Alden Richards goes to confession and the gym regularly

The dreamboat is a gym rat: “His patience in training, his discipline outside the gym, is admirable."

Who doesn’t know Alden Richards? Although he started his showbiz career only in 2010, he already won 30 major entertainment awards!

His latest is the Best Single Performance by an Actor for his performance in Eat

Bulaga’s Lenten Special Kapatid aired on GMA. This was given at the 31st PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards for Television held last November 12 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of the Ateneo de Manila University.

While his talent is undisputed, there may be two major things of his well-being most are unaware of and which could provide inspiration to many. First is that he goes to Confession every month, no fail. Second is that he works out regularly.

Consistency is key to success when it comes to health and fitness, be it spiritual or physical. Alden has exemplified this rule with his hard work and dedication.

He has been a regular at the gym for years — to the point that he is like family to the gym community. While others prefer to sleep in, Alden gets up early every morning just so that he can work out before the start of his hectic schedule.

Even on trips abroad, he makes it a point to run and do some bodyweight training. He is also very disciplined when it comes to his diet.

It takes a lot of strength and endurance to work long showbiz hours, which Alden works on in the gym. We sat down with Alden’s longtime personal trainer James De Leon and asked how we can train like Alden Richards.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How often does Alden work out?
JAMES DE LEON: He works out weekdays, 7-9 a.m. It depends on his schedule.

What are the main guidelines you adhere to for his health regimen?
His endurance, flexibility, and strength are priorities. Right now, we are focused on building and defining his body for his next project. 

Is there any special routine that he does? What is his physical objective?
Bodyweight workout is a priority. His core strength, agility, and balance are also addressed. Our program design will be for what role or challenges he will be going through. We are making him ready.

How would you describe Alden’s habits? Is he a consistent health buff?
His patience in training, his discipline outside the gym, is admirable. He runs when he can on trips abroad. He also does some bodyweight exercises and trains using rubber tubing. He is disciplined when it comes to diet.

How does Alden keep his workout regimen going despite his busy schedule?
He comes whenever he can. If he cannot go and he’s so busy, he would ask me to go to him. I would train him backstage before he goes out on stage, making sure he is pumped. I give him workouts when he can’t go to the gym.

What part of his body does he work out the most? What machines/classes does he like?
We first corrected his posture, which added two inches to his height. Then we improved his endurance. He needs to improve his resistance, making him ready for work. He likes the cable crossover, because we can do so many things, including bodyweight. He starts with 20 minutes of treadmill, core, then his weight-training program. For cool down, we do stretching.

What kind of diet goes along with his workout routine?
I don’t give him a strict diet — just everything in moderation. I advised him to take frequent meals in small amounts and lastly, to eat slowly. I told him to savor the food. It’s basic moderation.

What is the ultimate advice you have given him as his trainer?
The ultimate advice I gave him is to make working out a part of his lifestyle. It’s a habit that he has to keep forever. And he listens.

What is the biggest challenge for training Alden? Does he have a problem area?
The biggest challenge training Alden is his schedule. He is so busy and very in demand. His problem area is his lower abs. We’re working on it with HIIT, cross training, and bodyweight training.
With such dedication and discipline, there is no doubt that Alden can achieve anything that he sets his mind to. Truly, he is a good example to us all that there are no excuses or obstacles too great to overcome when it comes to our fitness goals. -- PHILSTAR