Proving their prowess in the world of bodybuilding, power couple Reynold and Leigh Domalsin from Baguio City recently topped the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Philippines Nationals 2021 in the men’s and women’s categories.
Reynold won the men’s open division and the overall bodybuilding title while Leigh ruled both the class B bikini and overall bikini title during the competition on Sept. 23 to 24 in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Quezon City-based couple paid a courtesy call to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong during their homecoming recently.
In a radio interview, Reynold said they persevered in their training despite the lockdowns in Quezon City where they live and maintain their Maximus Den Fitness Center gym named after their son, Maximus Gabe.
“It’s not a problem for us to prepare since we have our own gym.But of course, our income is hit. We need to find ways to buy our food and supplements. You know the food of a bodybuilder is quite a lot (and expensive),” Reynold said.
He said it was also a challenge for them to train as a couple since they have the same temperament especially since they were on a diet while preparing for the country’s biggest bodybuilding competition, also known as Mr. and Ms. Philippines.
For Leigh, the competition is a celebration of her 10 years in bodybuilding since she won as first runner-up in the 2011 Ms. Philippines. She wanted to prove she could still be on top shape and inspire others in the process.
“There are not many women bodybuilders who could stay long in this industry because of age and when they start having children. I wanted to show them that being a mother does not mean you can’t bring back your figure. It is achievable,” she said.
As a fitness instructor, she also advocates pregnancy fitness and reminds others that getting into top shape is not only for the young.
The couple will now focus on preparing themselves to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam next year.
Reynold said they hope to receive support from the Philippine Sports Commission during their SEAG preparations.
“We are hoping for the support but since we were called to represent the country, whether there is support or none, we will do it,” he said.
Reynold, who traces his roots to Barlig, Mountain Province, is the son of three-time Mr. Philippines titleholder and two-time Mr. Asia runner-up, Nick Sr., who was one of the central figures of bodybuilding in the country during his time. His father died in 1990. – Ofelia C. Empian
