In the Philippines, COVID-19 single-handedly shut down the fitness industry from March 2020 until June 2021. Group fitness was only permitted to reopen in November 2021, enabling the Philippines to claim the unwanted title as one of the longest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world. Understandably, this 20-month group fitness closure wreaked chaos on the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of its population, including Les Mills Instructors – four of whom we chatted with, to find out about their experience and advice for staying strong.
MAURICE LU
BODYPUMP® and RPM® Instructor
“Honestly, the struggle continues to this day, but things seem to be looking up. The best advice I could give to those who are going through tough times is that don’t be scared to ask for help. Know that there are people that love and support you. In times such as this, we only have each other to lean on. I’m hoping that 2022 will be a better year for all of us.”
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KRIZHELLE MENDOZA
BODYCOMBAT®, RPM® and BODYPUMP® Instructor
“The pandemic meant I went from teaching at least two to three classes every day, to staying home for almost 21 months. This affected me in every aspect of my life – physical, mental, financial, social and spiritual. However, this very unique situation also opened up my eyes to the things that I took for granted – life itself, family, relationships and God. I realised I had become so busy building my own life and glory that I forgot what mattered most.”
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KRISTINE BATUNGBACAL
BODYJAM®, BODYBALANCE® and LES MILLS TONE Instructor
Tin says her motivation has always been her ‘Why’, but that they had evolved a lot over time. “Pre-pandemic, my Why was that I wanted to influence everyone to be healthy and stay healthy. But now, my Why is to use teaching as a tool to encourage people to keep pressing on. To never stop. To never give up. Because, this pandemic taught me that every single second is a gift from God, and that there is a good reason behind everything that happens.”
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ARNOLD WARREN
BODYJAM®, SH’BAM® Instructor
“It was a clear message that what we do in the clubs (teaching classes) is something that people want to experience again, and that it creates a positive change in them. That alone was enough motivation for me to continue teaching as soon as we are allowed.”
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