Across the city of Shanghai, women are kicking ass in every industry, and fitness is no exception.As part of our Women's Day Weekend, we reached out to eight ladies who pack a punch (sometimes literally!) when it comes to physical wellness and business.
Michele Aboro
World Champion Boxer & Aboro Academy Owner
Michele Aboro, World Champion boxer and owner of Aboro AcademyWhen Michele Aboro started boxing, women were barred from participating in the sport in England. It wasn't even legal for a coach to train a woman.Undeterred, Aboro broke through not only that barrier, but also endured rigorous training and competed in a total of 56 fights, ultimately winning multiple World Championship titles.World Champion Michele Aboro in 2001, during her professional boxing careerAfter her professional boxing career, Aboro moved to Shanghai to join her wife, Masca, and soon noticed there were almost no commercial boxing gyms availableA year later, she and her wife decided to open the eponymous Aboro Academy, a boxing gym aimed at introducing the sport to a wider audience.Michele Aboro and wife Masca"We faced the challenge of building awareness and helping people understand that training in boxing doesn't immediately mean getting punched in the face," she says. "It was crucial to convey that boxing is a very technical and mindful sport."Aboro believes that anything is possible, and all it takes is making the leap. "One of the positive aspects of opening Aboro Academy is that we have not encountered any major setbacks related to being a women-run boxing gym."Michele Aboro, inductee of the International Women's Boxing Hall of FameHer gym is set to expand with a new location in Xintiandi, opening in April. The new facility will offer programs focused on boxing for fitness rather than fighting."I believe that pursuing anything outside of your comfort zone involves risk," she reflects. "For me, embracing those risks has led to significant personal growth."Moving to a new country presented its own challenges, but the support network and community we built were instrumental in navigating those uncertainties."
+86 216 222 0266; info@aboroacademy.comAboro Academy S6-S9, 2/F, 667 Changhua Lu, by Anyuan Lu, Jing'an District 昌化路667号2楼S6-S9室, 近安远路Johanna Spee
Zero Gravity Pole Dance Studio Owner
Johanna Spee, a package of abs, ass, and attitudeJohanna Spee went from working at the German Chamber of Commerce to pursuing her deep passion for pole sports.The journey began by doing rather than overthinking—simply sharing her interest with a few like-minded friends who enjoyed improving their strength and defying heights.Johanna Spee (front) with performance community at a Zero Gravity eventThis grew into Zero Gravity Pole Dance Studio, a pole sports gym that now has over 100 members.There is no one, male or female, who could be better described as a package of abs, ass, and attitude.Of course, pole sports are often misunderstood, and Spee has had to navigate stigma while building a community of amazing women (and a few courageous men!) to join her in this passion.Johanna Spee (right) at performance event in 2023Her advice to women in the fitness industry is to "know your physical (and mental) limits. Accept support when it comes your way, and just do, do, do! Get your mindset out of overthinking. Don't think you need to be perfect!"As for her mantra since becoming self-employed and doing what she loves?"If it doesn't work out, my life doesn't end. I can always go back to a regular job, but at least I won't have regrets about never following my passion."READ MORE: Pole Lotta Love – 3 of Shanghai's Top Pole Dance Studios
Zero Gravity 10 Jianguo Zhong Lu, by Chongqing Nan Lu, No. 8 Bridge Creative Park Phase 1, Building 8, 3/F, Room 8302, Huangpu District 8号桥一期建国中路10号8号楼3层8302室Julie Brument
ŌRA Wellness Collective Founder
Julie Brument, founder of ŌRA Wellness CollectiveJulie Brument, founder of ŌRA Wellness Collective, is a breathwork educator, author, reiki master, and yoga teacher.She is dedicated to raising awareness about the tools available to prevent, manage, and recover from stress.Brument's work is rooted in the belief that breath is one of the most accessible and universal methods for achieving greater well-being, self-awareness, and emotional management.Julie Brument: "In our fast-paced society, I think that reconnecting with ourselves is essential."She came to Shanghai after completing business school to work in marketing. "For years, I sacrificed my mental and physical health in the pursuit of success," she shares. "I slowly began to realize that I didn't have to suffer, suppress my emotions, or compromise my boundaries."I also recognized that if I had learned how to manage stress and emotions earlier, my career might have unfolded very differently."We often forget that emotions are a full-body experience—it's not just something happening in the head."In our fast-paced society, I think that reconnecting with ourselves is essential."Three years ago, Brument founded ŌRA Wellness Collective to help others achieve balance and well-being."We don't need to leave our corporate careers to thrive," she explains. "By learning the right tools, everyone can succeed in the corporate world."ŌRA Wellness Collective outdoor eventHer work also extends to children. In collaboration with the Lycée Français de Shanghai, Julie is leading the way by training teachers to create a more supportive and holistic environment for students.Julie's advice is simple yet profound: "Reconnect with your intuition and your values. Trust your inner voice. Prioritize your well-being—you cannot pour from an empty cup."READ MORE: The Power of the Breath – Beyond Meditation with Julie Brument
Eva Zheng
Bushido Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Partner & Coach
Eva Zheng is a powerhouse of muscle and can grapple with anyoneAlthough Eva Zheng is a powerhouse of muscle and can grapple with anyone, she was once a project manager in various businesses before taking a chance on pursuing her love of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embracing the challenge of becoming a coach."One of the initial challenges I faced was teaching children. Managing the rhythm of a kids' class and understanding their needs required patience and adaptability."Over time, I learned how to connect with them and create a structured yet fun environment for their growth.""You need to truly understand what your students need to provide the best experience for them,"She is now a partial partner in one location of Bushido, and is well-known for her cool attitude and strength in all the classes she coaches."This industry is all about working with people of all ages, from as young as three years old and up. Patience, active listening, and adaptability are key. You need to truly understand what your students need to provide the best experience for them," she counsels."If you're passionate about what you do, don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams—it's worth it!"Lynn Light
Prakasa Yoga Founder
Lynn Light, Founder of Prakasa YogaFollowing 18 years on the Chinese National Team for martial arts, Lynn Light retired and sought a new way to focus on her health.She arrived at the practice of yoga, and discovered her true life's mission. Light has now been a yoga practitioner for 20 years, and taught or directed at multiple studios before opening her own, Prakasa Yoga.Lynn Light spent 18 years on the Chinese National Team for martial arts"Most people think yoga is just about the physical practice. It is so much more," she reflects."It is about how people can find balance in their lifestyle with a focus on the total health of each individual. The mission of Prakasa is to bring more light to all people."Lynn Light hosting a sound healing meditationHer guidance to others pursuing a new or long path is: "Life can be challenging; it is easy to doubt ourselves or to feel very small. But there is always a light of belief deep within our heart."To get there, and to hear the messages of our heart, you first have to quiet down the thinking mind. Be with your heart to believe—that your own existence has meaning."
