The Rise of a Tribal Gym: From Rehabilitation to Champion Dreams
35-year-old Shengzhi is from the Wanrong tribe in Hualien. Three years ago, he established the “Your Unseen Muscles” in his tribe, ushering in a new wave of fitness in the area, and this issue highlights this unique business. After reading this column, why not get moving too?
Journey of Workout Inspired by an Influencer: The Beginning Faith of Opening a Gym
The studio is located on a narrow street in the Wanrong tribe. Through the open window frame, one can easily see a group of people exercising inside, creating a beautiful sight in the tribe. A few years ago, Shengzhi was injured in a car accident, leaving him in poor health. He was inspired by a fitness influencer named Marc Fitt, and envied his strong physique. He began imitating Marc Fitt, starting from the basics and learning through YouTube day by day.
As he became more and more involved, Shengzhi wanted to see some changes in his body. Thus, he gradually advanced himself, and the equipment slowly accumulated along the way: dumbbells, squat racks, non-motorized treadmills, leg presses, seal rows, high-low pulls, belt squat racks, multi-functional machines, and more. He kept purchasing different equipment for different body parts and a complete fitness space was born.
As he self-trained himself diligently, personal goals and different ideas took root in his heart. Besides significant changes in his physique, he also deeply influenced the youth around the tribe to exercise. As a result, he gradually invested himself in the fitness industry.
This motivation led Shengzhi to have thoughts. Despite his lack of experience, he courageously signed up for the “112th Annual Second National Tribal RAKAC Warrior Cup Traditional Strength and Beauty Cultural Competition,” where he won the “Tribal Strongman Champion.”
Shengzhi couldn’t believe it at the moment he won. He initially participated in the competition thinking that it was incidental, and visiting his hometown in Pingtung was primary. However, it became a significant turning point at his 35. He attributes his success to divine grace and is immensely grateful.
Early Challenges of Entrepreneurship: From Kitchen to Gym
Initially, Shengzhi envisioned a dedicated exercise space or a “toy factory” and worked hard to realize this small dream hidden in his heart. He planned to convert his kitchen into a gym, but his parents were skeptical about this. He could not have succeeded if it were not for his relentless negotiation. Shengzhi and his wife sacrificed their weekends, to plan equipment purchases and assembly, and make the wall decorations and painting on their own. The walls are covered with logos of their favorite sports brands and photos of their admired influencers, constantly motivating them to maintain a self-disciplined fitness attitude.
Business Features: More Than a Gym, a Community Center
Your Unseen Muscles serves not only the tribe but also attracts fitness enthusiasts from Fenglin and Guangfu. The gym currently has about 20 members and operates from 8 AM to 9 PM. Shengzhi and his wife manage the gym, allowing members to use the equipment when they are not present.
The gym offers memberships and single-use options. Members can purchase monthly or yearly memberships. Some customers, after their first experience, immediately desire to buy long-term memberships. However, Shengzhi encourages new customers to start with a one-month membership first, and consider long-term options afterwards. Almost every customer ends up becoming friends with them because they gather for the same goal: to stay healthy and maintain a good physique. Exercising together is about exchanging support and encouragement. Nevertheless, there are still some young gym regulars needing to leave the tribe for studies; it was hard for Shengzhi to see them come and go.
Occasionally, welfare institutions in Fenglin also bring children to the gym. The tribe rarely has recreational or exercise spaces, so coming to “Your Unseen Muscles” to strengthen their bodies while calming their minds becomes meaningful. Opening a gym in the tribe is also, to some extent, an attempt to alter tribal habits, providing an additional community activity and social venue. In addition, Shengzhi also noticed that many women in the tribe also want to work out but feel shy due to the open space of the gym. Accordingly, he is planning a dedicated women’s gym area on the second floor.
Future Prospects: Promoting Fitness Culture
In the future, Shengzhi hopes to open another gym somewhere in Shoufeng. Currently, only the City and Yuli have gyms in Hualien, with “Your Unseen Muscles”being the only one in the central region. Therefore, opening a gym in central Hualien seems to have a market and further promotes fitness culture.
