Every fitness journey is unique. One may be inspired to move from a young age, growing to be athletic as years go by. Some on the other hand, discover their love for fitness much later in life, and that's okay too. For our Fitspiration of the Month Cyrene Morales a.k.a. Active Momma on Instagram, she discovered her love for fitness just 10 years ago, and has never stopped since. Today, she's a certified fitness trainer with a passion to empower others of all ages to embrace movement and love their bodies the way it's uniquely built.

We spoke to Cyrene about her passion, how she treats herself, and what she thinks are the easiest ways to incorporate movement into one's daily life. Read on for your dose of fitspiration today!

Metro.Style: Tell us about yourself and what you do now, what your passions are, and how you keep fit.

Cyrene Morales: Currently, I’m a certified fitness and personal trainer. I teach online and one on one ranging from kids to adults. I am also an aspiring content creator that focuses on an active lifestyle and wellness hoping that I can inspire people to be the best version of themselves.I am passionate about many things in life. Being a mom of a teenager and fitness enthusiast, I really value health and fitness for myself, for my family and others. I believe that’s best gift that you can offer is improve yours and their quality of life.I’m also an advocate against animal cruelty. Which led me to get certified as plant-based chef last year. I am conscious about the impact of my lifestyle on the environment and other living beings that’s why I want to do my part in protecting our planet.

MS: What kind of workouts do you love doing? How did you get into all these? Have you always been into fitness?

CM: When I first started working out 10 years ago, I was just doing strength and resistance training and it just evolved through the years. Currently, I’m staying active by joining road and trail races from 5K to half marathons, Spartan obstacle course, and recently just started competing Crossfit. I was working in a company back then. But sadly the company closed down so I decided to just take a break for a few months and just reflect on what I really want to do next. During those times, I kept going to the gym religiously and I realized that I enjoyed the feeling it gave me—I was like 'Oh, I want other people to feel what I’m feeling. I want them to understand the benefits of health and fitness.' So I thought why not to be an instructor and a personal trainer coach and add value to people’s lives. SoI applied to one of the biggest fitness companies here in the Philippines and I ended up not only being a coach and an instructor but also got into a managerial position which handles the service and member retention and operations.

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MS: How long have you been doing them and what are some of the challenges you've faced?

CM: Professionally I have been doing it for six years as fitness coach. I went through different certifications and really studied so I can provide the proper science-based knowledge to my clients and support their fitness needs accordingly. I think the challenge I had to face with me personally is basically the mindset of most people (not all) about being healthy and fit that you should have a certain look if I may say. To be in that status to be called 'fit'. But I overcame it because I know myself and as you continue your journey you build confidence and resilience. You seem to silence the noice and just focus on the goal.

MS: Describe a day in your life, and how you manage to squeeze in time for a workout.

CM: My day starts at 4:30 am waking up, meditating, and having my black coffee. I also read for about 20 minutes. Then I start preparing my son’s packed lunch, feed the three dogs, then bring my son to school around 6 am. Around 7:30, I’m back home, either running or working out for an hour then shower. I check my emails, work schedule or whatever meetings I have scheduled that day. But I always make sure that I also put my workout in my calendar and it’s non-negotiable. Of course I have rest days but you need to treat it as an appointment or else you will always bump/remove it off the list. I can workout in the afternoon but I have to put the work on that day if have any. After my work, it's time to get my son from school around 3 pm and be back home at 4. I settle down and feed the dogs and cats again. I prepare dinner, then by 7:30 I’m in bed, making sure by 9 pm I'm already asleep.

MS: What about your diet? Do you follow a strict regimen and how does it supplement your activities?

CM: I don’t have a strict diet but I’ve been vegan for almost three years now and the decision I made is not just based on health but like I mentioned, I’m again animal cruelty. But don’t worry, I don’t force my beliefs on people because it will not end good and it’s not right as well. Just because we have different views doesn't mean I don’t respect yours. I don’t eat any animal products including dairy. But whatever you choose, you have to find the balance and make sure that it’s sustainable or else you will feel deprived and start feeling crappy about yourself. It will affect your mood and others around you and it will go downhill from there. You don’t need to starve yourself! Just make sure you are getting the right macros to sustain your daily activities. Carbs, protein, fats, and fiber. Don’t be scared of carbs! You need it! When I’m competing, I add more carbs to my meals and drink electrolytes to support my energy throughout my race and also for fast recovery.

MS: How do you treat yourself?

CM: I eat when I crave something, whenever I feel like it but also I am aware that in order for me to be in my best state I cannot eat junk every day. If I do eat too much, I double the work because I don’t feel good after. I’m not punishing myself. It works for me and that’s how I get motivated. Though not everybody is wired like that. You really need to build discipline and consistency. I’m sure you’ve heard it so many times but because it’s true. That’s the key.

MS: Your best advice for women who struggle to keep a fitness routine?

CM: My best advice to women is first, BE PATIENT, accept that the journey is not going to be easy but if you stick to it, definitely rewarding and worth it. It’s not a 3-to-6 month thing. You need to be committed because its your lifestyle. Second, being fit is MORE THAN just working out five times a week. It’s also about your nutrition, what you you eat. How much sleep you are getting and recovery because this all factor in with your progress and performance.

Third, STOP COMPARING your body to other people's. We are built differently, we are unique because of our shapes and sizes but if you want to improve something you need to do the work. Stop comparing your journey to their journey because we all have different timelines. It’s doesn’t mean that if you don’t have a six pack you are working less. Try focusing on how you feel inside after your workout, your mental state rather than your weight and size of your waist. Believe me if you are doing it right, it will follow. Trust the process.

And lastly, working out should not be complicated and don’t be scared to be a beginner. Find something that you like so you can enjoy it and you won’t feel like you are punishing yourself. You can do boxing, running, or yoga—whatever floats your boat as long as you keep moving and staying active because our body is built to move. Read, read, read, and do your own research as well and equip yourself to avoid injury. My little tip, start with walking 30 minutes a day. Walking is the most underrated exercise. It clears your head gives you time to process your thoughts aside from improving your cardiovascular and increases your energy level.

Follow Cyrene on Instagram at @activemommaph

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