The Real Secret to Fitness May Not Be What You Think

When people think of fitness, “self-discipline” is often the first thing that pops up.It’s a word tied to willpower, patience, and strict routines—usually with images of gritted teeth and struggle.But does staying fit really have to feel so hard? Is being disciplined the same as being harsh on yourself?

To Kara, a fitness coach, the answer is no. She believes empathy is just as important.Just like you wouldn’t ask a toddler to sprint the moment they stand up, we adults also need to treat ourselves with kindness. You can get fit with patience—without judgment, without self-doubt—in a space that’s encouraging, joyful, and supportive. Kara wakes up at 4:40 every morning and never misses a session with her students.She trains daily, not just for herself, but to set the tone for her classes. This marks her 18th year of living in Guangzhou. She started her journey at 20, driven by a love for sports and movement. Though she first came to Guangzhou to teach English, that brief experience helped her realize what she truly wanted: to commit to fitness coaching as a lifelong mission, and help more people embrace a healthy lifestyle.