Beau Belga powers Rain or Shine to a big win over Ginebra. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga knows that he had to shed the extra pounds if he wants to achieve longevity in the PBA.
In an interview with sports show The Chasedown, the 12-year veteran said that he’s so far lost 30 lbs since he started watching his weight a couple of seasons ago.
The 6-foot-4 big man said he’s now at 260 lbs, which is his ideal playing weight.
“Every year there are young players coming in. Of course when you can’t keep up then your career will end quickly,” said Belga in Filipino.
“In the PBA, the healthier you are, the more that you maintain your condition, the longer you’ll stay. That’s what I’ve been thinking about and of course this is a job. I want to stay here a little bit longer.”
Belga has always been a burly big and his six-year partnership with former teammate JR Quiñahan earned them the nickname “Extra Rice Inc.” due to their heft.
Quiñahan, though, has since become leaner and is now one of the most valued veterans of NLEX.
“I weighed at around 290 lbs before, I looked like a wrestler, but I worked at my weight bit by bit,” said Belga. “I didn’t lose it all at once because I don’t know how my body would react.”
Belga said he didn’t change his diet that much and he still eats what he wants but he makes sure to work out all that harder.
“I still eat what I want but at the same time I hit the gym and burn it all,” said Belga. “I do this because I have a career to take care of.”