Motherhood became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation, where Cristalle Belo-Pitt discovered that strength, beauty, and self-love are never too far from reach
This is an excerpt from the MEGA December 2023 – January 2024 Fitness Feature.
For some new mothers, the journey to regaining control of their bodies after giving birth can be a daunting and challenging one. The physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and childbirth can leave them feeling far removed from their pre-pregnancy selves—it’s an experience that can be as difficult as it is fulfilling. This is a struggle that is not unfamiliar to beauty and wellness scion Cristalle Belo-Pitt.
In an intimate interview at their family home in Makati, Belo-Pitt reveals her remarkable fitness journey, which took almost a year to achieve, and how it allowed her to regain confidence and control over her life.
Belo-Pitt tells MEGA, “We left for Adelaide, Australia, during the pandemic and stayed there for two and a half years. When we left, we had two kids below two years old, the second one being a newborn.”
Living in Adelaide during the pandemic provided a unique environment, with greater freedom of movement compared to the lockdown situation in the Philippines. However, the move came with its own set of challenges, as Belo-Pitt and her husband, Justin, had to navigate life without the usual support they enjoyed back home.
With her hands full, Belo-Pitt struggled to find time for herself. “Running a household, attending to the kids, and getting on business calls didn’t leave much time for working out,” she explains.
Returning to the Philippines 35 pounds heavier than her pre-pregnancy weight was a harsh reality for Belo-Pitt. But she saw it as a chance to rediscover wellness on her own terms.
The Belo Essentials managing director says, “I was really embarrassed being so big, but I saw it as a challenge, and I saw it as an opportunity to show people that with discipline, you can achieve the body goals you want for yourself.”
RECLAIMING HER BODY
But the road to her goal wasn’t paved with shortcuts. It took a full year to sculpt herself back to the shape she desired.
“I wanted the results to be sustainable and for the long haul, rather than go on a crash diet,” she says. To stay on track, she set quarterly goals and enlisted a group of friends to hold her accountable. “If I missed it, I had to pay a penalty to the group—this made it fun.”
She also underscores the importance of sticking with one trainer, relying on their expertise to guide her. Additionally, Belo-Pitt endorses weight training over cardio exercises, highlighting its efficiency and effectiveness, particularly for individuals over 40. Her regimen was disciplined: an hour of working out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s a mere three hours per week, but she prioritized this in her schedule.
“Find a schedule that works for you and block it off in your calendar,” she advises.
She adds, “I feel that when I am in control of my body, I am in control of my life. The discipline that working out brings affects every aspect of my life—as a business owner and even as a parent.”
Read more about how Cristalle Belo-Pitt got back her pre-pregnancy weight with discipline, determination, and a little bit of Belo magic in MEGA’s MEGA December 2023 – January 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader, and Zinio.
Photography GEE PLAMENCO JR.
Creative Direction BRIE VENTURA
Art Direction JONES PALTENG
Beauty Direction and Shoot Coordination LAURD SALEN
Fashion Direction BITHIA REYES
Styling BEA GUERRERO
Makeup MARY ANN OBIAS
Hair ARVEE YADAO CAHANAP, assisted by JEY FLORES
Nails BEAUTY & BUTTER NAIL LOUNGE
Sittings Editor BAM ABELLON
