While on a quick scroll through Instagram, chances are, you are bombarded by different ideas on how to achieve that coveted fit physique. But in this age of inclusivity, what defines fitness has changed. All shapes. All sizes. All strong. All beautiful. Brands are following suit, offering options all across — adding spark to the motivation that keeps us all moving forward.

From athletic wear to workout options, and even skincare. The only question you really have to ask yourself is, are you willing to give any, or even all of it, a try. The end goal is to get yourself into a fitness mindset so it becomes less the exception, and more the golden rule!

Get strong

For the recent launch of the 2025 edition of Clarins’ Extra-Firming Day and Night Creams, they added a workout to the mix. And it was a cool one — riding the trend of mixed movements for a full body workout. The studio du jour was the much-talked about Strong Philippines over in Proscenium, which describes its programs as ‘Pilates-inspired, Cardio-infused, strength-driven’. I first tried them out late last year, and I haven’t stopped going since. It was 45 minutes of intense movement, waking up muscles you never even knew existed! You will feel all of it!

That afternoon, it was a Strong Body class, which had a couple of Pilates strength blocks, and a couple of erg (or cardio) blocks on a rower or bike. Instructor Ethan Lim walked everyone through each movement, and how to work the Rowformer. Then there was the four-count “strong” tempo — which is a lot more challenging than you’d think!

As a warm-up, he sent us off to a four-minute effort on the ‘ergs,’ just to start. Then it was time to pick up the cables for a few rounds of bicep curls and fly’s. Next up, Ethan got us on to lunges and squats, testing our resolve to stick to that tempo. Last stop was a round of crunches and sit-ups for a strong core before sending us off to a final run on the bike (or row)! Wheweee!

Fit check

With fitness being so huge right now, what does get me all hyped up for my daily gym sesh is cute athletic wear. In all colors, designs and most especially, all sizes. As a curvy girl, finding something that fit well, and looks good is always tricky.

Challenge accepted. First, I consider how well the material takes on sweat mid-workout. Then does it have a cool aesthetic for all those mirror selfies. Recent additions to my closet are H&M’s Move line, and local brand Shape, both of which are getting a lot of wear at the gym.

Over the lockdown, I discovered LA-based brand Alo, and started ordering it online. Their site featured different body types across styles, taking away much guesswork. Their leggings are great in holding you in, but my favorite are their sports bras – providing both style and support. They recently opened their first Manila store in Greenbelt 5, and I did spy some great pieces on those racks. Perhaps just one new piece?

The ‘skin-ny’ on it

As a self-confessed kikay girlie, I was taught back in my 20s the importance of good skincare. My mom used to say, “If you wait until the first sign of a wrinkle, then you’re way overdue.” Wash off the makeup, use a toner, and use a good moisturizer. Day and night. No shortcuts.

The older I got, the list got longer — as serums, eye creams, and all things anti-aging became de rigeuer. Formula is key! Lighter for day as it goes under makeup, then richer and thicker at night for skin recovery. After trying a whole slew of brands, I settled on a few favorites, running the gamut of price points.

On repeat is La Provençale Bio, a French brand I discovered through a friend, and hoarded on a trip to Madrid last year. Their Youth Oil and Anti-Aging Youth Cream, dare I say, work wonders — at drugstore prices. But since another European jaunt isn’t quite on the calendar, it was timely that I got a chance to try Clarins’ Extra-Firming Day & Night Creams at their launch + workout event. Aside from the usual mix of plant-based extracts, its key ingredient is Collagen Polypeptide. And we like our collagen!

As we age, natural collagen production in our bodies slow, and skincare is one way to supplement that. I’ve used Clarins before, but I am liking the luxurious feel of the new creams on my skin. That the jars are refillable now? Bonus points, for sure. So you read it here, ladies — moisturize, because that youthful glow comes with a bit of effort.

Here’s my takeaway from this foray into a more fitness-inclined mindset — it’s more a slow burn than it is an instant glow-up. For real. Skincare takes at least 10 days for some results to show. Dropping a pound can take a week, or more like two. We just have to keep at it. One five-minute morning or evening routine, or one ouchie Pilates rep at a time. You can also have a lazy day or two in between. Some pizza even. Then just get back to it. Consistency is what gets us from point A to point B. The good thing is, fitness and fun, these days, are no longer mutually exclusive. Go for the workout that works for you, look cute while you’re at it, and then pamper yourself after as a reward. Repeat the next day.