We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pearl Fu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pearl below.

Alright, Pearl thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I was an undergraduate at UCLA and started taking “aerobics” classes on campus. I was addicted from the start – the energy, the music, the routines… I found my bliss. All of the instructors were either UCLA students or UCLA employees. One day, an instructor approaches me and asks if I would like to become an assistant. Back then, there were no wireless microphones or sound systems embedded in the walls. The assistant’s role was to wheel out a giant stereo cart, plug it in along with a long corded microphone, and change records for the instructor. During class, assistants would be in the front to help demonstrate moves. Just the thought of being in front terrified me. I only agreed to audition because I was guaranteed a spot in class and would no longer need to wait in a long line.

At the audition, all I remember were female students who were dancers, cheerleaders from high school, or had some type of movement background. Me? I was just an aerobics junkie. We had to take a polaroid headshot and then be watched by a group of instructors as we jumped, danced and moved around the room. I found the entire process so intimidating and it really showed in my audition. After I was accepted in the program, I was told later that no one wanted me in the program other than the original instructor who asked me to audition. She vouched for me saying I was the most dedicated and consistent student she had and that I could keep up with all the workouts.

Fast forward, I’m loving being an assistant, taking multiple classes a day in between classes. As part of this fitness department, we had ongoing education/trainings regarding the latest fitness trends, exercise science and overall health. At the end of one particular training, we were all given random questions/tasks to pull out of hat. Some were given anatomy questions. Some were asked to demonstrate a particular type of movement. My assignment was to teach a 5 minute aerobics routine. There was a collective gasp from the room as this was clearly not intended for me. I was the assistant who never spoke and wasn’t supposed to even be in the program. Immediately I started to shake, my heart started pounding. Surely there was a way I could sneak out or fein illness? We were given a few minutes to prepare for our respective assignments.

When it was finally my turn, I just remember seeing such a look of pity from my peers. They were nervous for me. I remember cueing the stereo and that was it. I sort of blanked out. I remember some yelling, I remember some counting down some phrases in the microphone “4, 3, 2, 1!”, but that’s about it. My peers cheered for me when I was done, but that’s what we did for everyone. I thought, thank goodness I never have to do that again.

The next day I received a call that I was promoted to Instructor.

In shock, I thankfully declined to my director. I said I was perfectly happy being an assistant while pursuing my undergraduate studies. My director paused for a few seconds and said, “Either you take the position or you are fired. In my department you continue to move forward or you leave.”

So I took the job. I became a group fitness instructor. Terrified at first, I realized quickly I absolutely loved it. It’s hard to explain, but teaching is when I feel the most free, creative, daring, and impactful. It has been over 30 years now and I will continue to go as long as I can positively impact others through movement.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always enjoyed moving a lot since I was young. I never set out to be a fitness professional. After college, I worked for various non-profit organizations working with at-risk youth. I then became a political aide, hoping I could work on policies for juvenile justice reform. But always when I had an “office” job, my body didn’t feel right. I couldn’t wait to get off work to teach classes – to move. During pandemic, I was recruited by several companies to teach on their online platforms: IFit, TRX, Sweatfactor, etc. I think working out during pandemic was a way for all of us to not feel so alone. I was able to connect with strangers on social media who were genuinely grateful for working out with me. When someone is taking a group fitness class, it’s not about just getting fit, it’s about having fun and being entertained. Often times when I teach, I tell a story or create a theme. If I can make you sweat, great. If I can make you sweat and laugh, even better.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was the director of external affairs for a statewide elected official and given an opportunity to transition into a full-time fitness position. I knew this would be a dramatic shift in terms of duties, responsibilities and income. I was also grappling with the notion of what success meant. My dad who was not a very communicative person, also liked to talk about politics and things he had read about my various elected official bosses. I felt like I would be disappointing him if I told him I worked at a gym. But I knew I wasn’t happy and realized nothing is permanent. If I didn’t like it, I could do something else. So fast forward 10 years later, I made the right decision!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Always delivering. Even if you are doing what you love, expect to work your a$$ off. When I show up to work with a client, teach a class, film a workout, I am always prepared. Additionally, in fitness, you must always be prepared to pivot. Exercise trends and research can change and it’s important for me to stay educated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Fufighterfit
• Linkedin: Pearl Fu