Leaders Spotlight : Adrian Morgan
In our 10th year of sweating and connecting we are sharing stories from our dedicated and passionate volunteers.
Introducing Adrian Morgan. Adrian started with FitFam in Hangzhou. As the world changed in 2020 so did Adrian’s location, so he moved back down under to Australia where he now leads the popular Saturday Sweatshop virtually.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the sunny city of Brisbane, Australia. Times were different then: no internet, no mobile phones, no instant gratification. If we wanted entertainment, we had to go find it. My friends and I would jump on our bikes and disappear for the day without anyone knowing where we would end up. Our parents trusted we would return when we got hungry or needed a Band-Aid. Looking back at what we got up to, it's a wonder we didn't spend more time in hospital. Those years built a habit in me to be active - not to get fit (that was a side effect), but to have fun. And it is a habit I still have today. As a young adult, I lived in London for a couple of years, aiming to find my fame and fortune. It didn't quite go to plan, though I did meet my future wife, so a big plus on that count. When we left London, it's because of her that we moved back to Adelaide (where her parents were) instead of Brisbane. Here my professional career started to get traction, eventually leading me to accept an executive position in Hangzhou, China. All throughout those years, I remained active in any way I could. Handstand push-ups in a tiny bedsit in London, frisbee throwing on Australian beaches, martial arts, even running up flights of stairs in a Chinese apartment block. It's a habit I still have today. I go to the gym 4–5 days a week, with a beloved FitFam session almost every Saturday.
Your first FitFam workout
I was introduced to FitFam by another Aussie expat in Hangzhou in 2019. I was struck by how casual and inclusive it was. No egos, just people joining in at whatever fitness level they were - and it was almost ALWAYS ON. I remember in winter, freezing my ass off biking to the location, thinking, "I'll be the only idiot there!" - but no, there were plenty of others, and we got warm real quick. A great way to make friends. Come 2020, and I flew back to Australia in February for an important meeting - and COVID decided to shut the world. Everybody was in lockdown, my position finished, and I was at a loose end. But FitFam finds a way to connect. Virtual exploded, and this was the start of a golden FitFam period for me. I was doing my own bodyweight exercises at home, bored out of my skull. Kaz Chau put on some fitness vids to join along with, and then (somehow) I caught wind of more organized 'live' sessions with none other than Vy Vu. I was hooked then. It was fun, interactive, and as social as you can be online. It was a kick to see familiar faces week in, week out. I started leading and soon had sessions Monday to Saturday. Such great memories of catching up with people literally all over the world. We sweated, we connected, we had fun. Some are still in my Saturday sessions today. I still remember getting 70+ people at one of my sessions and then having to help check in 200+ at one of Cory's core blast sessions - fun times. Work commitments in July 2021 meant I could no longer lead during the week, so that dialed right down, but I still do Saturdays.
The FitFam Impact
FitFam really helped me get through Covid lockdowns and kept me disciplined. Very much looked forward to the shared experience, even on virtual
Becoming a FitFam leader
If you are thinking of taking the dive to become a leader, do it. It is more of a slide into a welcoming pool rather than a dive and is so rewarding. I started during COVID and the positive impact on people in lockdown was a beautiful thing. And if a grumpy old man can do it, you can too. Start with workouts you know, enjoy and are comfortable with. Join or support other leaders’ sessions, see what works and use what you like. There are plenty of experienced leaders ready to help and support and we would love more of us. I really connect with my Saturday crew and nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing the regulars progress and even surpass me. Some of the transformations have been amazing. I love getting newbies and giving them some tips, letting them know virtual still has social connection. Being a leader is truly about the journey and I am still getting schooled by other leaders and, indeed, the FitFammers who join Saturday Sweatshop. So don’t expect the perfect performance, it’s okay to make mistakes, I still do today, it’s normal. I am truly grateful I persevered through those icy Hangzhou mornings to be part of this great community. I hope one day… ONE DAY, we can have a face to face session.
Favorite Sweat and Connect moments
I have so many favourite FitFam moments. It may surprise you but your fitness does improve if you remain consistent. I remember taking part in a FitFam promotion in Hangzhou. There were other clubs promoting themselves as well, one of them a Capoeira group. We agreed to take part in each others’ demonstrations to build up the numbers. FitFam were on the our 3rd set of four and the Capoeira guys were “nope, don’t make us do another”. Kaz and I shared a look, I guess FitFam does work.
Or
One of the advantages of virtual is that, generally, you are in your own home. So, when it is REALLY cold, I can start the session in my favourite slippers.
In all honesty, I love the look of the sweaty but happy faces at the end of each and every session. The harder the workout, the more connection we have. “We made it!”
Anything else you would like to share?
If you are on the fence about joining, that’s understandable, trying to get fit is intimidating.
I don’t know what to do
Will I get laughed at?
Everyone will be so much fitter than me.
FitFam is 100% free and is run and lead by volunteers. As such, there is no hard sell, no false promises, no egos, no ‘inner sanctums’. We are happy for you to show up and join. The social connection is one of its greatest strengths and it’s kept me coming back, even in virtual. The leaders are every day people and are completely un-intimidating. The variety of sessions is great and everyone is really supportive. Try it, come for the fitness, stay for the connection. If you are super shy, try virtual and turn off the camera, it’s that easy.
Join FitFam virtually and view our schedule here