Fitspiration: Yoga Instructor & Diver Joanne Villablanca

"Try again and be kind to yourself, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow."

Kate Paras-Santiago

October 13, 2023, 03:03 PM

When we see someone fit, we almost always envy that person. We automatically go down a rabbit hole of thoughts in our head, like "how does she do it?", or "I can never do that." While some thoughts are valid, there are some that are quite unkind to ourselves. No one is perfect, that's for sure, and someone who attests to this is a fitness expert herself—Joanne Villablanca.

This multi-hyphenate model slash fitness enthusiast admits to having off days, getting off a fitness streak, and making up for those off days. Our fitspiration-of-the-moment reminds us that fitness is not a competition with others, and is most definitely something you should be kind to yourself about. Read on and get inspired to pursue your own unique fitness journey!

Joanne ranks strength training first on her list of favorite workouts

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

Joanne Villablanca: I am a yoga instructor, laughter yoga leader, a passionate fitness advocate and a certified rescue diver. Aside from my active lifestyle, I am also a commercial model, wellness speaker (alongside my brother) and a mother to a beautiful 16 year old girl. I am very passionate with what I do and love sharing my knowledge about fitness as much as I can. My work keeps me fit altogether—but I actually love lifting weights, practicing yoga and scuba diving the most.

Joanne with her brother

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

JV: I love all types of workouts! …oh except Zumba, only because I have two left feet! But my top three would definitely be: strength training, yoga, and running (more jogging, let’s be honest). It all started when my mom asked me to join her workout in our village gym back in high school—and the rest as they say, is history!

She's a yogi, too!

"It all started when my mom asked me to join her workout in our village gym back in high school—and the rest as they say, is history!"

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

JV: I’ve been working out for more than a decade now but just like any other person, I too get burnt out and would stop for a couple of months in the past. But since then, I’ve been consistent. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my bad days but I make sure to get back on track and keep going. The biggest challenge for me is that I have to “look” a certain way, especially being in the fitness/modeling industry. But now I’ve learned to overcome that and just focus on how strong I can get regardless of how a fit person or coach should “look”.

Joanne dabbles in modeling too

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

JV: My schedule changes every week, but I always make sure to squeeze in a workout first thing in the morning! My mood, choices, energy, shifts in such a positive way if I get in a good workout—a great way to start the day. Most of my classes are in the afternoon so I often have the luxury to put in a workout in the morning. My classes also vary from online to in person training as well.

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

JV: I LOVE TO EAT! My closest friends can attest to this! When I’m out with family and friends, I know how to enjoy (like REALLY enjoy). But when I’m at home I make sure I eat a healthy balanced diet. I don’t follow any strict diet but I make sure to eat a high amount of protein in every meal. I try to stay away from refined sugar (which is my weakness), highly processed food, chips, and all sorts of junk. Operative word being—TRY.

MS: How do you treat yourself?

JV: One word: FOOD.

Joanne with her fiancé and fellow diver, Gage Veridiano

Joanne has her ups and downs in fitness, too.

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

JV: You are not alone. I, too was there once. My biggest advice would be to set realistic goals and find something that you enjoy, something sustainable. And if you find yourself demotivated, that’s okay! Try again and be kind to yourself, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. There’s not a perfect fitness routine for all. Find something that fits you, something that you love, and something that you can do CONSISTENTLY. Yes, you may have a break every now and then (like me) but the key is to get back on that rhythm. Focus on that, and results will just follow.

Follow Joanne on Instagram @villablancs