Transform Your Mindset with Bodybuilding: My Personal Journey

Your body is capable of so much more than just the digits on the scale!

Experience the power of fitness with our #Fitspo of the Week series. We shine a light on inspiring individuals in Singapore who lead active and healthy lifestyles. If you have someone to recommend, connect with us on Instagram or Facebook.

Let’s meet this week’s Fitspo: Joachim Tan

You can find Joachim on Instagram as @joachimtandeon. A 32-year-old studio manager and trainer at SUMHIIT Fitness Orchard Gateway and Tai Seng, Joachim stands at 1.60m and weighs 62kg. He is passionate about fitness, especially the If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) approach to nutrition. He loves Japanese cuisine and works out at least four times a week, focusing on strength and hypertrophy-based sessions.

Sports and Fitness: Growing up

As a young boy, Joachim was a basketball enthusiast, playing the sport throughout his primary and secondary school years. However, his passion shifted to the gym and weightlifting during secondary school, which became his second home. He loved the rush of pushing his limits and building his strength, which eventually led to his interest in becoming a personal trainer.

Embracing Fitness as a Personal Trainer

Joachim’s interest in personal fitness development led him to become a personal trainer. After working initially in a gym for women, he moved on to F45 as their founding trainer at the South Buona Vista branch. He was introduced to the HIIT scene and has been hooked ever since. Now, he manages HIIT studios and is excited about his journey with Inspire Brands Asia team on their SUMHIIT Fitness venture. He is eager to bring his unique take on HIIT to the community.

Bodybuilding: Personal Journey and Highlights

Bodybuilding has been a significant part of Joachim’s fitness journey. Having always felt short and small, Joachim started hitting the gym in secondary school to build a bigger and more intimidating frame. His interest in sports and exercise led him to study sports science in polytechnic and then university.

The most memorable part of his bodybuilding journey was the rigorous dieting and the discipline it required. Joachim recalls the mental strength needed to keep track of his macros and resist cravings. However, the highlight was the moment he won a competition, which felt like a culmination of all his hard work and sacrifices.

Joachim also appreciated the camaraderie with his friends who joined him in bodybuilding. Despite the challenges, they pushed each other to do their best and celebrated milestones together. Nevertheless, after his first competition, he decided to stop competing and focus on helping others in their fitness journeys. The joy and fulfillment he finds in witnessing their progress are truly indescribable.

Handling Dual Responsibilities

As a studio manager and full-time trainer at SUMHIIT, Joachim finds it challenging but rewarding to balance his executive responsibilities with his passion for fitness. Even though the Singaporean fitness market is saturated, he believes in the concept of SUMHIIT, which he experienced firsthand in the United States. The chance to stand out and introduce this innovative fitness concept to the public drives him each day.

Looking Forward to New Fitness Concepts

Joachim is particularly excited about SUMHIIT, a new fitness concept endorsed by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). It challenges conventional high-intensity workout norms and achieves a 50-minute supercharged calorie burn in just 35 minutes. The SUMHIIT regimen features dynamic 60-second bursts of high-intensity cardio complemented by focused strength-building exercises.

Challenges of Being a Fitness Trainer

The biggest challenge Joachim faces as a fitness trainer is creating a fitness experience that’s enjoyable and inclusive for everyone. He realizes that not every workout caters to all groups of people, and that’s why he believes in SUMHIIT, which offers a workout that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their fitness preferences.

Overcoming Insecurities

When he was young, Joachim felt insecure about his height after reading a comment in his health booklet. He began to view himself differently, comparing himself to his taller peers. However, he later chose to turn this adversity into motivation. He focused on his strengths and what made him unique, which led him to embrace new hobbies and interests that boosted his confidence.

Body Image: Struggles and Acceptance

Joachim recalled feeling “too skinny” or “too small,” which affected his confidence. However, bodybuilding has helped him appreciate his body and the amazing things it can do. He feels stronger, more empowered, and more confident than ever. Although he wouldn’t say he’s completely satisfied with his body, Joachim has learned to embrace that feeling and turn it into motivation for self-improvement.