Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Gymbassy Mark Banta

<p>Most of us admire celebrities for their flawless visuals—perfect skin, beautiful features, and goal-worthy physiques. It’s no secret, too, that most of these A-listers are booked and busy, with little to no time for being lazy and free time. So that makes us wonder—what secrets do they keep that they are able to maintain such bodies despite the busyness?</p><p>The general public arguably has more time to spare, having a daily routine we can stick to, but somehow, it’s still difficult for us to get disciplined about our fitness and weight loss efforts. With the rest of 2026 ahead of us, we’re still up for the challenge of getting into the best shape of our lives. And with the help of celebrity trainer Mark Banta who founded Gymbassy, we hope to do just that. We spoke to Mark and asked him our pressing questions about this often misunderstood world of working out and shedding kilos. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBNVBOZJMVg/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=930&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1710917.0000000002%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1203" 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><br/></strong></div><div><strong>Metro.Style: Tell us about Gymbassy. How did this brand/company start? Why is it called such?</strong></div><p><strong>Mark Banta: </strong>It was really a blessing that I had the opportunity to open my own gym at that time, I thank the Lord and parents everyday for that. I knew I had it in me and i was given the chance so I took it. You know, I started working out at a young age and I also used to party a lot with my friends back in high school and college. I noticed everytime we party we dance and stay up til 5-6 am but everytime we would plan to work out they struggle to wake up (haha!) I decided to bridge this gap by creating a vibe that in a way simulates that club feel with good friends and hiphop music blaring from my speakers. The name of the place we would go to party was “Embassy”  and it sounded catchy to combine gym in it. Everything was solidified when I had my initials at the very center of it as well heheh and the rest as they say is history.    </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:467px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769073166551Banner Gymbassy.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Gymbassy by Mark Banta</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What is your fitness ethos? What do you believe in?</strong></div><p><strong>MB: </strong>I would say I see fitness in everyday life; it is part of our daily routine, going up and down the stairs, carrying grocery bags, running around with our kids—it’s consistent. Build habits you can maintain, not just push through. And its quality over quantity, ALWAYS. A well structured quick workout is more effective than aimless sloppy hours at the gym. Discipline beats motivation all day. You wont always feel like training but your mindset can carry you forward.    </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>MS: What kind of fitness training do you do? What programs do you specialize in?</strong></div><p>MB: I do functional and strength training; I specialize in fat loss, muscle gain and transformation programs.    </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769073352246SnapInsta.to_496006917_18498152164005424_7041096315181444252_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: Tell us about the beauty queens you&#x27;ve trained. How did their programs differ? Or did they all have the same program?</strong></div><p><strong>MB:</strong> I have trained from aspiring to crowned beauty queens. From Miss International to Miss Universe as well. One thing I always admire is their focus and determination. They are driven by one goal. And every client has their individualized, tailored-fit training program; there is no one -size-fits-all, for me it’s like molding a sculpting clay—I would assess their strong and weak points and areas of improvement. I also ask them their “ideal” body that we are going to work for and I make sure I deliver  their desired body before they step on stage.    </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769073453321SnapInsta.to_496348623_18498152167005424_2891651021650820186_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Mark Banta with Celeste Cortesi and Pia Wurtzbach</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: How about diet? What are your beliefs/guidelines for your clients?</strong></div><p><strong>MB: </strong>With all this diet fads and trendy celebrities diet programs, what may have worked for them may not work for you. It’s hard to recommend to a general population but if am to do so I would advise to focus on establishing healthy, sustainable eating habits and lifestyle changes. Stick to whole foods, avoid processed food. Incorporate fruits and greens to your daily food intake. I believe in movement and the principle of calories in calories out. Move more and engage in exercises and strength training. Get a good amount of sun. Hydrate. Sleep 7-9 hrs daily.   </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>MS: How can people avail of your services?</strong></div><p><strong>MB: </strong>For personal training they can visit me at Anytime Fitness Carnegie, Melbourne and to those who are interested with online training can reach me through instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gymbassy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@gymbassy</a> though I try to read all the messages and try to accommodate everyone, I only take a limited number of clients per year to maintain the quality of my service. But please do know that I get back to the next person as soon as a slot opens.    </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What is your best advice for regular people who are struggling to get fit?</strong></div><p><strong>MB:</strong> Slow and steady wins the race. We all know the golden rule. Start Small and Be Consistent, take everything one step at a time. Your workouts shouldnt be too overwhelming. Just commit to something manageable. Do something you love. Take up dancing. Go on a hike. I know it sounds cliche but yes it would get easier. Passion fuels perseverance, making the pursuit of your goals more fulfilling and less daunting. And of course once you consistently hit your small goal, you&#x27;ll feel more confident and motivated to gradually increase the duration or intensity. If you think youre only losing 1kg a month, thats 12kg in a year! Be patient and trust the process.</p><div><br/></div><p>Mark Banta is currently residing in Melbourne, Australia and can be reached via Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gymbassy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@gymbassy</a></p>

<p>Gymbassy's Mark Banta let us in on his philosophy for training stars like Pia Wurtzbach</p>

Gymbassy's Mark Banta let us in on his philosophy for training stars like Pia Wurtzbach

What a Celebrity Fitness Trainer Wants You to Know About Fitness and Weight Loss

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What a Celebrity Fitness Trainer Wants You to Know About Fitness and Weight Loss

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published January 22, 2026 05:00 PM PHT

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Updated January 22, 2026 05:25 PM PHT

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Mark Banta

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Celebrity Fitness Trainer

Pia Wurtzbach Fitness Trainer

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