Work often keeps celebrities from doing exercises and maintaining a healthy body.

So, whenever he has free time, Gerald Anderson does his favorite sport: basketball.

“Kapag may time, I try my best para makapaglaro, maisingit man lang,” he tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during a recent pictorial for the cover of Men’s Health magazine.

The Kapamilya actor says he prefers playing the game than going to parties.

Aside from getting fit, exercise also makes Gerald think that he is setting a good example for the public, especially for the youth.

“Nakakatuwa, kasi parang may ginagawa ka namang tama. Iniisip nila na healthy ka,” he smiles.

“Ako, active talaga ako sa sports. So, sana ‘yong mga kabataan, sana kapag nabasa nila ang [Men’s Health] at kapag nakita nila, mas ma-inspire pa sila mahilig sa sports.”

The young actor also stresses that exercises do not need to be strenuous.

He says, “Basta kapag may time, talagang exercise ako kasi talagang importante ‘yon.

“Hindi naman kailangang sobrang fit ka o sobrang dami mong abs, basta healthy ka."

While there are people who aim to get well-sculpted bodies, Gerald thinks this is just a bonus from doing regular exercise.

The 23-year-old celebrity explains, “Siyempre, masarap ‘yong hirap na kailangan mong pagdaanan. Sobrang fulfilling after.

“Ang sinasabi ko lang, hindi naman kailangang gano’n ang lahat ng tao.

“You just need to be healthy, to eat right, and dapat exercise palagi.”

Find out more about Gerald’s enthusiasm for basketball in the August 2012 issue of Men’s Health magazine.