If there's one word to describe Hannah Bacani, it's passionate. The multi-hyphenate 28-year-old wears many hats, but she remains passionate about each one. Currently, this fitspiration is a Radio DJ at Magic 89.9, a host, a voice-over artist, and an ACE certified GroupFitness Instructor, currently teaching as a Movement Coach at The Movement Studio (TMS) in BGC.

One would wonder how juggling such many roles is possible in this day and age, but Hannah is proof that with time management and a whole lot of passion, it can be done. We caught up with the young talent and picked her brain about her love for movement, how she treats herself, and everything else in between. Keep reading!

Fitspiration: Hannah Bacani Jonas Tamayo

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

Hannah Bacani: Since I can remember, I've been a performer. I lived in seven different countries whilegrowing up, and everywhere I went, I was exposed to various cultures, practices, and tobe specific, types of performing arts. This, then, instilled in me a true love and passionfor performing. I feel most alive when I'm doing anything with a microphone, includingsinging, musical theater, dancing, hosting, and radio. Subsequently, it only felt right tobring my enthusiasm and love of performance into coaching. I've been teaching groupfitness programs for the past six years, teaching everything from indoor cycling to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and boot camp.

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

HB: I love strength training, running, and taking classes at The Movement Studio! I use mygym time as a way to improve my strength and mobility, running to improvecardiovascular endurance, and TMS to get a little bit of both!

My journey into the world of fitness truly took off when I fell in love with group fitnesssessions. It all started with my very first indoor cycling class–I was hooked! When Istarted teaching indoor cycling, I wanted to supplement that with strength training. I wasintroduced to weights by my friend and mentor, the founder of TMS, Ida Paras-Cruz. Initially,just wanted to grow my butt, but it turned into something much deeper. I fell in love withbeing stronger and improving my athletic performance. Discovering my own strengthand witnessing the improvement in my athletic performance was incredibly empowering.Till this day, strength training remains my ultimate favorite workout.

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Being a coach in The Movement studio is being a part of an inspiring and supportivecommunity, and that feeling is unbeatable. I was hooked by the energy, adrenaline, andcamaraderie in a room filled with people all moving together.

Working out has become a form of meditation for me. It's those precious moments in theday when I can fully immerse myself in the present and leave all the distractions behind.But it wasn't always this way for me. Back in the day, I used to make all the excuses toavoid PE and I vividly remember always being picked last for team sports and strugglingbeing one of the slowest swimmers in high school. I was a chubby kid, and never in mywildest dreams did I think I'd be where I am today.

Fitspiration: Hannah Bacani Jonas Tamayo

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

HB: When I started my fitness journey in 2017, my schedule used to be all over the place,with early mornings, packed afternoons, and socializing with friends on weekends—allwhile trying to squeeze in strength training six times a week. I thought I was invincible,like I could handle everything life threw my way easily. However, the constant jugglingof multiple roles and responsibilities took its toll and left me feeling drained and fatigued.I used to say 'yes' to every opportunity that came my way, wearing many hats at once.But in doing so, I lost the joy and passion I once had for exercise. It began to feel like atedious chore, something I had to do rather than something I loved doing. I hit abreaking point and realized that I needed to make a change. I had to pull myself out ofthat exhausting cycle and acknowledge that my time and energy were my most valuableassets.

It was time to prioritize my physical health and well-being and I really felt that transitionduring the pandemic when we were forced to slow down. It wasn't an easy transition,but gradually, I learned to say 'no' to things that weren't serving my well-being and'yes' to taking care of myself. This included giving my body the time it needed torecover and recharge. As I embraced this new mindset, I started to regain my love forexercise and found a more sustainable and balanced approach to fitness. Now, Iunderstand that true strength comes not just from pushing ourselves physically but alsofrom knowing when to pause, rest, and nourish our bodies. It's all about finding thatharmony between ambition and self-care.

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

HB: On a typical weekday, my routine kicks off at 7 am. I like to get an early start by eitherhitting the gym for some strength training or going for an energizing morning run. Afterthat, I head straight to my radio show, which runs from 10 am to noon, leaving myafternoons are a bit more flexible and light.

Since I work as a freelancer, my schedule can vary a lot. Some days I'm up at 6 am andmay have events lined up until 9 pm. So, I've learned to be adaptable with my workoutroutine. If I can't make it to my morning session, no worries; I simply shift it to theafternoon or evening.

My main goal is to stay active and aim for 3-5 workouts per week, along with hitting adaily target of 10,000 steps. I also coach at The Movement Studio 2x a week.

To consistently stay on track, I plan my workouts at the start of each week, aligningthem with my work commitments. I often work out with friends or explore new activitiesto keep things interesting. Gone are the days when missing a fixed workout time woulddemotivate me; now, I understand that some days require more rest or that I might feel more energetic at different times. Maintaining this flexibility has been key to keeping myfitness routine consistent and sustainable. I value the physical energy and mental claritythat fitness brings to every aspect of my life, so I always make time for it. By traininghard and staying flexible, I feel better prepared to handle whatever challenges lifethrows my way.

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

HB: I'm a big advocate of intuitive eating–it's all about listening to my body's needs andfinding pleasure in food. I believe that food is not only fuel but also an opportunity tosavor and enjoy. To stay on track with my health goals, I make a conscious effort tohave most of my meals at home. I like to keep things simple and convenient, so I oftenprepare meals that are easy to grab whenever hunger strikes. Having cooked proteinoptions like chicken breast, fish, lean ground beef, and eggs readily available is a toppriority for me. Ensuring I get enough protein in my diet is essential for muscle buildingand recovery, and it's something I focus on every day. I also keep a stock of fresh fruitsand vegetables in my pantry to add a burst of nutrients to my meals. One thing that hastruly made a difference for me is exploring healthy recipes on a weekly basis so it keepsme excited about my cooking my own meals.

By embracing intuitive eating and making mindful food choices, I feel more in tune withmy body's needs and overall well-being. It's all about finding that perfect balancebetween nourishment and enjoyment, and I can confidently say that this approach hasmade a huge impact on my health journey.

MS: How do you treat yourself?

HB: Let me confess, I'm absolutely crazy about sweets–cakes, cookies, pastries, you nameit! I also love dining out and exploring new restaurants. There's something special aboutsharing a meal with friends and family. Whenever I travel, I make it a mission is to diveheadfirst into their local cuisine because it helps me connect with the culture on adeeper level. I firmly believe that trying out different dishes is the gateway toappreciating the richness and diversity of each culture which is one of my life’s greatestpleasures.

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

HB: Finding a workout routine that brings you joy is the key to long-term success. When youenjoy what you're doing, it becomes easier to be consistent and committed. Surroundingyourself with an encouraging and supportive community can also make a hugedifference in showing up for yourself because it’s more fun when someone’s cheeringyou on.

Setting short-term goals gives you something to strive for; keeping you motivated alongthe way. I remember the excitement I felt when I started going to the gym with a clear plan, determined to hit new personal records in squats and deadlifts. Having astructured approach was a game changer for me. When it comes to fitness, take it onestep at a time. Building habits that make you feel strong and empowered is a gradualprocess. Embrace the idea of gaining muscle and lifting heavy weights; it's notsomething to fear but to celebrate. It's not just about how your body looks; it's aboutcelebrating what it's capable of. Remember, the key is to enjoy the journey, celebratethe small wins, and find fulfillment in the process.

Lastly, listening to your body is crucial. Yes, push yourself, but also give yourself therest and recovery you need. Be open to learning and growing in your fitness journey. Bepatient; fitness isn’t a sprint, it’s an ultra-marathon and remember that it’s never too lateto start.

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