Fueling greatness: Inside Kevin Quiambao’s training regimen
Kevin Quiambao’s dedication to staying in peak physical condition is the engine that ignites his quest for greatness.
During Quiambao’s MVP-winning performance in leading La Salle to the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament, he constantly complimented the training regimen prepared by Green Archers’ strength and conditioning coaches Migs Aytona and Gelo Vito in the preseason for preparing him for the taxing grind of the collegiate elimination round and Final Four.
The man now popularly known as KQ, who admitted he wasn’t in great shape during his rookie season, returned for his sophomore campaign a complete player on both sides of the floor, powered by his ability to stave off exhaustion in late-game situations.
“His workouts vary depending on the phase, but mostly he starts with mobility work, speed drills, sprint or agility work, then his light and explosive lifts, then his heavy and main lifts, and then he does his accessory exercises for maintenance,” explained Aytona, the founder of athlete-trusted Aytona Performance.
“After all the strength work, he does his plyometrics and then finishes with his conditioning or endurance work.”
There’s a deeper science to tracking the progress of Quiambao’s workouts, which includes quantitative data.
Examples of workout sets include a-skips and b-skips for speed; trap bar hang pulls and medicine ball rotational throws for explosive work; box squats and deadlifts for main lifting work; leg curls and leg extensions for accessory work; bounds and hops for plyometrics; and intervals and tempo runs for endurance.
As the saying goes, you will only see progress in your workouts if it is complemented by a solid diet. Quiambao is particular about what he puts in his body, guided by the knowledge he learned from Tim Nutrition.
KQ works out six to seven times a week. His meal beforehand? A protein shake, as he opts for liquid sustenance. After training? Three pieces of eggs and 80 grams of rice. Quiambao allows himself occasional cheat meals, which is often siomai.
Aytona has trained many collegiate and pro athletes. Quiambao’s work ethic has always stood out to him. If the reigning UAAP MVP keeps this up, the sky is the limit for his potential.
Photography: Vyn Radovan
Shot at: Activate Sports Center
Special thanks: Migs Aytona of Aytona Performance
