The definition of being “fit” varies depending on the individual’s perspective. Some people may associate “fitness” purely with having a lean and toned body, but nowadays, the concept of being “fit” has evolved into a more comprehensive notion that includes a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Personal trainer, entrepreneur, and HoliFit founder Jose Villablanca advocates for a holistic approach to fitness in his recently published book, “Holistically Fit: Conquering Physical, Mental, and Emotional Habits to Build a Better You.” The book provides in-depth insights on developing healthy habits, adopting a positive mindset towards exercise, and practical tips for healthy eating. With a wealth of information, Villablanca’s book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being through a holistic approach to fitness.
“It’s important to get proper exercise but physical, emotional, and mental aspects of our health are all interconnected. When I was younger I was fit enough to play sports like basketball and swimming. But I also had a pretty bad habit of thumbsucking. When you take a holistic approach to fitness you’re forced to examine the underlying stressors behind such a habit. Why was that behavior there? What would it take to change it?” explained Villablanca.
His personal experiences with unhealthy habits inspired him to focus on helping readers become the best version of themselves in “Holistically Fit.” The book is structured into one section on habit development, followed by sections on physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Each section explores the reasons why people develop bad habits, such as inconsistent gym attendance or insufficient sleep, and provides practical tips to help readers overcome these obstacles. For instance, to establish healthy eating habits, Villablanca guides readers through the process of starting and maintaining a food journal. Additionally, for those seeking to manage stress and anxiety, the book includes a section on the best ways to begin meditating.
“It’s easy to focus purely on the physical side of self-improvement, especially if you’re aiming towards the perfect summer body. But soon I realized what a difference it made also having a healthy mind and emotions. Soon enough, my holistic fitness journey went from just exercising at the gym to including other habits like proper sleep hygiene and meditation,” said this book author.
Villablanca’s expertise in helping others stems from his extensive experience in the fitness industry. He began his career as a personal trainer in Toronto, Canada, in 2007, earning certifications and gradually working his way up to becoming a Level 5 trainer. At the largest health club in Canada, Villablanca was recognized as the top-performing trainer. He went on to establish his own wellness company from 2009 to 2012 before relocating to the Philippines. In the Philippines, he resumed his career as a personal trainer and catered to a diverse clientele of celebrities and executives, further honing his skills in helping others achieve their fitness goals.
Today, he is the founder of the employee engagement service HoliFit. HoliFit offers organizations fitness classes, webinars, and even mental health sessions. HoliFit’s services are explicitly designed to increase productivity, build company culture, and decrease attrition. So far, Holifit’s clients have included companies such as Shopee, Canva, ABS-CBN, and so much more.
“A lot of what I’ve experienced with clients actually helped shape the book. I know what it’s like to have to start new habits and begin self-improvement. The book is here to help with that,” he explained further.
Bookshelf PH, the publisher of “Holistically Fit,” is pleased to announce that the book is now available for ordering on its website. The publishing company has released several lifestyle books in the past, including “Lost You, Found Me,” “Fearless Filipinas,” and Senator Risa Hontiveros’ “Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama,” among others. With its engaging writing style, practical tips, and comprehensive approach to wellness, “Holistic Fitness” is a must-read for anyone looking to optimize their well-being and achieve their full potential, regardless of their fitness level.