SB19 Stell's Exact Workout Routine for His Toned Physique
In an exclusive interview, coach Bern Llanes reveals how the P-pop star gained his impressive build through a year of training.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Jul 14, 2026
Perhaps one of the most physically demanding occupations in the world is being a pop star. The job regularly entails intense choreography and vocal training, prompting most idols to undergo supervised conditioning whenever they're away from the stage.
In the local scene, we have SB19's Stell Ajero, who exemplifies how performing is a fitness routine in itself. To ensure he stays in tip-top shape, he's committed to a workout regimen tailored by coach Bern Llanes of Driven Performance Training. A year after beginning the program, Stell proudly showcases the fruits of his labor, both on stage and online.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, coach Bern reveals the exact exercises and eating habits Stell has adopted to achieve his toned physique. He emphasizes that the goal was never vanity, but rather to build a body that can perform at its best under all circumstances.
How SB19's Stell Ajero Got Ripped, According to His Trainer Bern Llanes
Prior to starting his program with coach Bern, Stell had already attained a lean physique thanks to years of being SB19's vocalist and choreographer. In March 2025, he decided to take on a more intensive fitness routine, partly in preparation for the band's Simula at Wakas concert. "We wanted to build a physique that was balanced, athletic, and sustainable," coach Bern says.
While simply "looking good" wasn't the primary goal, it was still an important consideration given Stell's line of work. As an idol, his outward appearance is a key part of maintaining a stage-ready presence.
"He has to look good on stage while having enough strength and endurance to perform at a high level every single night. Our goal was to make sure he stays ready regardless of how many concerts, rehearsals, or performances he has," coach Bern explains. "When you train your body to perform well, the physique naturally follows."
At Driven Performance Training, programs run for 12 weeks and are divided into phases. Fundamental movement patterns, such as the squat, deadlift, bench press, and strict press, are introduced first before progressing to strength, stability, and body awareness training. This is then followed by functional bodybuilding through compound lifts and athletic training.
Coach Bern highlights how these exercises are designed to improve Stell's performance beyond the gym. "We are not just building bodies that look good," he says. "We want strength that translates into everyday life and, in Stell's case, allows him to perform confidently on stage."
Stell's Exact Workout Routine
Given his busy schedule as a P-pop idol—which encompasses rehearsals, endorsement shoots, talk show guestings, and live performances—Stell's training routine depends on his current commitments. Coach Bern says the volume and intensity of his workouts are adjusted accordingly.
"The program is always individualized. Some weeks require more strength work while others require more conditioning. We constantly adjust based on what his body needs and what his schedule demands," he says. On a typical week, his routine looks like this:
Mondays are for full body strength trainings
Tuesdays are for a six kilometer run followed by calisthenics
Wednesdays are also for full body strength trainings
Thursdays are for accessory work focusing on mobility, stability, and injury prevention
Fridays are for an eight kilometer run followed by calisthenics.
Saturdays are for another round of full body strength trainings
Sundays are either for rest or an easy 10 kilometer run depending on how his body feels
Stell's Simple Diet
Nutrition-wise, coach Bern keeps it simple, tracking macros and calories based on their intended goals. "During a muscle-building phase, we increase calories. During a cutting phase, we reduce calories while keeping protein high to preserve muscle," he explains.
"A good starting point is around 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat, although we adjust that depending on his needs and training demands," he adds. To supplement his diet, Stell also takes creatine, whey protein, fish oil, and magnesium in recommended dosages.
The Results (So Far)
More than a year after coming under coach Bern's guidance, Stell is clearly seeing the results. With visibly toned biceps, six-pack abs, and a literal spring in his step, the SB19 member is arguably in the best shape of his career.
Getting to this point was far from easy, coach Bern emphasizes. Working around the musician's perpetually packed schedule was one of the biggest challenges, but it also showcased Stell's discipline. He shares:
"No matter where he is in the world, he always finds time to train. Whether he is in a hotel gym or a commercial gym, and even if he has very limited equipment, we make it work."
"If he only has dumbbells or resistance bands, we modify the workout without sacrificing the goal," he continues. "As his coach, my job is to keep him accountable, not only with training but also with recovery and nutrition. Consistency is what keeps him progressing."
Staying consistent despite the demands of stardom is easier said than done, especially when performing already requires so much physical exertion. "Every concert is almost like a high-intensity athletic event," coach Bern says. With this in mind, Stell's program prioritizes building strength and durability while reducing the risk of injury.
"I always joke that the goal is for him to still be performing when he's 70 years old," the coach shares.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.