Member of the Month: Yi Zhou
Guess who’s back? Member of the Month! This month, we’re featuring Yi Zhou. Known around Oak and Iron Fitness for his positive energy, humble attitude, and the way he constantly lifts up everyone around him, Yi has become an important part of our community over the last two years.
Meet Yi Zhou: Small Business Owner, NBA Fan, and Dedicated Gym Member
Yi has lived in Raleigh since 2005, but he’s originally from China. He’s an ecommerce small business owner who also loves the NBA!
Yi shared with us, “I know old-school NBA players incredibly well because I used to watch a ton of basketball. During a recent family trivia contest, I got every single NBA question right, which really impressed my kids!”
How Yi Found Oak and Iron Fitness in North Raleigh
Yi’s fitness journey at Oak and Iron Fitness started almost 2 years ago. He discovered the gym when his office moved to North Raleigh, and he needed a new place to workout. He searched for nearby gyms, and the great reviews of Oak and Iron Fitness caught his eye (humble brag!).
Yi started with a free trial and took his first lunchtime class at noon with our founder, Matt Gulliver. Yi shared it was an “easy choice – the owner and coach, Matt, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and the other members were friendly and worked hard.”
By committing to lunchtime workouts, Yi found a routine that worked with his schedule and allowed him to stay consistent.
Many of our members are busy professionals balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Having a dedicated time during the day to focus on health and fitness can help remove some of the barriers that often get in the way of exercise. For Yi, that decision to prioritize a noon workout has been a key factor in achieving his fitness goals.
When we asked Yi what keeps him coming back to the gym, he said, “I’m in much better shape, I have way more energy, and my doctor is very happy with my progress.
Yi’s Favorite Classes, Coaches, and Community at Oak and Iron Fitness
As a dedicated noon gym goer, Yi shared his favorite class is LIFT, our signature strength training class. “It is the perfect way to break up the workday and recharge my energy.”
We also asked Yi to share his which coaches have had the biggest impact on his journey, and here’s what he shared “Diana has coached me the most, so she has definitely had the biggest impact. She is ‘mean’ and picky about form, which is exactly what we as members need to stay safe and get stronger! Coaches Matt, Ghage, and Rich have also helped me a ton along the way.”
As for Yi’s favorite part about Oak and Iron Fitness, he shared how much he loves the friendly environment and how incredibly knowledgeable the coaches are.
While workouts bring people through our doors, community is often what keeps them coming back. Having coaches who know your name and members who celebrate your progress can make the gym feel less intimidating and more like a place you genuinely look forward to showing up, day in and day out.
From Zero Pull-Ups to Ten: The Results of Consistent Strength Training
Of course, we all want to see great results when we begin a new fitness routine. Yi is the perfect example of how hard work and consistency can help you achieve your goals. In order to stay consistent, Yi mentions, “Seeing real, tangible progress and knowing how much better I feel in my daily life keeps me coming back. Once you start seeing your health improve and your energy levels shoot up, consistency just becomes a habit.”
When Yi began his journey at Oak and Iron Fitness, he wasn’t able to do a single pull-up, but just recently, he reached the milestone of 10 standard pull-ups!
For anyone who’s ever tried a pull-up, you know just how challenging they can be. Pull-ups require upper body strength, grip strength, core stability, and patience. Going from zero pull-ups to 10 strict pull-ups is a significant accomplishment and a testament to what can happen when you stay consistent with strength training.
One of the most inspiring parts of Yi’s story is that his progress didn’t happen overnight. Like many people, he started by simply showing up for TWO YEARS. And this wasn’t a big overhaul of Yi’s routine – just a few hours per week. Those small daily and weekly decisions have added up to significant improvements in strength, energy, and overall health.
It’s easy to see the latest fitness influencer and think their success happened overnight or within 30, 60, 90 days, but sustainable fitness is often built through consistency over time. Whether it’s attending a few classes each week, improving movement quality, or gradually increasing strength over time, long-term progress comes from sticking with the habits that are both realistic AND support your goals.
So what’s next for Yi? He’s working on 100 consecutive push-ups. “Nothing too crazy,” Yi casually adds.
Yi’s Advice for Anyone Starting Strength Training
We love to get input from our members on advice and perspectives they can share with our members and those who are interested in joining us at Oak and Iron Fitness.
For those of you who are nervous about getting started with strength training, here’s what Yi had to share: “Honestly, if I can do it, you can do it. Just show up and trust the process.”
We take care of the exercises, reps, and sets, so all you have to focus on is showing up.
But for Yi’s fitness journey, it’s more than just the results he’s accomplished. He adds, “Inside the gym, I’ve made a lot of great friends. Outside the gym, I finally got my six-pack back after so many years!”
We are grateful to have Yi as part of our Raleigh fitness community here at Oak and Iron Fitness. Members, give him a shout-out next time you see him and hold him accountable for his 100 consecutive push-up goal!
Three Lessons We Can Learn From Yi’s Fitness Journey
Consistency beats perfection. Yi didn’t transform his health by doing everything perfectly or never missing a workout. He simply committed to showing up regularly for himself.
Progress takes time. Going from zero pull-ups to ten pull-ups wasn’t the result of a 30-day challenge. It was the result of nearly two years of steady effort.
Fitness is about more than appearance. While getting his six-pack back is certainly a bonus, Yi also gained energy, confidence, friendships, and improved health markers along the way.
Looking for a Strength Training Gym in Raleigh or Cary?
If you’re searching for a welcoming gym in Raleigh or Cary that focuses on strength training, expert coaching, and community, we’d love to meet you. Stories like Yi’s are a reminder that fitness progress doesn’t happen overnight, but instead with consistency, support, and the right environment, sustainable results are possible.
Whether your goal is your first pull-up, improved health markers, increased energy, or simply feeling stronger in everyday life, Oak and Iron Fitness is here to help. We’re the right gym for you if you’re looking for beginner strength training or if you’re an athlete who’s been training your whole life.
Ready to join us? Email us at matt@oakandironfitness.com to set up your free class today!
