MANILA — Headlining the Metro Body 2024 campaign of Metro Magazine, actress-host Kim Chiu opened up about her past struggles and improved lifestyle to stay fit.

Despite being a “fitspiration” to many Filipinos, Chiu said she once saw her body disproportionate.

“Siguro ’yung time that I started years ago — ’yung sobrang payat ko talaga and kahit ano’ng gawin kong kain, hindi talaga ako tumataba,” she told the magazine.

Chiu admitted that even with her present lean and sexy body, she is still finding her “groove” when it comes to working out. But she assured that it is fine to not be 100% everyday; what’s important is just to keep going. 

The actress also emphasized that maintaining a good physique requires not only working on your body but on your mind as well.

Chiu believes that fitness is a mindset that should push us to go beyond our self-doubts, try taking on difficult tasks, and stay disciplined.

“At first kasi, when you work out, it’s all in the mind. Parang when you say na ‘o, takbo tayo ng 10 kilometers.’ Parang sasabihin ng mind mo, ‘no, I can’t do it, parang hindi kaya.’ But, hindi mo pa kasi tina-try to do it. Just try,” she said. 

“And once you tried to do it, parang mabibilib ka sa self mo and after nu’n, mayru’n na siyang parang addicting factor na ‘shucks, nagawa ko.’ ‘Gawin ko kaya ulit?”

The “It’s Showtime” host also shared that she loves eating, especially food that is high in carbs, so she exerts more effort on doing cardio workouts.

“I usually wake up at 6 a.m. and then start my workout — cardio or pilates every 7 a.m. And then after that, pag-uwi ko ng bahay, magka-cardio ako like running or bike… If I have extra time, I do night workout also for endorphins,” she said.

Chiu highlighted that shaping and strengthening her perception in life also played a huge role in her career.

“Parang naisip ko talaga, ‘grabe, mind mo pala talaga ’yung the strongest part of your body,’ kasi ’yun ’yung nagko-control for you to keep going and to stop,” she said.

Chiu currently stars in the Philippine adaptation of “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” with leading man Paulo Avelino.