Raymond Gutierrez surprised everyone when he revealed on April his lean and fit physique to the public, via a shirtless photo, no less. He shed 65 pounds off his weight and gained the strength to lift, run, and jump—in less than four months.
The 33-year-old host and social media’s new #fitspiration started on his transformation journey in Jan. 2, right after the holidays.
Raymond’s motivation was a simple but compelling one: he hated the way he looked and the way he felt. He wanted to wear clothes he likes and do things without him always catching his breath.
“I was having these thoughts in my head that I can’t continue this life being the way it is—the poor diet and poor lifestyle choices.” he told Manila Standard Young Life. “I thought I really had to make a big change.”
With the help of nutritionist Nadine Tengco, Raymond changed his diet, to which he attributed 70 percent of his successful weight loss. During his 90-day challenge, he stopped eating rice and pork, and even quit alcohol—a challenge for a party boy and nightclub owner like him.
“I was a heavy drinker, I was a party boy; nightlife was my number one priority because I own nightclubs. Getting those businesses up and running took a toll on my health,” he related. But firm on his decision to finally change, he redirected his energy towards the most important thing for him. “Now my main priority is my health.”
Fitness coach Arnold Aninion guided him on his workout routine, which included sled work, bench presses, battle ropes, air squats, and running. While Erwan Heusaff, his lifestyle coach, helped him document his journey on social media, thus inspiring many people.
“From January to April was kind of that intense moment,” shared Raymond.
He admitted his journey wasn’t easy—his social life was sacrificed and there were days that he would feel lazy to workout. But he soon discovered, “it’s all a mind game.” He said, “You have to remember it’s you against yourself. You have to constantly remind yourself [on days you feel lazy] that you’ll feel better after you workout.”
The first and perhaps the hardest phase of his transformation journey may be over, but Raymond is not done yet.
“I’m still not finished on whatever my goal is,” he declared.
Raymond said he’s now focusing on building more muscle and being much stronger. His current workout routine: “Before breakfast, I do a 40-minute jog or speed walk. In the afternoon, I train with Arnold wherein we do weights. Sometimes in the evening, I do spinning classes.”
He added, “I try to keep it fun and exciting. I don’t want to do the same thing everyday.”
When it comes to food, Raymond said it’s about the better options and balanced proportion. “The good kind of protein, the good kind of fat, the good kind or carb.”
He also doesn’t deprive himself of treats. He shared, “Once in a while I’ll have a sweet dessert, but not everyday.”
After quitting for a while, Raymond enjoys his tipple again, but only occasionally such as during Divine Lee’s wedding and Mayor Pie Alvarez’s birthday recently.
“If it’s a big celebration and if it’s something to celebrate, why not? I don’t want to take that away from me totally,” he emphasized.
According to the “new Mond,” the small decisions that you do on a daily basis make the biggest change. And, without a doubt, he’s loving the changes he 's feeling right now.
“I feel like a happier and positive person overall. I’m excited to do things everyday, excited to take up new hobbies, new workout classes,” he enthused.
“Everyday I live my life in a very positive way.”