Leaders Spotlight : Shen Yihong
In our 10th year of sweating and connecting we are sharing stories from our dedicated and passionate volunteers.
Introducing Shen Yihong,FitFam Shanghai volunteer with Zhongshan park.
Tell us about yourself
My hometown is Jinshan, Shanghai — a place where the sea meets the fields, and where my love for nature began. Because of work, I’m often on the road and my schedule is rarely regular. Over time, I began to feel my body slipping out of shape. But I didn’t want to spend my precious free time in Shanghai shut away in a gym. Then one day, while scrolling through Weixin Moments, I saw a friend exercising outdoors with a group. The energy, the openness, the sense of freedom — it struck me immediately.
Your first FitFam workout
I joined FitFam at Zhongshan Park in June 2021. It was a rainy day, and I completed my very first workout there. I had assumed the session would end early because of the weather, but things turned out very differently from what I had imagined. In that moment, I just thought this group was incredibly cool — showing up rain or shine, not bothered by the environment, needing no fancy equipment, just pure passion and energy. It was exactly what I had always longed for: a group of vibrant, genuine, and lovable companions walking the same path.
The FitFam Impact
Since joining FitFam, my way of life has been completely reshaped. Waking up early three times a week to work out has long become a habit. Even when I’m traveling for work, I make a promise to myself: in every city I visit, I find a nearby running spot, check in there, and make sure I complete at least 6 kilometers or 30 minutes of exercise. I love hiking, and now every year I set off with a group of like-minded friends to take part in one trail race after another. Sweat, companionship, persistence, and passion have filled ordinary days with countless shining moments. FitFam also regularly organizes events. I’ve seen with my own eyes how the Leaders quietly give so much of themselves to make these events happen, never calculating personal gain or loss, simply doing it out of love. I feel the same way — I love FitFam, and I want to pass on this pure love to more people around me.
Becoming a FitFam leader
At first, when Andi recommended that I become a Leader, I said no, because I knew it was a responsibility. First, because of my work, I can be sent on business trips at moment's notice. Second, I didn’t feel that my own training intensity was strong enough. Third, I was afraid that if I didn’t lead well, or if no one signed up, it would affect the reputation of the Zhongshan Park team. A few months later, Andi brought it up again. As a long-time member, I felt it was time for me to contribute something to the team, so I thought — why not give it a try? With the experience-sharing and encouragement of the other Leaders, I gradually became more confident and at ease. It has also been an amazing personal breakthrough for me.
Why become a FitFam leader?
FitFam is a public-service fitness community with multiple locations across Shanghai, so it’s easy to join whichever site is most convenient for you. There are all kinds of activities to choose from, and volunteer Leaders are there to guide you for free. If you’re thinking about becoming a Leader, don’t hesitate. Once you become a Leader, you’ll grow more disciplined and more fired up, because there will always be a group of like-minded people waiting to set off with you and sweat it out together.