Leaders Spotlight : Henry
In our 10th year of sweating and connecting we are sharing stories from our dedicated and passionate volunteers.
Introducing Henry, who started FitFam in Shanghai, his positive attitude and non stop energy makes Henry a friend of all.
Tell us about yourself
I come from a small county in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, and have been building my life in Shanghai for over twenty years. In 2017, during a low point in my life, a friend introduced me to the FitFam community fitness group. That unexpected encounter completely changed my daily rhythm and has since become my most healing, longest-lasting passion and commitment.
Your first FitFam workout
When I first joined FitFam, the pure, warm atmosphere, the fun and accessible way of working out, the uplifting team spirit, and the genuine kindness among the leaders and members - all of it healed me during a low point in my life. I started out with FitFam North. Under the guidance of great coaches like Gary, Wang Hui, and Harriet, I stuck with my training, took time to find my footing, and slowly climbed out of my emotional slump. I rediscovered a brighter, more positive way of living - and fell in love with the joy of exercising as a community.
The FitFam Impact
Leading workout sessions has improved my ability to manage a group and my leadership skills, and I’ve made many like- minded friends. It has not only strengthened my body and enriched my life but also helped motivate my teammates to stick with their workouts. At the same time, it serves as an outlet for me to relieve stress and regulate my emotions, making me more resilient at work and fostering a more positive mindset.
Before joining, I was going through a rough patch in both my personal life and career. I was plagued by self-doubt, felt completely down, and gained a lot of weight. It was the warm atmosphere of FitFam and the support of my teammates that healed me and helped me realize that exercise is the best remedy for emotional turmoil.
Becoming a FitFam leader
On July 9, 2019, FitFam leader Wang Hui had to leave Shanghai temporarily for personal reasons. With his encouragement and trust, I took the baton and officially became the leader of FitFam North. I was nervous and anxious before my first session, but also full of passion and anticipation. To date, I have been a FitFam leader for seven to eight years, oversee activities at Jing'an North, West Bund, Friday Night Bund Runs, and more. Through each session, I found my own rhythm and style, balancing the pace for both new and seasoned participants, accompanying and encouraging everyone with patience and enthusiasm.
Favorite Sweat and Connect moments
There have been many unforgettable experiences, leading workout sessions helped me improve my ability to manage a group and my leadership skills, and I was able to encourage and support many teammates in sticking with their fitness routines. The most memorable moment was FitFam’s 8th anniversary in December 2023, when I recorded videos with teammates from the West Bund and North locations to sincerely express our love and appreciation for this unique and motivating fitness community
Anything else you would like to share?
I've been fortunate to meet many great leaders and members. During my time as leader, I've gotten to know many outstanding fellow leaders and fitness- loving friends. We come together through sports, encourage each other, and move forward side by side. I've gained genuine friendships, and that has made my life in Shanghai richer and warmer.
A temporary goodbye makes the reunion even sweeter. I'll be applying soon to start leading at a new location. At the end of last year, I moved to Meilan Lake in Baoshan District. Due to the distance, I haven't been able to lead as often day to day, but FitFam has never left my heart. I still actively show up for major events like the anniversary celebration and various challenges. Once life settles down a bit, I plan to launch a new workout location at Meilan Lake - to bring FitFam's warm, community-driven fitness spirit to more places and attract more like-minded friends. Finally, I want to encourage anyone thinking about joining the community or becoming a leader: take that first step bravely. This is a caring, welcoming family built on goodwill. Here, you'll gain not just health, but joy, friendship, and a true sense of belonging. For me, FitFam has long been a harbor of healing and growth. Moving forward, I'll stay true to why I started, spread the positive power of sports, and walk this path with FitFam toward a future that's farther, warmer, and brighter together.
