Amanda Lam wants to inspire women to find fitness that works for them
Amanda Lam’s passion is helping women to become stronger. Photo: HandoutEvery week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we’ve written
When Hongkonger Amanda Lam Wing-shan was young, she was “obsessed” with getting a perfectly toned stomach. Her workout inspiration? Fashion models.
Ten years later, her view has changed. She no longer exercises to be skinny and small.
Instead, the 27-year-old embraces strength and the power of weightlifting.
Lam, now a professional bodybuilder and gym owner, said other women were increasingly interested in building muscle too.
But it is a work in progress.
“I think gym culture is still growing in the women’s community,” she said.
Lam also finds time to train about 50 clients and continue her studies.
She wants to use her online presence, with over 20,000 social media followers, and her gym community to inspire other women.
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Becoming a fitness icon
Lam did not become a full-time athlete and gym owner overnight.
After graduating from university in 2019, Lam worked her “dream job” as an occupational therapist. She was also preparing for bodybuilding competitions and training clients at the same time.
In late 2020, Lam won an amateur bodybuilding competition that allowed her to compete at the professional level.
She soon realised she wanted to focus on helping women as a fitness coach. She quit her job in 2021 and opened a gym with her partner, Isaac Tse.
Lam admits being a female owner of a gym is rare in Hong Kong. She has also seen a lack of women in gyms over the years.
“When I was [first] going to the gym, there were no girls,” she said. “Now ... we have lots of girls at Pump.”
She said her gym focused on health and wellness to help people achieve their individual fitness goals, which were different for everyone.
Women can be strong too
Lam has learned that strength is key to health and longevity. This is especially true for women, with the pressure to be skinny and less muscular.
“Nowadays, more girls are joining that community [of strength training],” she said. “I feel so happy to be able to inspire others. It gives me unexpected satisfaction.”
As a gym owner and coach, Lam recognises that fitness looks different for everyone.
“Women should ... compete across their own timelines because we have more roles other than being strong and hard-working,” she said.
Lam still has many years ahead of her as a coach, business owner and bodybuilding competitor. She said each of these elements was an important part of her life and identity.
Looking ahead, the fitness influencer wants to continue to motivate women to pursue health and fitness.
Other goals are on her mind too. Lam said she hoped society could rethink some of the ways it saw women and their bodies.
“I think [we] should definitely have more [visibility of] women’s bodies in different ways,” Lam said. “But definitely [society] should have more highlights on women’s accomplishments.”
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