From traditional crunches to modern core
The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the fitness world. It was when the industry began shifting from traditional, program-centered workouts to more holistic, person-centered approaches. It was also the year my own fitness career truly began.
A month after finishing my licensure exam in physical therapy, one of my best friends invited me to the gym where he worked. I joined an aerobics class and shortly after, the general manager, aware of my background, offered me a job as a fitness instructor. That was the start of my 25-year reinvention. From then on, I intentionally aligned my career with emerging fitness and wellness trends—always striving to serve others while optimizing my own health.
Today, I’m sharing how fitness has transformed since I began my career and how these changes have shaped modern fitness into something more accessible, flexible, and personalized for everyone. I hope these lessons encourage you to start (or restart) your own journey, with a strong motivation to embrace fitness as a lifelong source of strength.
- Exercise-focused: From aesthetics to daily life skills
In the past, fitness focused heavily on isolated exercises. Crunches, for instance, were once considered the ultimate way to tone the midsection. Isolation workouts can have benefits when balanced with other movements. Still, overemphasizing exercises like biceps curls, crunches, or lateral raises often turns workouts into routines that lack functionality and sometimes even lead to injuries.
Today, we know that a stronger, more toned core develops best through functional movements. The focus now has shifted from aesthetics to injury prevention, functionality, and longevity, addressing what people truly need in their day-to-day lives. Unlike traditional floor-based ab workouts that could sometimes give neck issues, Pilates and other modern core exercises use controlled movements across all planes of motion and body positions. This approach engages the core as both a stabilizer and mobilizer.
Application: Expand the benefits of movement to your daily life
Keep in mind that every time you exercise, you’re not just strengthening and toning your muscles—you’re also building resilience for daily life. Movement equips you to handle stress, regulate your eating habits, and stay productive.
- Exercise approach: From exercise and nutrition only to lifestyle modification
Fitness centers first began with an exercise-only approach, later bringing in nutritionists to address clients’ eating habits. Eventually, worldwide trends evolved further by incorporating behavior modification—the missing link for sustainable change. When I introduced lifestyle coaching at Fitness First Philippines in 2005, I collaborated with personal trainers and nutritionists to guide clients.
Today, lifestyle coaching for effective weight management continues to be an increasingly popular trend. Unlike traditional programs that focus solely on diet and exercise, lifestyle coaching (integrating exercise science, healthy eating, and behavior modification) addresses individual needs, educates and empowers individuals to make sustainable choices and maintain healthy behaviors outside the gym.
Application: Invest in a fitness and lifestyle coach
Modern fitness can feel overwhelming, with endless exercises, trends, and information online. That’s why working with an experienced coach can give you exactly what you need. A credible trainer and/or lifestyle coach can design a plan tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals.
- Exercise programming: From fixed routines to flexible and varied workouts
In the past, trainers (including myself when I was starting out) often instructed clients to separate cardio and weight training strictly. For example: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for cardio; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for weights; Sunday for rest. Fitness back then was all about fixed schedules and structured plans, which often led to boredom, burnout, and, ultimately, discontinuation.
Today, workouts match a person’s availability, preferences, fitness level, and even mood. Shorter sessions are popular options, and fusion classes that combine strength, cardio, and core in a single session have grown popular. Each workout can now offer a different sequence and variety, keeping training both exciting and compelling.
Application: Have a flexible mindset in approaching workouts
Make movement a daily habit. Even just 15 minutes can lift your mood, boost energy, and support overall health. Aim to do at least one type of workout each day, and as you progress, combine elements like strength and cardio, or flexibility and core, into a single session. You don’t need to stress over doing separate one-hour cardio and strength workouts anymore.
Adapt based on your schedule—whether at home, in the gym, or outdoors. By blending different aspects of fitness into one session, you maximize benefits while making consistency much easier to sustain.
- Exercise execution: From counting repetitions to transformational experiences
In the past, fitness classes often revolved around counting repetitions and pushing participants until they “felt the burn.” For many, this approach felt more like a chore (or even torture) than an enjoyable workout.
Today, the focus has shifted from numbers to experience. We didn’t emphasize reps and calories. Instead, we acted as motivational coaches, creating an environment rooted in body positivity, emotional release, self-discovery, and empowerment. Other fitness programs soon embraced this model—that’s why people kept coming back. It was no longer just about burning calories but about feeling good, finding connection, and leaving class transformed.
Application: Identify your real needs in the moment
Try experiential classes like indoor cycling or dance, where instructors guide you with music and inspiration. If focus and concentration matter most, choose a solo session or work with a trainer for a mindful, undisturbed workout. And if you want more connection, join a group class or walk with a friend outdoors. On days you want to move without pressure, stream a workout at home and move freely.
- Exercise setting: From gym room to bedroom
Before, many believed that an effective workout program could only be achieved with a gym membership. But today, workouts are more accessible than ever.
The 2020 pandemic accelerated this shift, proving that people could reach fitness and weight-loss goals from home. Online workouts have become popular, especially for busy individuals, and hybrid fitness models, combining in-person and virtual options, are now the norm. This flexibility and convenience have allowed many to stay consistent, achieve better results, and feel empowered in their fitness journeys.
Application: Appreciate your strengths and improvements
Progress matters more than perfection. Some people wonder how they can stick to home workouts with just dumbbells for months. The answer lies in mindful appreciation of growth. Observe how your muscles respond—your triceps, core, shoulders, or legs. Every movement is a reminder that you are getting stronger and healthier, and this awareness fuels motivation.
- Exercise goals: From number-focused strategies to bio-individuality
For years, achieving fitness goals was all about numbers. Pedometers popularized the idea of hitting 10,000 steps a day, while fitness watches encouraged strict calorie tracking. Even shows like “The Biggest Loser” showcased extreme approaches, with participants burning up to 8,000 calories by eating 800 calories a day, which led to burnout and weight regain after the contest for most of the participants.
The focus of wellness and fitness now has shifted to smart movement, combined with recovery, hormone health, and stress management. Managing weight effectively depends on understanding each person’s life stage, health condition, and genetic predispositions. Sometimes, less truly is more—burning more calories and eating less isn’t always the solution.
Application: Maximize technology for bio-individuality
Use a fitness tracker wisely. Monitoring your heart rate can help you see whether you’re under- or over-exerting, so you can adjust intensity and make sure workouts truly match your body’s needs. Choose models with features that track sleep quality, stress levels—metrics that reveal whether your body is ready to push harder or needs recovery.
For women, syncing this data with your menstrual cycle can further optimize hormone health and energy. But always remember that while trackers are valuable tools, your body’s own signals should be the ultimate guide.
