For the next part of our International Women’s Day series, we are talking to Lee Lu from Topnotch Gyms Northampton. With a background in kickboxing and martial arts, Lee Lu brings a "warrior mindset" tempered with deep compassion to her classes.

Whether she is teaching 18-year-olds or 83-year-olds, her focus is on building a community where every woman feels she is worth the effort.

Building Success at Every Age

"I am a big believer that you can do anything you wish, no matter your age or background, if you put in the work and determination. Building confidence is a huge key in any journey, whether it is your very first fitness class or your 100th."

"I teach members ranging from 18 to 83, and it always amazes me how they inspire me in every class. Whether it is weight training, aqua aerobics, or boxing, as long as the motivation is there, anything is achievable. Building a comfortable, safe, and friendly environment creates a community of like-minded people, which is such an important factor in the fitness journey."

Training for Mental and Emotional Strength

"Mental and emotional health are huge factors in fitness. Coming from a kickboxing and martial arts background, I was taught that our bodies are our weapons and that mindset is as important as achieving a personal best."

"If you are not mentally strong, you will struggle to find the best version of yourself. I am very much into the wellness side of the journey. If I feel a bit low, I will put music on and do what I love to make me smile. Whether that is dancing, kicking a heavy bag, or doing barbell work to feel strong, listening to our bodies is just as important as achieving a PB."

Teaching Through the Monthly Cycle

"As women, our hormones are a major factor in our health. Being a vegetarian, I take supplements like iron and Vitamin D to help with my cycles and energy."

"Teaching can be taxing, and when I am feeling low on energy during that time of the month, I remember to slow down. I might change my classes to be more resistance or weight-based instead of cardio or HIIT. As an instructor, I am a role model, so I need to be true to myself and 'practise what I preach' by respecting my body’s limits."

A Journey from Injury to Power

"One of my most memorable success stories is a client who survived a scary car accident. When I first met her, she struggled to lift a 2kg dumbbell without pain, and her mobility was so limited she could not sit at her desk for longer than 30 minutes."

"We worked for three years on mobility, resistance bands, and yoga moves. We slowly introduced weight-bearing exercises as she got stronger. Now, she is doing CrossFit sessions and recently hit a personal best of a 30kg power clean and press with an Olympic bar! Seeing her join our cardio combat classes and work on the pads and gloves makes me so proud."

Seasonal Fuel and Comfort Food

"My favourite comfort food is pasta or Mediterranean dishes, like Turkish or Moroccan food. I love fruit, vegetables, and very colourful plates."

"I am a huge believer in eating in season. If we feed our bodies the right way during each season, our bodies can heal and perform properly. This helps our nervous system stay strong so we can maintain our health as we get older."

Changing the Relationship with Fitness

"When I started years ago, the industry was very male-dominated. I used to push myself beyond my capabilities without thinking about 'women’s health.' While women are capable of achieving anything men can, our bodies are built differently and are driven by hormones. We need to work with that 'amazing machine' rather than against it."

"After a couple of tough years where my own confidence took a hit, I started to train with a new mindset: 'let's go play.' Last year, by taking the pressure off and just having fun, I achieved every goal I had set four years prior. Experience and age have taught me that letting go of the pressure often allows everything to fall into place."

Decompressing Through Creativity

"As much as I love fitness, I am a huge music lover and artist. On my days off, you will find me drawing, painting, or being in nature surrounded by beautiful views. Calming my nervous system through creativity helps me channel energy back into my classes and my members."

A Final Message: Be Kind to Yourself

"The one thing I wish more women would prioritise is being kind to themselves. Never feel guilty if things do not go as planned. One or two sessions a week can be more beneficial than five forced sessions that stress you out."

"Look in the mirror while you are doing your routine and tell yourself 'I am worth it.' In my cardio combat and box-HIIT classes, we call it 'cheap therapy.' There is nothing better than seeing a group of awesome women feeling strong, cheering each other on, and laughing together."

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