For Leander Lazaro and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, becoming better athletes is not simply about winning tournaments but building a healthier lifestyle, nurturing community and helping the next generation of players. The two professional athletes, introduced as Herbalife pickleball ambassadors, are promoting the company’s “Better Every Day” campaign, which encourages active lifestyles through exercise, proper nutrition and consistent improvement. During a recent media roundtable, Lazaro and Lim-Narvasa shared how their transition from competitive tennis to pickleball changed their approach to sports, particularly in physical preparation, mental well-being and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I always say I love pickleball. Even when I get so stressed, I still love it,” Lim-Narvasa said. She said pickleball has also helped her connect with people, describing the sport as a bridge that makes it easier to form friendships. Lazaro said the sport has similarly helped him develop healthier habits while enjoying the process of improving. “In the process, I’m getting healthier. Because the habits that we’ve built over time, the workouts, the training, keep getting better every day,” Lazaro said. Both athletes said their approach to training has evolved since their tennis days. As adults competing professionally, they now pay greater attention to nutrition, hydration, sleep, strength training and recovery. Lim-Narvasa, who previously worked as a personal trainer, said maintaining a healthy lifestyle is about making it part of everyday life rather than simply pursuing a particular fitness goal. The athletes also discussed nutrition during tournaments, when matches can last throughout the day. Both said they are lactose intolerant and have incorporated Herbalife nutritional shakes into their routines to help meet their individual needs. Lim-Narvasa said she had initially been skeptical about supplements but became more open to them after finding products that suited her dietary requirements. She also stressed that nutritional needs differ from person to person. “It has to be aligned with your goals,” she said. The two athletes also emphasized the mental side of competition. Lim-Narvasa said her early tennis career came with pressure to perform and fear of losing. Discovering pickleball as an adult allowed her to approach competition differently. “I’m gonna protect my joy in playing pickleball. It’s about getting better. It’s not just about winning,” she said. Lazaro said he experienced similar pressure as a junior tennis player, particularly the expectation to win and prove himself. Through pickleball, he said, he has learned to focus on what he can control and has benefited from having a supportive community. Lazaro and Lim-Narvasa see growing opportunities for young Filipinos as more tournaments, courts and sponsors enter the sport. The two represented the Philippines at the recent Pickleball World Cup, where the national team finished 11th among more than 40 nations. In the future, they hope to help develop younger players to represent the country internationally. “We’re looking for that next gen of pro athletes. We’re not scared to be overthrown or whatever. It’s going to happen. And we want the next batch of athletes to be good country representatives,” Lim-Narvasa said. For the two ambassadors, the game ultimately represents more than competition. “Pickleball is just a start of a healthier life with more friends. And a community that you can get healthier and better,” Lim-Narvasa said.