Meet our wonderfully talented Member of the Month for June, Vicky Tan!
Vicky shows incredible consistency, determined effort, and brings her bright, focused energy to each and every class she attends. Talented and relentless, Vicky’s presence is a testament to fortitude. Get to know more about Vicky below!
What made you join Sister Fit?
I was interested in learning kickboxing or Muay Thai when I was teenager, but never really found a place that was close or affordable for a 14 year-old without any source of income. I took some kickboxing lessons while in university and found them to be a fun way to exercise and to learn to defend myself, but those were cut off when COVID hit. A few years later, my sister worked as a veterinary assistant close to Sister Fit and asked if I wanted to go with her. I said yes and I’ve been going over since.
How old are you? How do you like to identify?
I’m 23 years old and I identify as a pansexual Chinese-Canadian. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, pansexuality is attraction to people regardless of their sex or gender identity.
What would you say to help encourage another person to join our gym?
Sister Fit is made up of wonderful and encouraging members that have really helped motivate me on my endeavour to living a healthier lifestyle. I’ve always felt a bit self-conscious going to the gym or working out by myself, but Sister Fit creates this sense of community that keeps me coming back week after week.
What are some differences that you have noticed in your mental and physical health?
Physically, I definitely have gained some strength and stamina since joining. However, the biggest impact has been on my mental health. I was diagnosed with depression and general anxiety disorder when I was 15. Years of therapy and medication have helped, but it’s so easy to fall back into old patterns, which is what happened to me back in December of 2022 as my contract job ended. Since January, I’ve had 27 interviews and not a single job offer, which really affected my mood. The weekly commitment of going to Sister Fit and being able to work out my frustration consistently helped me de-stress, get out of my own head, and face another week of applications and interviews.
What’s your favourite food?
It’s hard for me to pick my favourite! If I had to choose one thing, it would be kimchi jjigae because it’s my ultimate comfort food. Warm, savoury, spicy, and a bit sour, it’s great with a bowl of white rice. And, kimchi is really good for gut health too!
What’s your favourite exercise?
I love doing punching and kicking combos with the long pads. The sound of a powerful hit against the pads is so satisfying and a great stress reliever.
What do you do for work?
I’m a freelancer in the film, TV, and theatre industry. Last year, I was an Assistant Production Coordinator on a TV series entitled “I Have Nothing” that will premiere on Crave later this year. More recently, I’ve been a Production Assistant on a number of short films and live performance events held throughout Toronto and the GTA.
What are you passionate about?
I love writing fiction and hope to publish a book one day. I’m a huge musical theatre nerd. I’m certain I could write an entire essay about my favourite musical, Amélie, specifically the West End version and why it’s superior to the Broadway version. I’m also very passionate about diverse representation and storytelling in media, so much so that I’ve decided to pursue a career in it.
