While scrolling through your Instagram feed, you’ve most likely come across an OOTD shot of your favorite celeb and wondered, “How does she stay in shape?!” Unless they’re taking an extended break, most celebrities have really hectic days—full of shoots, interviews, and meetings. As public figures, the truth is that even after a long day, they probably have to squeeze in some time in the gym, not only to maintain their figures, but also to build their strength and stamina.
Cosmo.ph spoke to three well-known celebrity trainers—Kat Garcia, Bok Santos, Mark Banta—to get to know the experts who help Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, and Nadine Lustre reach their fitness goals.
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Name: Kat Garcia (trains Kathryn Bernardo)
Instagram: @bodybymamakat
How did you become a celebrity trainer?
Actually, being a “celebrity trainer” was never the goal. I just started training celebrities because my family friend, Luis Manzano, referred me to Anne Curtis. From there, she asked about my background and training style.
What factors do you consider when you first meet someone who wants to train with you?
I just carefully assess their goals and, of course, inquire about the biggest part of being fit—their eating habits. And I can never accept a client who’s not willing to commit wholeheartedly.
How much does it cost to train with you?
My consultation and assessment fees run from P5,000 to P10,000. I also have a “distant” coaching fee as well as a one-on-one [fee] once I accept a client for training.
What is a typical workout session like with you?
A typical session would last for 40 minutes to an hour. My forte is circuit training by using functional routines. Since the process is different for each person, I first find the client’s weak areas and strengthen those; that’s how I carefully design each person’s program.
What’s your advice for women who are insecure about exercising in a gym?
Show up. Focus on your goals. You’ll overcome your insecurities once you feel better and confidence is established.
What can you tell us about how Kathryn trains?
Kathryn is like my bunso because she’s the youngest in my client list this year. She has amazing gym ethics; and she always arrives on time. Kath loves intense circuit sessions—especially for her fight scenes [in La Luna Sangre]. For her, I created a “no excuses” training system, which means that even when [we don’t meet up,] she trains at home. Her favorite moves are my arms and abs circuits, agility ladder drills, and glutes isolation drills.
What’s one health or fitness myth you’d like to debunk?
That you can sweat out a bad meal or that you can rely on fat burners!
How do you motivate yourself to work out when you just don’t feel like getting out of bed?
I browse through fitness pages and look at my own progress photos.
If you could train with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Manny Pacquiao and Michael Phelps.
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Name: Bok Santos (trains Liza Soberano)
Instagram: @boksantos
How did you become a celebrity trainer?
My regular clients referred me to their celebrity friends because they were satisfied with the results of their workouts.
What factors do you have to consider when you first meet with someone who wants to train with you?
I ask about their goals first—and it’s usually weight loss.
What is a typical workout session like with you?
It really depends on the client’s “target.” If it’s weight loss, we do more circuits. If the client wants to gain more muscles, we lift weights. If the client is sedentary, I start training him or her through cardio to build endurance.
What’s your advice for women who are insecure about exercising in a gym?
Do not mind other people. Just focus on your goal.
What can you tell us about how Liza trains?
At first, she didn’t like most of the exercises we did because they were hard. But now, because she sees the results [of her hard work,] she loves them.
What’s one health or fitness myth you’d like to debunk?
Lifting weights make women bulky.
How do you motivate yourself to work out when you just don’t feel like getting out of bed?
I think about what I ate last night and how I need to burn that. I also think of my goals. It’s also important to remember that a time will come when you’ll no longer be able to do this so make the most out of it while you can.
If you could train with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Kendall Jenner
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Name: Mark Banta (trains Nadine Lustre)
Instagram: @gymbassy
How did you become a celebrity trainer?
Through referrals! I also post frequently so I got direct inquiries from them. TBH, I don’t want to be addressed as a “celebrity trainer” because I feel like it intimidates non-celebrity clients and makes more look unapproachable.
What factors do you have to consider when you first meet with someone who wants to train with you?
I consider their health and condition. Can they perform basic body movements? What are their past injuries? Have they had any recent operations? And of course, I ask about their fitness goals.
What is a typical workout session like with you?
It depends on the client’s fitness goal. If the client wants to build muscle mass or gain lean muscle, we do resistance training. If the client wants to lose weight or decrease body fat, we focus more on aerobic exercises. For a woman who’s sedentary, we just do light training for 30 minutes a day focusing on functional whole-body workouts three times a week.
What’s your advice for women who are insecure about exercising in a gym?
I get this question a lot and I can tell if my clients are uncomfortable in the gym. But no one’s looking at you, trust me. Just focus on your training and picture yourself three months from now.
What can you tell us about how Nadine trains?
I admire Nadine’s work ethic and time management skills. We all know how hectic her schedule is and as her trainer, believe me, she needs 48 hours in a day. If she can squeeze in a workout after taping in the morning, shooting in the afternoon, guesting at night, why can’t we make time for a 30-minute workout?
Another thing I like about training Nadine is that she doesn’t have go-to moves. If she needs to endure an hour of ab workouts, she’ll do it.
What’s one health or fitness myth you’d like to debunk?
That if women lift heavy (barbells, dumbbells, cables) you’ll start looking like The Rock.
If you could train with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Adele
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