3 Stories Of Couples Who Transformed Their Health Together

If there's one thing parenthood taught us, it's that every day can be a fresh start. We can always have our “Day 1”—Day 1 of exercising, Day 1 of mindful eating, Day 1 of spending less, and Day 1 of reducing screen time.

We often wait for the "right time" to make a change, but as they say, there's no better time to start than now. Whether it's improving our health habits or our parenting strategies, sometimes all we need is a spark to inspire us to take that first step.

READ ALSO: This Mom Started Her Fitness Journey At 40 By Committing To Just 100 Days

Smart Parenting gathered three inspiring stories of fitness, wellness, and health from its community of parents. These are fitness stories of real-life couples who have found company in their spouses as they journey towards better health together. They decided to start their “Day 1” and along the way, they inspired their spouses to do the same. 

3 inspiring stories of couples who transformed their health together

'We treated fitness like playing a video game'

Mikey (38) and Charisse (39) Llorin
Mikey is a High School Teacher and Charisse is a Research Administrator.
They have an 8-year-old son named Max.

Why did you start your fitness journey?

Mikey: My fitness journey started after I had my Annual Physical Exam in August 2023. I had been obese since my teenage years, and with both of my parents having health issues, I knew I was at risk. In 2020, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2020. In August 2023, my condition had worsened--I had developed hypertension and high cholesterol, and my pre-diabetes had progressed to full-blown diabetes. I found myself taking as many maintenance medicines as my dad had when I was young. That was my wake-up call.

^{Mikey and Charisse Llorin before they started their fitness journey}

On January 16, 2024, I decided to focus on my weight first: consume fewer calories than I burned. I researched calorie-counting apps and gave Lose It! a try. The app helped me set a weight goal and determine the pace at which you want to reach it. I started at 118kg and set my weight goal for 100kg. The app initially predicted I would reach it by April, but I achieved it by July. 

My Apple Watch tracks the calories I burn throughout the day, and the app helps me stay within my calorie budget. Whenever I had calories left for the day, I treated them like a “bonus,” allowing me small treats, like an extra half-cup of rice. It made the whole process feel like a real-life video game. 

"It felt selfish to spend my limited free time working out when I could be spending time with my family. But I realized that exercise and family time weren’t mutually exclusive." —Charisse Llorin 

Charisse: When Mikey told me, "You would enjoy this, it’s like playing a video game." I love playing video games, so this made me curious enough.

READ ALSO: 'Yung Weight Loss, Sumusunod 'Yan,' Kaya Mas Naka-Focus Si Judy Ann Santos Sa Health

What’s your motivation?

Mikey: My long-term health. I didn't want to become a burden to my wife and son in my senior years. I knew that improving my health is no one else’s responsibility but my own, and I had to take action.

Charisse: I've tried so many crazy weight-loss methods before, but this time, my goal wasn't just to lose weight. I wanted to be the healthiest, strongest version of myself. Seeing our parents age also makes me want to build good health habits now. Our son is only eight years old, and I want to be healthy enough to run and play with my future grandkids. For the first time, I wasn’t focused on what I needed to lose but on what I wanted to gain. 

READ ALSO: Cong TV's Son Kidlat Is His Motivation To Stay Fit, ‘Gusto Kong Maabutan Niya Kong Malakas’

How did you encourage your spouse?

Mikey: I didn’t think that Char needed to go on a fitness journey, but I shared my experience with her. It became fun to do it together because it felt like playing a real-life video game. 

Charisse: Mikey was right–initially, my video game brain enjoyed the calorie-counting app. I loved seeing how a workout session could “buy” me a burger for dinner. Another aspect that appealed to me was turning it into a competition: who had the most number of steps today?

On top of that though, what made my fitness journey sustainable was a combination of the right mindset and technology. The tools (calorie counting app, health app, smartwatch, fitness gaming, and YouTube) removed a lot of the guesswork and made it easy (and fun) to start my fitness journey. 

How did you manage your time?

Mikey: At first, I had to squeeze workouts into my day. This is where having a smartwatch helped, I could do this even if I don’t do traditional “workouts”. Walks during my lunch break or climbing stairs counted as “fitness”. When Char got into exercising, I felt more comfortable about working out at home. We researched, learned, and shared resources to figure out which exercise programs were most effective for us. 

