Daily strength training is no easy feat, much less joining the Navy as a reservist, but twins Joj and Jai Agpangan have done both. In an exclusive interview with MEGA Active, they explain why
In true twin fashion, Joj and Jai Agpangan do many things together—from taking on acting roles and joining Pinoy Big Brother to becoming influencers and content creators. Something else the two do together is exercise and perform Navy reservist duties. Neither are small feats, so in an exclusive interview with MEGA Active, we asked the twins why fitness and service are important to them. Ahead, you’ll find that we boiled it all down to three main reasons.
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For practical reasons
The first thing you should know about the twins is that when it comes to fitness, it’s a daily habit they’ve grown used to over the years. When asked about their daily routine, Joj said they focus on strength training, with no cardio except for when they do incline for Spartan Races. Specifically, they exercise three to four times a week, alternating between glutes days and quads days, with chest, back, and shoulder workouts interspersed. Then, after one to two weeks of repetition, they increase the intensity of their workout by lifting heavier and heavier.
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Their goal? Jai said it’s to be stronger. Adding to the point, Joj said looking good is a plus point, but they value strength and everyday function more. Exercise is embedded in their lifestyle so that they can continue to be independent in practical ways, like being able to carry heavy groceries on their own. “More practical kami. We workout because we want to be strong, and then mas magaan ‘yung buhay namin if kaya namin talaga,” Joj said.
For health reasons
It goes without saying that exercise is good for one’s health, both physically and mentally. The mental health aspect is something they’ve especially tapped into in this regard after noticing their anxiety abate after a good workout, which Jai said she’s prone to, especially after her coma. Joj also mentioned that working out helps her a lot because she gets to release stress and negative energy from her body. This is a natural side effect of exercise because certain happy hormones are at work, specifically endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.
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Going on to emphasize the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, Joj added as a final note, “Dapat you love your body, appreciate your body, [and] get to know your body [more]. And then, dapat kasi kung paano mo alagaan ‘yung ibang tao, dapat alagaan muna sarili mo.”
For the country
You can get stronger, healthier, and happier by just exercising, but the twins added Navy training into the mix because being a Navy Reservist gives them more purpose and fulfillment. “I was heartbroken and in my healing stage when I entered the Navy,” Joj mentioned, adding that she’s become stronger as a result after testing her capacity. Joj was also instrumental in Jai doing the same as Jai said that her sister pushed her to do Spartan Races and exercise again after her coma, then joining the Navy Reserve to conquer her fears.
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But more importantly, joining the Navy Reserve gave them a reality check and pushed them to think beyond themselves. “May big obligation ka na. It’s about more discipline. Walang arte,” Jai said. Adding to that, Joj shared, “Coming from me na super kikay, nawala talaga kaartehan ko.” Now, the two are intent on recruiting and encouraging others to have this life-changing experience and to, in turn, change lives through medical missions and the like.
Photos: JOJ AGPANGAN, JAI AGPANGAN (via Instagram)