Prakasa Yoga 301-302, Building 2, The Weave, 277 Wuxing Lu, by Gao'an Lu, Xuhui District 吴兴路277号，近高安路Lauren Hogan
Aboro Academy & Boxhale Running & Fitness Coach
Lauren Hogan, running and fitness coach at Aboro Academy and BoxhaleOriginally, Lauren Hogan landed in Shanghai to pursue a career in media; however, she transitioned to working full-time in fitness, including helping to open and operate multiple F45 locations.Recently, she began coaching at Aboro Academy, which evolved into a new venture centered on boxing-based fitness, with Aboro's program option, Boxhale.Hogan is now a full-time running and fitness coach, working specifically to make boxing an accessible sport for those seeking a new approach to fitness; the new program emphasizes a 360-degree training method, which includes breathwork.Lauren Hogan leads a running groupOver the years, however, she has faced moments of imposter syndrome, wondering, "Will people listen to me?" and "Do I belong?"The answer lay in the connections she made and the faith placed in her by those she worked for and with."I think you have to sometimes remind yourself that if people didn't believe in you, they wouldn't have asked in the first place."She also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal time and health."Spend at least one day a week away from your place of work—two is better. Turn off WeChat notifications. Take time away from your phone. Learn to delegate."Make time for other passions, even when it feels like you have 100 things on your plate. Ask for help when you need it. Save time for people who truly give you joy."
+86 216 222 0266; info@aboroacademy.comAboro Academy S6-S9, 2/F, 667 Changhua Lu, by Anyuan Lu, Jing'an District 昌化路667号2楼S6-S9室, 近安远路Angela Locke
KenShin Dojo Co-Founder
Angela Locke, co-founder of KenShin DojoShanghainese Angela Locke defines owning your life like a boss. Though her day job is managing within the energy sector for an international company spanning six countries—including overseeing all of China—her side passion is energy through karate.Angela Locke presenting for her day jobAlong with a few martial arts friends, she invested in opening KenShin Dojo, which has since grown to five locations in and outside of Shanghai.As a double black belt, she teaches at the Shanghai locations each weekend, instructing in full combat style as part of the International Kyokushinkaikan Organization.She was active in national and international competitions until 2020. "I have numerous national champion titles from my years of training," she proudly shares.Angela Locke, winner of numerous national champion titles"However, karate isn't necessarily a career path for me. My plan is to grow the dojos, and one day, when I retire, I will turn my full attention to them and become a full-time master of all the dojos."Keeping active, she believes, is the key to feeling young. "Now I am 42, but my body functions are still pretty much like they were in my late 20s."
Jennie Chang
RISE Strength & Conditioning Owner
Jennie Chang, founder of RISE Strength & Conditioning. Photo by Graeme KennedyAfter coming to China for a semester during her undergraduate studies, Jennie Chang "fell in love with China."Over the 14 years since then, she has worked in multinational companies, startups, and growing arts businesses, among other areas, but she "hungered for more and was driven to do something that could create a direct impact."Helping others discover a genuine path to physical health. Photo by Graeme KennedyThat something became RISE, a gym focused on strength and conditioning classes designed to help others discover a genuine path to physical health.Although she says that hiring is tough and keeping up with social media is challenging, "If you truly believe in the thing you're doing, nothing can stop you on your path. Most problems or challenges become opportunities to learn and overcome."Jennie Chang: "If you truly believe in the thing you're doing, nothing can stop you on your path." Photo by Graeme KennedyJennie Chang also reflects on the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur: "There may be many occasions where you are the only woman in the room because, even in the 21st century, being a woman entrepreneur often comes with the burden of being an 'only.'"You can either let it become a burden, or use it to your advantage. There is much pride, strength, and energy to be found in paving the way for other women."Her advice is empowering: "If what you are building can rewrite the status quo, then stand up taller, dream bigger, and go after your goals by any means necessary."
RISE Strength & Conditioning Anken Australia House, 80 PingWu Lu, 1F Unit 104, by Huashan Lu, Changning District 安肯澳大利亚大厦一层, 平武路80号104单元, 近华山路READ MORE
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