^{Mikey and Charisse Llorin after they started strength training}

Charisse: I struggled with this at the beginning. It felt selfish to spend my limited free time working out when I could be spending time with my family. But I realized that exercise and family time weren’t mutually exclusive. Exercise can also be a great way to spend time as a family. Mikey and I started getting up at 4:30 AM every day to work out together. It’s almost like a mini-date while Max was still asleep. We also invited our son to walk or bike with us after dinner. We also try to do something active during the weekend as a family.

^{4:30 AM workouts at Mikey and Charisse's home}

It may seem counterintuitive, but adding workouts to my schedule helps me fulfill my other roles with more energy, clarity, and focus. It also helped me manage my anxiety and sleep issues. Even though it takes time, it’s worth it. It makes me a better me.   

Message to other parents

Mikey: First, fitness should be fun and accessible. Ride your old bike, walk more, and take the stairs instead of the escalator. Second, be patient. It's going to be a long journey. I didn't set a deadline for myself; I knew that what was important was that I simply kept doing it. And I also had to accept that I could fail sometimes. What matters most, however, is that I keep going. Lastly, take advantage of the convenience of modern technology. Fitness apps can “gamify” fitness and nutrition, which might work for you as it did for us. 

Charisse: The most important thing is to show up. I would tell myself on my most tamad days, “Just show up, Char. Just do what you can do.” You don’t need to start with a high-intensity program, devote more time than you have, or spend a lot of money. If all you can spare is 10 minutes a day, start with that. 

See also: https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/health/fitness-nutrition/coleen-garcia-fitness-a00370-20220826

'Working out is not time away from our family'

Frances (38) and JC Castillo (38)
Frances is a nurse by profession working as a full-time virtual healthcare assistant, JC is a Bank Officer.
They have two kids ages 5 and 4.

Why did you start your fitness journey?

Frances: I remember feeling stuck—like I was always too busy, too tired, and too overwhelmed to work on myself. After giving birth, I reached my heaviest weight at 65 kg. I didn’t feel good. In May 2023, I had a serious wake-up call when someone asked me, “What do you think your health will look like in five years if you don’t start taking care of it today?” I was only 37 then, yet my cholesterol and blood pressure were borderline high.

^{Before and after fitness photos of Frances and JC Castillo}

I knew I needed to do something, so I joined Kaizen, a 100-day fitness and personality development program. My husband initially wasn’t on board—he thought it was a “waste of time,” that I might fail, and that I didn’t “need” all these changes because he loves me no matter what. Despite the resistance, I pushed forward. I wanted to be healthier not just for myself, but for my kids—especially my eldest, Johan, who has Autism and Global Development Delay (GDD). Weeks passed, my husband saw how my mood, energy, and spirit lifted. Little by little, he started getting curious. Eventually, he joined me, too. 

What’s your motivation?

Frances: My biggest “why” is my children, especially my son, Johan. He’s five, but functions more like a two-year-old, and he can’t speak yet. I realized that he will still need my guidance and love many years from now, long after he’s grown.

^{Frances Castillo documents her progress}

READ ALSO: Kim Atienza Is The Best Role Model For His Kids To Get Into Fitness And Sports

How did you encourage your spouse?

Frances: To be honest, it was tough in the beginning. He often said he was too tired, didn’t have time, or just wanted to rest. I backed off and focused on my growth. And the moment he noticed how I was blossoming, how I was no longer that “dragon mom” who loses her temper, he started to change his mind. He realized it wasn’t “time away” from our family; it was time spent making myself a better wife and mom. 

"I finally understood that investing in my health and personal growth wasn’t a threat to my time or masculinity—it was a gift to my family and our future." —JC Castillo

JC: Honestly, at first, I was my wife's biggest critic. I questioned why she needed to work out when the house was messy or when there were so many other responsibilities. I even told her, “You’ll just fail,” or “I love you no matter what—why do all that?” But as the weeks passed, I noticed something I couldn’t ignore: she was genuinely better.

