IN the next few weeks, I will be featuring somebody immersed in the fitness or sports performance industry. I hope that the insight given will guide you all along in your journey in fitness or sports performance. My first guest is an exercise science professor who looks like a god, Wisdom Valleser.
Can you say a little something about yourself?
“I am an assistant professor for the Department of Sports Science in UP Diliman, College of Human Kinetics. I finished Bachelor of Sports Science in 2008, and a Master’s Degree in Human Movement Science specializing in Exercise Science in 2013.”
How are you involved in the industry?
“Many of our students eventually work in the health and fitness industry, so I guess I’m indirectly involved. I am more involved in the academe through exercise and sports research but have consultations on health and exercise.
What is your personal fitness routine like?
“I have a very basic fitness routine. I mostly just lift weights and I workout six times a week. I plan and monitor for long-term success in fitness, so I usually have my program planned out six to eight months in advance.
As a professional, what’s the biggest misconception you see in the fitness and health industry?
“There is too much ‘broscience’ and a lot of pervasive myths: ‘Children should not lift weights, all athletes should jog/do cardio, lifting heavy will make you shorter etc.’ This is mostly a matter of lack of education. Fitness methods should be based on sound basic principles and concepts of exercise science.
What would you like to see more of in the fitness and health industry?
“We need more educated trainers and coaches. There needs to be some regulation in the fitness industry either within the community or under the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission), if possible. We need to have more educated coaches who know how to handle people. I see some uneducated trainers who say a lot of BS but get a lot of clients because they’re good at handling people. Ideally, what should matter is how much you know and how well you can help people reach their fitness goals. I guess in summary, I would like to see more people have a good time in the gym and get consistent results because of competent trainers.
If there’s any one thing you’d like to see people do for their health and wellness?
“Learn the basic principles of health and fitness. Read books. Read blogs. Listen to podcasts. Continuing to learn will save you years and years of trial and error. Health and fitness is the best investment you can give yourself. I have literally never met anyone who did not benefit from exercise. Fitness is such a great equalizer—you can’t buy it, can’t rent it. But if you don’t maintain it, you lose it. It does not discriminate. Any billionaire in his deathbed will tell you that health and fitness is worth more than anything.”