Winnie Chan

I get it, I’m with you, and we’ll do this together

I’ve always had a passion for helping others be the best version of themselves. We all go through hardships from time to time, and whatever it is that we have to go through, we remember not only the bad things about it but also those who were there for us during those times. Our fitness journey is just the same.

I grew up bullied and made fun of for my weight. I discovered basketball at a young age and did my best to stay active, so I would never have to face the same hurtful judgment from others as I got older. As a young adult into adulthood, I found the consistency of staying active difficult when balancing school, work, family, and friends. For years now, I’ve been teeter-tottering between weight gain and weight loss, and to this day, I still am. We all get busy and life happens, but what changed my fitness journey, even though my weight gain and loss continue to fluctuate, is the people that I’ve met when I started kickboxing. Not only the coaches, but the members as well. Everyone was there for the same purpose: to kickbox and get a killer workout while there. It was never about being better than the other person in the room, but about being a community with the same goal in mind. These were the people who were with me through it all, the frustrations and the accomplishments. They gave me the encouragement that I craved to push on to meet my goals. They celebrated with me when I overcame different roadblocks.

Experiences like these led to my desire to support others within this same community as well, not just as a member, but also as a coach. Changing the stereotype of what being athletic or fit means. It doesn’t mean you have to be skinny or strong like everyone else. For you, it might mean finally going up the stairs and not feeling out of breath, not constantly feeling that low energy slump, fitting into your clothes better, or finally being able to hold a plank for longer than 30 seconds. For me, it’s about being stronger than the me from yesterday.     

As your coach and your support system, I’m not here to tell you that you fell off, you’re not looking out for yourself, or that you’re doing anything wrong. I’m here to tell you that I get it, I’m with you, and we’ll do this together. Some days will be harder than others, but we’re in this together. Come as you are and give it all that you can. Most of all, have fun!

If I’m not coaching, you might find me working out with you, checking out a new food or coffee place, hiking, playing basketball, traveling, playing video games, working (those reports won't write themselves),  or binge watching something on Netflix.