Getting Into Fitness Made Them Closer As A Family. How To Start

Smart Parenting Squad 2024 members Enzo and Julia Bonoan are a dynamic duo who have transformed their bodies and their lives together.

As certified fitness instructors, content creators, and finalists in the recently concluded Century Tuna Superbods 2024 competition, their journey shows how love, support, and determination can lead to remarkable achievements in their careers and family lives.

Parenting and fitness: A balancing act

As the first-ever married couple to compete together in the fitness and modeling competition, Enzo and Julia say they were honored to receive the Super Mom and Super Dad award.

"So the first thing that came to my mind when we were awarded was, 'Wow, imagine the stories we'll be able to share with our daughter,'" Julia told Smart Parenting. 

"During the callbacks, we already told each other, and we already set the intention to be a better spouse [to each other], and a better parent to Frankie throughout the entire Superbods journey," she added. The couple made sure to prioritize their one-year-old daughter amidst attending different events and rehearsals for the said competition. "We would bring her to school and then go to our SuperBods event habang naka-full makeup ako." Julia called the whole experience a balancing act.

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They shared that receiving the award was like the icing on the cake. "It sealed the whole experience well, na yes, parang in-award kami ni Lord na we did the right thing. Kasi 'yan 'yung talagang pinaghandaan namin na we don't become absent parents kay Frankie," Julia said.

Enzo meanwhile expressed that even without the award, they already felt like they had won, as they started receiving messages from people around them who were inspired to become fit because of them. "Parang, they started to influence each other to be fit. So sabi ko yun palang malaking win na 'yun for us."

Inspiring each other: Teamwork makes the dream work

Three years into their marriage, the couple shared how they achieve their fitness and family goals. They set individual targets but always supported each other. "Once a week, we have an admin day, and then we talk about our goals. Having a goal in mind and knowing each other's goals keeps us motivated," Julia shared.

Enzo revealed that one of their goals is to be young-looking parents and to influence more Filipino households to be healthier the same way that their household influenced them to be healthier.

 "I think by taking care of ourselves, we can take better care of our kids." —Enzo Bonoan

They remind each other of their daily goals, such as eating healthy, applying sunscreen, or even setting their schedules at the gym and for family. Their complementary strengths become a source of mutual inspiration to many, especially to their daughter.

Influencing a healthier generation: A ripple effect

The couple also emphasized that going through the discomfort and striving for something to look forward to are all ways to achieve one big result: the betterment of their family.

In a TikTok video they shared in July, they opened up that Enzo has an adult-type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), while Julia had major depressive disorder. However, these conditions didn't stop them from achieving the best versions of themselves. 

@enzobonoan24 You CAN live your best life. You CAN be your #BestYouEver. @Julia Sucgang-Bonoan ????????  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12 We are a week away from the @Century Tuna Superbods Finals Night! Please support the #SuperbodBONOANS this July 09. Let’s continue proving that ANYTHING is possible. #JuneRecap #SuperbodENZO #SuperbodJULIA #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBESTYOUEVER #CenturyTunaSuperbods #FitnessPH #FitFam #FitDad #FitMom #Parenting #AthleneNutrition #SpartanRacePH #UrbanSmiles #SmartParenting #SportsologyPH #OptimumSkinPH #TVCModel #RankMagazine #MerrellPH #NicePrintPhotography #Wedding #WeddingAnniversary #Tiktokfitph ? original sound  - Enzo Bonoan

That's why the couple started a campaign called Fitness for Filipino Families, or FFF. "We believe na just because you're like this today doesn't mean it has to be like that for the rest of your life," Enzo said.

They shared that having the right mindset is essential in achieving your fitness goals. "Change your mindset talaga, and that's one of the main benefits that fitness has given us and we think that if more Filipino families adapt that kind of mindset, imagine the change it can make in a generation."

They hope and pray that they can continue to inspire more parents, and that they'll be able to touch the lives of their kids, and then their kids will be able to grow up to be a healthier generation. "It's a ripple effect," Julia added.

Enzo's discipline and Julia's perseverance created a powerful synergy that fueled their progress. "Yung marriage din namin, because we're helping each other out with our fitness journeys. Others may think that it's a hindrance or that pursuing a fit lifestyle might actually hinder you from being with your kids or being with your wife. But in fact, in our case, we made fitness a priority. And that's why we've become we've grown closer pa nga as a family, and as husband and wife."

Enzo and Julia's fitness dates are more than just workouts; they are moments of connection and reflection. Whether it's a morning run, a gym session in the living room, or lifting weights in their gym, these sessions are sacred times when they focus on themselves and each other.

Happy, healthy parents raise a happy, healthy child

Caring for their toddler turns their time into a precious commodity, and they admit it was a struggle finding a balance between becoming present parents and maintaining their fitness routines. It was challenging, but Enzo and Julia were determined to make it work.

"As fitness coaches, we implement 'yung three pillars of fitness sa kanya [Frankie], like movement, nutrition, and rest." Julia shared.

With this, Julia shared that they have observed that the development of their daughter is quite impressive. "Her mind is so sharp, maganda yung motor skills niya, her speech, 'yung cognitive development niya. It gave us the confidence to be able to share it, seeing how it has helped our daughter grow."

The Bonoans are committed to incorporate exercise into their daily routine by taking advantage of the time when they drop off their daughter at school. They manage to squeeze in a quick workout session at the gym during this window of time.

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Enzo said, "I think by taking care of ourselves, we can take better care of our kids." Their dedication to making time for fitness, even amidst the demands of raising a toddler, is a testament to their commitment. They know that by taking care of their physical and mental health, they are better equipped to handle the challenges of parenthood.

Advice to parents who struggle to make time for fitness

Here's one thing they say to their busy clients: "Let's look at what the minimum is na muna."

"It's impractical to just look at what fitness enthusiasts do. But just because you're not a fitness enthusiast yet doesn't mean that exercise is not recommended for you. It's recommended for all human beings," Enzo explained.

"Some is better than none. So, from there, bit by bit, you'll be able to build that confidence to do more, to move more." —Julia Sugcang-Bonoan

Talking about struggling with time like all parents do, Enzo added, what is ideal or what may seems ideal to others may not be realistic for you.

Julia suggested, "See what adjustments you need to make. Perhaps you can do habit stacking. For example, what is something that you do regularly every day? Maybe brush your teeth. I mean, you can add some movement in whatever you're doing that you do already every day."

She then emphasized that "Some is better than none. So, from there, bit by bit, you'll be able to build that confidence to do more, to move more."

Are you fit and healthy?

Ultimately, their goal is to become fit and healthy parents so that they can raise their child to be the same. But it depends on how you define fitness. For Enzo, he says, "Fitness is being fit enough to do two things: fit enough to function and fit enough to enjoy life."

For Julia, a mental health advocate, fitness is more than just having a toned body. "I've been exercising since I was seven, but the mental aspect of fitness wasn't there. For me, fitness is being able to have that healthy mind and body connection. It really starts with a growth mindset because that's what fitness has taught us. Knowing that it doesn't have to be perfect but you need to keep striving for progress."

Amidst the busy schedule of parenthood, Enzo and Julia understand the importance of carving time for themselves. Fitness isn't just about staying in shape; it's also their way of recharging mentally and emotionally. Their story is a beautiful reminder that fitness is not just about physical transformation but about building resilience, fostering connections, and living a balanced life.

Through their journey, Enzo and Julia have not only transformed their bodies but also strengthened their bond, proving that together, they are unstoppable.

Enzo and Julia Bonoan are members of the Smart Parenting Squad. Read more about them here.