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Nica Banag, Yessa Yu-Caparas, and Aliza Apostol-Goco let us in on their fitness routines and home gym set-ups

There are no secrets when it comes to fitness; there are, however, many ways to go about it. 

Nica Banag, Yessa Yu-Caparas, and Aliza Apostol-Goco are three fit ladies who've taken to keeping safe and healthy throughout the pandemic. This means focusing on fitness while at home and continuing to working on themselves even amid the pandemic. Today, they share their top tips on how they keep up even while at home. 

Where's the best place to set up a home gym? 

Nica Banag: Anywhere. Just set it up according to your liking. Create a spot where you can get in the zone.

Yessa Yu-Caparas: Anywhere with space. 

Aliza Apostol-Goco: Anywhere, as long as [you feel motivated there]. More than location, it's the commitment to get fit and use whatever equipment you have. If you are starting out, in your room is okay. Then move it out of your room as your needs grow and if space permits. 

 

What equipment do you recommend people invest in for a home gym? 

Nica Banag: For starters, a pull-up bar, a set of dumbbells and a pair of rings. That’s all you need. If space is limited, a sturdy chair or table can be useful too. If I may add, good lighting and mirror [is useful] for form and progress check.

Yessa Yu-Caparas: I swear by Electric Studio indoor cycling and the lagree method. [I] would [also] highly recommend investing in a stationary bike and or a microformer. A good yoga mat is also a must and a great place to start a fitness journey.

Aliza Apostol-Goco: Start with adjustable items [such as] adjustable dumbbells, adjustable kettlebell. Worth the investment since it grows with you as you get stronger.

Read more: Where To Buy Gym Equipment: Building Your Own Fitness Haven At Home

Can you describe your own set-up? 

Nica Banag: It’s an indoor-outdoor space with a garden view. There’s nothing like breathing fresh air while working out. Bars are located outside and workout equipment inside. Not much stuff, just things we use on a regular basis.

Yessa Yu-Caparas: My mini home gym is on one side of my living room featuring my all-black boxing bag and indoor cycling bike from Electric Studio. I also have a Lagree Microformer machine in my husband’s home office. 

Aliza Apostol Goco: I recently fixed my attic into a Mom cave: half workout space, half office. I don’t have much, to be honest. Aside from having strong Wi-Fi for my online classes, I also have an indoor bike from Saddlerow, a portable reformer from Onelife Studio, a Forma Barre from Plana Forma and some basic home gym equipment such as dumbbells, yoga blocks, pilates ring, pilates softballs, medicine balls, resistance bands, and foam roller. 

What exercises do you do? 

Nica Banag: I dedicate at least twice a week for legs and glutes, which includes squats, deadlifts and hip thrusts. Another 2 for arms — pulling and pushing exercises and some dumbbell routine. One day for playing around with the basics just to mix things up. Then there's [a rest day] which is also very important.

Yessa Yu-Caparas: I do a combination of lagree, boxing, indoor cycling, weight lifting and yoga around 5 to 6 times a week.

Aliza Apostol-Goco: I work out almost every day and I would do different exercises. I spin/cycle 2 to 3 times a week, I do strength training thrice a week and focus on back, legs, and upper body. I also join Barre classes twice a week so there are days that I do two different exercises. But I do listen to my body and slow down when needed.

 

Best fitness tip to share with our readers. 

Nica Banag: Set small, specific goals and take one workout at a time. Our main objective is to make working out part of our lifestyle. It’s for self-preservation.

Yessa Yu-Caparas: Find workouts that you enjoy to stay motivated.

Aliza Apostol-Goco: Do not compare your progress with others. Someone's middle can't be your beginning. Just commit and keep at it. Enjoy the process, celebrate your wins and progress.