Leaders Spotlight : Zoe Lu
In our 10th year of sweating and connecting we are sharing stories from our dedicated and passionate volunteers.
Introducing Zoe Lu. She kicked off her journey with FitFam Virtual and now leads in- person yoga sessions in Shanghai. After a life- changing tumor removal, Zoe was more determined than ever to live a long, healthy life. This experience inspired her to focus on what truly matters: her health, wellness, and making a positive impact on others. Thanks to FitFam, Zoe has grown into a leadership role, she is prioritizing what’s important and spreading her positive evergy and sharing her expertise to everyone around her.
Tell us about yourself
Originally from Guangxi, China, my journey into diverse international communities began in 2011 when I worked at an International school. Now taking a break from city life, I am teaching Yoga at a beachfront resort in Vietnam. I joined FitFam Shanghai in 2021. Thanks to Patty, another FitFam leader, who shared the FitFam mini-program in a 7-day sports challenge fundraising for abandoned pets group we both took part in. I soon started exploring and joining FitFam workouts following that pets challenge.
Your first FitFam encounter
In 2019, I underwent a brain tumor surgery. After the surgery, I realized how important and how much I truly wanted- to live a heathier lifestyle. Having worked in international schools, I had come to deeply appreciate the diverse backgrounds of the people from all over the world. That appreciation drew me to FitFam from the very beginning, as both its leaders and participants reflect that same rich diversity. Additionally, FitFam is a totally free fitness community with both in-person and online sessions. When I stumbled upon it, I honestly thought it was too good to be true.
The FitFam Impact
I started as a virtual yoga volunteer leader. That role not only gave me more chances to practice with the community but also pushed me to pursue deeper personal growth-physically and mentally. At FitFam's 10th anniversary celebration 2025, I was "lucky" enough to win a ticket to DekaFit, just two weeks away. I had no idea what DekaFit was (please don't laugh). And loana informed us that we can only sign up for Elite. Many of you may know the competition includes a station called farmer's carry-17.5 kg in each hand for women. I had never trained with weights before, except for 500ml water bottles. To me, it was mission impossible. But guess what? I did it! Special thanks to Patrick for arranging professional training, to Yolanda and Gaoyuan for training with me in person, and to Olga, Catherine and all the Fams for cheering me on. I never thought I could finish a Deka competition- until FitFam showed me I could. FitFam has impacted me far beyond fitness.
Becoming a FitFam leader
Becoming part of the leadership team actually felt quite natural to me, as I had already been practicing yoga regularly before joining FitFam. One day, Gloria posted a notice in the FitFam Virtual Workout group chat looking for volunteer yoga leaders. I reached out to her and shared my interest and willingness. She then scheduled a virtual training session with a few other aspiring leaders- including Adam, who is still actively leading lunchtime yoga five years later. I started leading not long after, only about three months into my FitFam journey. The following year, in 2022, Yurin encouraged me to lead offline sessions at TEC an indoor location in the French Concession in Shanghai. Then last year, with Vy's support, I started new yoga sessions at BFC. To my surprise, the class was incredibly popular- it was always full even with an initial capacity of 25 participants. Looking back, l've definitely grown a lot- both personally and professionally-with FitFam over the last five years.
Favorite Sweat and Connect moments
My favorite moments are when hearing positive feedback after a Yoga session. That's when I feel I'm creating value for the participants, the community and of course, for myself in return! When the energy flows that way, it is just priceless.
Anything else you would like to share?
For those who are on the fence about joining the community, I would say" Try it out! You never know what you will get until you try, receiving some good vibes, discovering your favorite sport, maybe obtain a lifelong friendship! "
For the potential volunteer leaders, I would say "Be proactive, knowing what you can contribute and improve at the same time! And go for it! Talk to a leader you know to start with!"