^{Frances: Ask yourself, “Where will I be five years from now if I don’t start today?”}

Her transformation made me pause and think: “What am I doing with my health and mindset?” So I put aside my ego and decided to join. It’s not just about exercising or being fit; it’s about becoming a better version of myself—for my wife, my kids, and me. I was “influenced” because I finally understood that investing in my health and personal growth wasn’t a threat to my time or masculinity—it was a gift to my family and our future. 

READ ALSO: 'My Insecurities Pushed Me To Start My Postpartum Fitness Journey,' Says Mom Of Two

How did you make time for fitness?

Frances: Once I decided my health that taking care of my health was non-negotiable, I found a way to make it work. I didn’t magically gain extra hours in the day; I simply shifted my priorities. Sometimes I’d wake up earlier to fit in an exercise. Other times, I’d squeeze one in after the kids went to bed. 

Message to other parents

Frances: From one parent to another, please know that taking care of yourself is one of the greatest acts of love you can give your family. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. If you have a skeptical spouse, don’t be discouraged. Show them, rather than just tell them, how much better you feel when you invest in your health. 

Ask yourself, “Where will I be five years from now if I don’t start today?” For me, that question made all the difference. I want the same spark of realization for you, too—because your loved ones deserve the best version of you. And you deserve to live a long, healthy, joy-filled life with them.

'Gusto pa naming mabuhay ng mahaba'

Kat (32) and Memart (33) Rupera
Kat is a Senior Recruiter and Memart is a Software Engineer.
They have a 4-year-old son named Atlas.

Why did you start your fitness journey?

Memart: In February 2023, I was diagnosed with obesity after my Annual Physical Examination. I also have Hypertension. I realized then na gusto ko pang mabuhay ng mahaba.

Kat: As for me, I started in December 2022. I tried boxing and went to the gym, but it was not consistent. It was on and off for the past two years. I started again last October 2024 and decided to be more consistent.

^{Kat and Memart Rupera before starting their fitness journey}

READ ALSO: This Mom Who Lost 110 Pounds Says No Need to Go to a Gym

How did you encourage one another?

Memart: I want to be fit at mabuhay ng mahaba kasama ang family. Weight loss will always be more than just a body transformation. We do this not only to maintain a great physique but, more importantly, for the sake of our health and the well-being of our family.

Kat: I was in a spiraling era at that time, frustrated with where I was in other aspects of my life. I was also diagnosed with diabetes in February 2022. I decided to get into running. At first, I just ran to get a release from what I was going through, but then as I do running every day, I got to enjoy it. 

"Just start—don’t think about it too much. Okay lang to begin kahit with zero knowledge, I think that’s where the fun is." —Kat Rupera

Kat: Even though Memart started to become more consistent, he did not force me. I think I just got curious about running and exercise. Kasi nakikita ko how disciplined he is in eating and then waking up early to run. Then he started to share tips about running, what I should do, and what I should work on. Ngayon, I feel like our talks about running and early morning runs become a special bonding time together. 

READ ALSO: Para Kay Pokwang, 'Best Revenge' Ang Pagiging Fit At Healthy 'Lalo Na Kung Single Mom'

How did you manage your time?

Kat: We are both working parents with a 4-year-old son. Time management was hard at first. I have an advantage because my work is hybrid and I have a lot more time at home than my husband. However, I still need extra energy to actually make time for exercise and still do what was expected of me as a mother and a wife. As a parent, maaga ka naman talaga magising, pero gumising ng mas maaga pa sa maaga—that’s hard. Though I think practice makes it better—eventually, it became a routine and hopefully a lifestyle in the long run. 

^{Kat and Memart Rupera proud of their progress}

Message to other parents

Memart: If you want to live longer, then start your fitness journey today, not tomorrow, not next week, but today. It's a long process.

Kat: Just start—don’t think about it too much. Okay lang to begin kahit with zero knowledge, I think that’s where the fun is. When you get to start, try to maintain the motivation and passion to keep going. I read somewhere that when you get older, fitness is no longer optional. And I could not agree more. We want to live longer and match the energy of our son. So being active helps us not only as individuals and as a couple, but also as parents.

Read about another couple who continued their fitness journey by joining a nationwide competition here.