Coach Culver’s advice: “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!”
BY NOEL D. FERRER

Fitness coach Culver Padilla first aspired to become an artista. In the beginning, he worked out to look good, to feel confident. With no formal training or structured diet plan, he embarked on a fitness journey relying solely on research and friends’ advice.
The 2016 Superbods Nation was his debut in competitive fitness. Though he didn’t win the title, being one of the finalists opened a lot of doors for him. His social media following grew, and he became a model-trainer.
Driven by an unyielding desire for success, Culver went on to win 2nd runner-up in the Shawn Roden Classic Bodybuilding Competition later that year and became Mr. Fitspiration at Gold’s Gym Bodycon 2, which provided him a significant platform to inspire others. What happened next was a string of great blessings that now heralded Culver Padilla as the “Fitness Coach of the Stars.”
“I take pride in my work,” says Coach Culver, who is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Awaken Fitness Center in Pasig. “I attend to stars and even the ordinary person wanting to go beyond the norm to achieve full transformation in their well-being, especially their bodies.”
It all started with Culver’s so-called muse – actress Iza Calzado, who was introduced to him by Miss Gold’s Gym 2016 Hillary Isaac. The consistent hard work he and Iza put in has been followed by many and yielded many more celebrities, including Arjo, Ria and Gela Atayde, Denise Laurel, Isabelle Daza, among others, wanting to get his services.
Their training sessions are customized based on their fitness goals and desired timeline to achieve the desired result. Coach Culver incorporates his trademark functional training whenever possible as he believes it’s the most beneficial approach for them. “Functional Training Fundamentals work on the muscles you use and the movements you do every day to improve overall health and lifestyle. These are workouts that actually make sense, and by being consistent with it, you also get a bonus of an above-average physique,” Coach Culver says.
Coach Culver says he himself has learned a lot from working with celebrities.
“Stars are like you and me. They are as normal as we are. Some, if not all, don’t actually like the special attention,” he shares. “I’ve learned how to see them in their ‘naked armor,’ without the labels, titles, and projections which allows me to do my work better than being overshadowed with the thought that I am training a ‘star.’
“We are one, we are interconnected: that is our design.”
With busy schedules, how does he entice people to work out and train?
“Prioritization and time management will always be the key. People make time for things that are important to them. You’ll never regret prioritizing your health and wellbeing. If you have time to read this, you have time to improve yourself! Show up, listen, and do the work!”
Apart from training the stars, what is his personal fitness regimen and diet?
“I used to adhere to an old school workout program focused solely on aesthetics, particularly during my participation in bodybuilding competitions. However, with age comes maturity, and with a continuing education in fitness, I gradually shifted my focus from merely aesthetics to function and performance that are sustainable and gearing towards longevity.
“My approach to fitness is very holistic: 1. Run 3 times a week, 1-10k sub 1, 2. Sprints, 3. Long Distance on a good week or 2 easy run on a challenging week. In between those days I do strength, flexibility, and functional training.
“Diet? I do my best to eat .7-1g of protein per pound of bodyweight. I use my palm to measure my protein, my fist for my carbs and my thumb for my fats. I see food as fuel.
“Remember: The quantity of food you eat affects how you look. The quality of food you eat affects how you feel.”
At the height of summer and intense heat, Coach Culver reminds people of the importance of hydration.
“First thing to remember when you are at the height of summer is hydration.
And the optimal hydration is with salt… (real salt, not iodized) and add a bit of lemon too!
“Workout in the morning or late walk at night helps; swimming is another way, plus indoor pilates, flexibility/functional training at home. Take coconut water (if you can) to stay hydrated! Basta, I cannot stress this enough: hydrate, hydrate , hydrate!”
Asked about his future life goals and things he wants to do and achieve, he shares, “As of the moment, I still love being a fitness coach; however, my aspirations extend beyond that.
I envision myself as a resource speaker, sharing insights on fitness and life in general. I aspire to become a life coach and a holistic healer, guiding others towards holistic well being.
“I also want to write a book about my life’s journey and serve as an inspiration for others.
“I want to establish a recovery, retreat, reset house where individuals can reflect, rejuvenate and meditate for self renewal. Moreover, I plan to venture into entrepreneurship by expanding my business and hopefully open more Awaken Fitness Centers.”
And to make this happen, Coach Culver is set on prioritizing continuous education. “Never stop learning,” he says, “and the time is now.”