“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a coach at Genesis Gym is being part of our clients’ body transformation. I’m really proud to be part of a world-class team of coaches who bring the best quality coaching to our clients on a daily basis. And what was supposed to be a short-termed job has become a large part of my life now.I never expected that I would stay on for the next 7 years.”
(Jen Lisheng, 33, Genesis Gym Eunos coach)
Hi, I’m Coach Jen and I’ve been working with Genesis Gym since July 2010.
Clients at Eunos may actually think I live in the gym because of the amount of time I spend there – training clients during my work hours and training myself during my off time.
But actually, I’ve had a long-time relationship with strength training, which has seen me through years of good and bad times.
I was once a troubled teen. Fortunately, sports and physical training gave me an outlet to express myself, and instilled discipline and determination as I worked towards my physical goals. In the process, I grew stronger mentally and emotionally as well.
I was then inspired by my PE Teachers, who had the biggest influence on me during those years, to enter the Physical 
Education School to become a PE teacher too. In 2010, I was supposed to take the physical preparation test to enter PE School, but I got injured coming off my second victory in the Singapore Strongest Man competition. My first victory was in 2008.
During this time, and pretty much out of the blue, my current boss, Jonathan Wong approached me, through a mutual friend, and asked if I would be interested in joining his team of personal trainers. Thinking of earning my keep till the next intake of PE teachers, I decided to take up the offer as a temporary stint.
And what was supposed to be a short-termed job has become a large part of my life now.
Back in 2010, I thought I was already pretty strong, but Jonathan really opened my mind to new methods and concepts that continued to improve my athletic abilities. Jon introduced me to the constant developing world of strength and conditioning, of which I consider myself an ever-learning student.
At the time, I actually did not have a good impression of the personal training industry! I thought of most trainers as hourly “rent-a-friend”, who knew nothing about getting in shape or getting strong.
But all that changed from the first time I met Jon. I was impressed by Genesis Gym’s concept of coaching. It was one where the clients’ interests came first, and that dictated the methods used, which were science-based, and experienced backed. I saw the parallels between first class coaching, and teaching, and thought it would be good for me to stay for a while and learn a thing or two.
I never expected that I would stay on for the next 7 years.
It’s been an incredible journey so far, from seeing our company grow from one gym to now 3 locations, with expansion overseas. And on a personal level, not only have I managed to retain my title as Singapore Strongest Man in 2012 and 2013, I believe I’ve also undergone a complete metamorphosis as both a coach and as an individual.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a coach at Genesis Gym is being part of our clients’ body transformation. I’m really proud to be part of a world-class team of coaches who bring the best quality coaching to our clients on a daily basis.
I truly believe that a physical change follows emotional and mental growth. Just as my teachers impacted other aspects of my life through imparting their knowledge on sports and training, we impact our clients’ lives through our coaching. It gives me great joy whenever clients become more confident, more resilient, and just happier when they improve from a health and cosmetic perspective.
After retiring from Strongman Competitions, I have moved on to more physique-oriented goals. I plan to step on stage for
drug-free bodybuilding in the next few years, and am looking forward to that.
Professionally, I find an unquenchable thirst to continue to learn from the best in the world, in terms of health and fitness. I find great joy in applying all this knowledge to my clients and myself. One of our core values as a company is excellence, and it excites me to be able to develop myself on both fronts in Genesis.
To find out more about the transformation journeys of Coach Jen and others, visit: bit.ly/transformations2017.
Sign up for your own body transformation journey with Genesis Gym here.