Christopher Emmanuel, best known as Chappy Callanta, is a member of our Herbalife Nutrition Fitness Advisory Board (FAB). Based in the Philippines, Chappy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science from the College of Human Kinetics (University of the Philippines) and is an Internationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. A proud husband and father, Chappy shared with us his journey to inspire his community to embrace a healthier lifestyle through good nutrition and fitness.
1. What led you to a career in the fitness world?
Exercise, sports training and healthy eating were part of my life since a very young age: my dad is a fitness coach and my mom is a nutritionist. They inspired me to pursue a college education in sports science and I’ve been in the field ever since. So I guess you can say that fitness runs in the family!
2. Can you explain how fitness complements a healthy, nutritious diet?
It’s a two-piece puzzle to wellness. On the one side, physical activity is what the body needs to have energy and strength. Our bodies were meant to move, they actually crave exercise! On the other, food is the fuel for that activity. It is also the input for every other system and synapse that happens in our body. So you can’t really be holistically well without both components being present.
3. What does your own fitness and nutrition regimen look like?
I love strength training, which is why on my daily workouts I focus mainly on lifting weights. I believe it’s the most efficient way for my body to get in shape and be healthy. When it comes to nutrition, I really have no secrets. I just keep a balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and I complement it with Herbalife Nutrition products.
4. How do you balance a busy schedule with a healthy lifestyle?
By making sure that the healthy lifestyle is ingrained into the busy schedule. All of us have hectic days, but using that as an excuse is a choice. You have the power to choose regular exercise and a nutritious diet; it’s a matter of will and discipline.
5. How do you think social media and technology has impacted the fitness industry?
It is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, it has provided an avenue for us coaches to teach fitness techniques and wellness habits that our followers and friends can draw from to make their lives healthier. On the flip side, social media can be a misleading place. There is a lot of misinformation and judgment going on, and that can easily discourage people who actually need to exercise. It has pros and cons.
6. What are 5 essential exercises if you’re short on time and only have 15 minutes to workout?
I would suggest doingone move from each of these big five categories of exercise:
- Squat
- Hinge
- Push
- Pull
- Carry
I find it fun and easy to combine them in a mini circuit with a pair of dumbells or a kettle bell. To cover each category, try doing:
- Swings
- Goblet squats
- Push ups/shoulder press
- Low rows
- Farmer’s walk
7. Where are your favorite outdoor places to workout?
I love any outdoor park where there’s a nice view, but my top spots would be:
- A beautiful park in the Netherlands with a running track around the lake.
- The sunken garden and academic oval in the University of the Philippines.
- Bonifacio Global City has a couple of really nice parks with running tracks and some memorable calisthenics spots.
- In general, I like to run when I travel to a new city. I feel it’s a nice way to get to know it. I’ve particularly enjoyed running in Southern California, Venice Beach specially, and in Paris.
8. What is your favorite playlist to workout to?
I believe that we workout the best when we listen to music that we like, not necessarily aggressive or fast music. That being said, I like the “Head Full of Dreams Tour” playlist by Coldplay on Spotify.
9. At Herbalife Nutrition, our purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. How would you define your purpose?
My purpose can be summarized through my “It statement”. It’s a short mantra that I tell myself everyday to remind me about my purpose in life. It goes like this:
- You wake up for “it”
- You move for “it”
- You are moved by “it”
- You are inspired by “it”
- You’d do anything for “it”
- My “it” is fitness for family freedom.
This means my purpose is to push fitness and health knowledge as much as I can, to make an impact on as many people as I can. By doing that, I believe that my family will be healthier as well and will be free from sickness, hardships, and if I do it correctly, free from any worry as well.
10. What’s in your gym bag?
- Herbalife Nutrition shaker with a serving of Herbalife24Rebuild Strength protein.
- A sports towel.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Clean clothes.
- A book (Armada, a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline).
Samantha ClaytonOLY, ISSA-CPT – Vice President, Sports Performance and Fitness Education
Samantha Clayton serves as the vice president of Sports Performance and Fitness Education at Herbalife. She is also the Vice Chair of the Fitness Advisory Board. Clayton represented Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in both the 200m and the 4x100m relay events. She is a certified personal trainer with specialty certifications in group fitness, youth fitness programming, senior fitness and athletic conditioning. Clayton has an associate degree in pharmaceutical science and studied chemistry at the University of Wolverhampton. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in public health and a master’s in medical nutrition from American Public University and Arizona State University, respectively. As a mother of four, she enjoys cheering for her kids at their sporting activities. Her favorite Herbalife product is Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength.