Womanity Award nominee Iza Calzado is more than just a critically acclaimed actress. She’s also a dedicated fitness enthusiast whose past experiences helped shape the strong and confident woman she is now.

Having being in the same boat when she was younger, Iza appreciates that she can be a form of inspiration to children and individuals who are battling health, weight, and emotional issues. She recalls an incident where a fan approached her, telling her how her interview with Marie Claire in 2005 helped her battle a crisis. “That encounter made me realize that what I have is a gift. I have no right to get tired. There are people counting on me to deliver. I have to deliver… No, I want to deliver.”

And deliver she has with her excellent work as an actress and continued commitment to healthy living. A happier and more mature person than before, Iza shares that the changes she’s gone through all these years are things she welcomed warmly. “I make no apologies when people say, ‘Oh she’s changed.’ Yes, I have,” she says, “and I’ve evolved into something I like better, (whom) I take more pride in.”

Do you want to feel beautiful inside and out like Iza Calzado? Read on for five tips from this celebrated actress.


1. SET REALISTIC GOALS.

These motivate Iza to continue practicing good health habits like eating well and exercising regularly. Iza sets short-term goals whether it’s shaping up for a TV show or a magazine cover shoot. But what’s more important to her is living a long, happy and fulfilling life. To achieve that ultimate goal, she plots it out in small, attainable increments.


2. WALK THE TALK.

“Day One is always the hardest, but (once you get started) it can be very empowering,” says Iza. But walking the talk isn’t just limited to the physical aspect; it involves emotional well-being too, something that Iza believes she’s on her way to getting. “I think before you hit 30, you already feel that you need a lot of healing. Because of something you went through as a child, or as a teen, or adult. There are a lot of things that need healing. That means a lot of forgiving, acceptance.”


3. MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY.

Treat a workout as an appointment. “I plot it out,” says Iza. “Let’s say I have work in the morning, then maybe I can work out after lunch. Or if it’s possible to move a work appointment to the afternoon, then I work out in the morning. Sometimes I’ll turn down something just to be able to work out.” Iza says she realizes not everyone may have the same flexible time that she has, but stresses that it is possible to schedule in physical activity and healthy eating.


4. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.

Try different things to see what workout routine and meal plan will work best to help you achieve your goals. For Iza, it’s weight training with free weights and kettlebells, running, and plyo-metrics. She reads up on nutrition and encourages others to educate themselves too.


5. GO EASY ON YOURSELF.

Even Iza slacks off on her running, or gives in to french fries. But she doesn’t beat herself up over it. Once she realizes that, she refocuses on her goals, reminding herself why she’s doing this in the first place. She allows herself some “cheat meals” two or three times a week when she indulges in chocolate or dessert.


For more on Iza Calzado’s fitness journey, grab a copy of Women’s Health’s April 2011 issue out on magazine stands now.

Also in this issue:
59 Ways to Go Green
Look Great Naked
Healthy in a Hurry

(Photos by Philip Sison)