positive lifestyle changes so they can live their most optimal life and most importantly: feel good. Betina’s strength is motivating clients to reach outside their comfort zone in order to transform their body and mind, especially women.
As proud pinay, mom and entrepreneur, you can often find her leading inspirational workouts and live events throughout the US and Nike World Headquarters. As the winner of Women's Health Magazine's 2017 "Next Fitness Star," Betina has created the “Woman’s Guide to Strength Training”, a 12 week training plan designed specifically for women to find confidence in lifting weights, in partnership with the magazine, and currently serves on the magazine's Advisory Board.
From killer workouts to tips on how to navigate the weight room, Betina shares her expertise to help you get the most out of your resistance workouts. She was one of the founding team members of Apple Fitness+ Trainer, where she shared her journey of pregnancy and postpartum releasing two programs for Pregnant and Postpartum Women. Follow her journey here.
Written by Dominic Tibayan
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