After years of maintaining an intense workout routine, actor-host Enchong Dee is embracing a more balanced approach to fitness as he enters his late 30s.
Speaking during a recent Sun Life Grepa media conference, the 36-year-old actor said staying healthy remains a priority, but his definition of wellness has evolved over the years.
“When I graduated from the university at 21, hindi ko na tinigilan yung work out at paggym. Somehow, I'm drawn to activities that make me sweat,” Enchong recalled.
The actor admitted that even when choosing projects, he finds himself gravitating toward roles that keep him physically active.
“Recently, someone offered me a short film that does tennis. Wala akong kaalam-alam sa tennis, but I know I'll sweat while preparing for the role and doing that or filming that project. So, anything that makes my heart race, I’m all for it,” he shared.
“I'm celebrating my 20th years in the industry, but you never see me go out with my team often kasi ang importante sa akin ay I move more than I eat,” he added.
As per Enchong, his discipline came from his background as a competitive athlete long before entering the entertainment industry.
“Only because my background was from becoming an athlete at early age so parang yung nutrition alam ko na yung makakabuti sa akin sa hindi,” he expressed.
Beyond the physical benefits, Enchong believes healthy habits also contribute to financial well-being by helping prevent illnesses and unnecessary expenses.
“It's a lifestyle choice, a decision you have to make every day and thank God that I was doing the right thing kasi damay damay lahat. Hindi ka masyado nagkakasakit so yumayaman ka kasi di ka gumagastos sa hospitalization, hindi ka rin masyado nag-junkfoods so di ka rin gumagastos. It goes hand in hand yung health and wealth,” he explained.
“That's the reason also na hindi ako nalabas because I don't drink or smoke.”
While exercise remains a constant, Enchong admitted that his outlook on fitness has changed after realizing that recovery is just as important as training.
“I was doom scrolling and I saw this video and doon ko narealize na sabi niya na once we get older, dapat narealize daw natin dapat yung pagtraining or work out natin is not the same what we did in our 20s,” Enchong shared.
Instead of constantly pushing his body to its limits, the actor now places greater importance on rest, stretching, recovery, and even traveling.
“Now, rest, relaxation and recovery is also important as working out. Now I realize kasi I don’t stop working out until I’m very sore so doon nanggaling yung muscle tear and injury, so I was like let me put more emphasis on my recovery, stretching and traveling. Kailangan natin i-adjust yung lifestyle natin as we get older,” he expressed.
For Enchong, staying healthy doesn't always require intense workouts.
“As simple as walking around, it's really beneficial to everyone's health.”