Maria Katrina Paras

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Metro Fitspiration: Nichole Mercado

<p><strong>Nichole Mercado</strong>&#x27;s Instagram feed, I admit, can make one feel intimidated. It&#x27;s a picture-perfect grid of Nichole looking taut and perfectly fit, a beautiful family life, a thriving career. But what we often forget when we look at someone&#x27;s feed is the hard work that goes into every single post, most especially for those who work hard on their physique. Such is this month&#x27;s<strong> fitspiration</strong>, Nichole&#x27;s life, one that she&#x27;s been working on since she was 14 years old. &quot;Fitness has been part of my life since I was a teenager. I joined my first gym when I was just 14 years old! I tried different sports and workouts then, but once I started boxing and weight-lifting, that’s what really stuck&quot;, shares Nichole. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754373999001SnapInsta.to_491504996_18501413869025312_7147374237264720841_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@nicholemercado</span></span></span>While starting an active lifestyle at a young age gives you a good head start on life, such is not always the case. But with Nichole, her admirable physique, even up to motherhood and marriage, is proof that consistency is key. Here, we break down the process by which Nichole advocates for movement, how she treats herself, and how she believes that you, too, can do it.</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Metro.Style: Tell us about yourself and what you do now, your passions, and how you keep fit.</strong></div><p><strong>Nichole Mercado: </strong>I’m a businesswoman and a holistic health coach. As a holistic health coach, I help people improve their well-being through a more integrative approach. We look at the person as a whole—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, and we try to make lifestyle changes to enhance each of these dimensions. </p><p>I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness, with a strong focus on living a balanced lifestyle that promotes sustainable well-being. By maintaining this balanced approach, I really hope to inspire more people to see health, not as a short-term goal, but as a lifelong journey of self-care and strength.</p><p>I stay fit by taking a holistic approach that nurtures both my body and mind. For me, fitness isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about creating harmony between movement, nutrition, recovery, and mental well-being. I stay active with a mix of workouts that I genuinely enjoy, while also fueling my body with nourishing, balanced meals that support my goals and energy. I prioritize rest and sleep, and practice mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises and nature walks to keep my stress levels in check. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754374074318SnapInsta.to_514715888_18514838023025312_8985287655096114833_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>MS: What kind of workouts do you love doing? How did you get into all these? Have you always been into fitness?</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>I like to keep things dynamic and exciting by incorporating a variety of workouts into my routine. I love mixing it up with running, HIIT, Pilates, boxing, dancing, and obstacle course racing (OCR). My base workouts have always been boxing, HIIT, and Pilates— they’re my foundation and the ones I naturally return to. Over time, though, I needed to feel more challenged. I’ve been doing all those workouts for so long already, and eventually they became easier. While it’s rewarding to see progress, I also took it as a sign that my body is adapting and ready for something more. I’ve learned to keep evolving. I need to continually challenge myself and push beyond my comfort zone, and that’s how I started getting into running and OCR. The dance classes, though, are really just for fun and to relieve stress. A lot of the workouts that I do are about being “tough”, and I like how dance taps into my softer side.</p><p>Fitness has been part of my life since I was a teenager. I joined my first gym when I was just 14 years old! I tried different sports and workouts then, but once I started boxing and weight-lifting, that’s what really stuck.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL4dWkfzOXe/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A10753427.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1125" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> <strong>MS: How long have you been doing them, and what are some challenges you&#x27;ve faced?</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>I started boxing and lifting weights about 20 years ago, and Pilates about 10 years ago. I really enjoyed those activities even from the start, so I can’t say that I faced any challenges. Not that they weren’t challenging or difficult enough, but they felt more natural to me, like they really aligned with my body and personality. I guess the activities that pushed me past my comfort zone were OCR and running. I started OCR last year, and the training before my first race was brutal. I didn’t expect it to be that difficult since I was pretty strong and had a good base. But with OCR, it’s so much more than just physical endurance; it’s a lot about technique and mental strength. It comes down to strategy, precision, and staying calm under pressure. I thrived on that challenge! I just started running in February this year to prepare for longer OCR races. I knew I’d struggle with distance and recovery between obstacles without a strong running base. I used to hate running; it always felt like a chore, and I never saw the appeal. Running has brought me the biggest challenge so far, but it’s also been incredibly empowering. I appreciate the mental clarity it brings, the way it builds quiet resilience, and the sense of accomplishment after pushing through a tough run. Now, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my fitness journey.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754377555138SnapInsta.to_491440547_18500326831025312_1000770900964597031_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>MS: Describe a day in your life, and how you manage to squeeze in time for a workout.</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>It differs depending on what my training/workout is for the day. My mornings, though, always start early, on average 4 am. I start by prepping things for my son (his meals and school stuff, the usual), then I’ll do my workout for the day, which always needs to be done by 9:30 am at the latest. Then I’m off to work, whether it’s coaching calls, business meetings, or events. On lighter days, I do my meal preps for the next few days. I’m in bed by 9 pm. Sleep and recovery are so important when you’re active. I rarely ever go out in the evenings.</p><p>My morning workouts have become my non-negotiable. I like to do it before anything else because starting my day with movement clears my mind, boosts my energy, and sets a positive tone for everything that follows. If I have an early meeting, then I’ll wake up extra early to get my workout in. You make time for the things that are important to you.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGPVJ4qzFIk/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A10966055.200000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="945" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What about your diet? Do you follow a strict regimen, and how does it supplement your activities?</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>I choose to avoid gluten, dairy, and refined sugar because I’ve noticed how they negatively affect the way I feel, both physically and mentally. I wouldn’t say I follow a strict regimen, but over time, I’ve become more in tune with how my body responds to different foods, and cutting these out has helped me feel more energized. I don’t believe in restrictive or extreme diets; they’re often unsustainable and can do more harm than good in the long run. Instead, I like to fuel my body in a balanced and intentional way that supports my active lifestyle—lots of complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fat!</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754374458518SnapInsta.to_473674877_1024428909703222_3451662851585258197_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>MS: How do you treat yourself?</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>Honestly, with cute activewear. As much as I’m a fitness girl, I’m a fashion girl too. I’m in activewear every day, not just when I work out, but sometimes for work too, because I’m a strength and conditioning coach as well. Treating myself to new pieces is just another way I celebrate my hard work and love for both movement and style.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What is your best advice for women struggling to maintain a fitness routine?</strong></div><p><strong>NM: </strong>1. Find something you genuinely enjoy and feel authentic to who you are. When movement aligns with your personality and lifestyle, it stops feeling like a chore and becomes something you look forward to.</p><p>2. Schedule it like an appointment. Treat your workouts like any other important commitment, like a meeting or a doctor’s appointment.</p><p>3. Remember your “why”. When motivation dips, come back to your deeper reason. Whether it’s for your mental health, strength, more energy for your family, or simply self-care.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754374499782SnapInsta.to_504490454_18510579478025312_5196562535481027775_n.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">@nicholemercado</span></span></span></div><p> Follow Nicole for her programs and training sessions on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicholemercado" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@nicholemercado</a></p>

<p>"For me, fitness isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about creating harmony between movement, nutrition, recovery, and mental well-being."</p>

"For me, fitness isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about creating harmony between movement, nutrition, recovery, and mental well-being."

Fitspiration: Holistic Health Coach and Movement Advocate Nichole Mercado

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Fitspiration: Holistic Health Coach and Movement Advocate Nichole Mercado

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published August 05, 2025 03:00 PM PHT

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Updated August 05, 2025 03:11 PM PHT

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Nichole Mercado

Fitspiration Nichole Mercado

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