Embedded Files
looking to get strong?
Get to know me!
Get to know me!
Hi, I'm Michelle (she/her) 👋🏼 🌈 I'm a second generation Taiwanese-American, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.
My introduction to sports was through wushu, a Chinese form of martial arts that I did throughout high school and college, where I was a competitive member of the Cal Wushu team. After college, I tried to explore other modes of “fitness” activities but nothing stuck, partially due to my ADHD making it difficult to stick to a routine without seeing immediate progress in some form. At the same time, due to social expectations that I grew up with in an Asian family, I had only explored exercise as a means of making myself smaller.
It wasn’t until I discovered strength training and powerlifting that I found a way to move that wasn’t about shrinking myself, but about building confidence and growing stronger. My best powerlifting competition lifts are:
142.5kg / 314.2lb squat
82.5kg / 181.9lb bench press
182.5kg / 402.3lb deadlift
These days, I'm a bit of a hybrid athlete as I also enjoy pole and aerial arts, which have benefited greatly from my foundation in strength training and also allow me to connect with my body and find joy in movement. I also teach pole locally in the Bay Area! Many of my clients benefit from strength training as a way to improve their progress in pole and aerial.
Outside of fitness, I'm also a slow fashion enthusiast, an artist (I have an online shop with stickers and stationery made from my illustrations!), and a dog mom who loves to discover local eateries <3
Qualifications & Accomplishments
Qualifications & Accomplishments
10+ years of powerlifting and strength training experience
Bachelor's degrees in Public Health and Nutritional Science from University of California, Berkeley
ISSA Certified in Strength & Conditioning
Pole instructor at local Bay Area studios
United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) International Elite 67.5kg raw powerlifter
2nd place at 2026 USPA Ultra Nationals, 67.5kg weight class submasters 35-39
1st place at 2024 USPA Iron Built Games - Concord, 67.5kg weight class
4th place at 2021 International Powerlifting League (IPL) Drug Tested World Championships, 67.5kg weight class
2nd place at 2019 USPA Drug Tested Anaheim Fit Expo, 67.5kg weight class
photo credit: Christian Tinio
Coaching Philosophy and Body Neutrality
Coaching Philosophy and Body Neutrality
My coaching philosophy centers on fostering a positive relationship with food and movement by building sustainable long-term habits, and building confidence through training. I work with clients of all ages and body types, and believe in an anti-diet culture approach. I encourage my clients to explore goals beyond just weight loss, focusing instead on what their bodies can do and how to fuel their bodies for optimal performance. If this resonates with you, let's get stronger together!
My Community
My Community
Professionals in my network that I trust to help you become the best version of you!
Dr. Kelton Retherford, DPT (The Performer's Physio)
Los Angeles, CA
A physical therapist who is also an athlete himself, with experience in circus, martial arts, climbing, weight lifting, and more. Having a physical therapist who understands what you do in your activities is crucial in preventing and managing injuries, to help you getting back to doing what you love.
https://performersphysio.com/
Jenelle Jayubo, CMT (Apex Muscle Recovery)
Concord, CA
Specializes in sports/deep tissue bodywork.
"As a strength competitor and being an athlete my entire life, I believe bodywork is beneficial for all people, but especially for athletes to aid in injury prevention and longevity. Peak performance starts here."
book here
Richelle Ledesma
Oakland, CA
"As an Embodied Performance Practitioner, I help people feel at home in their bodies through strength training, bodywork, and self-reflection. My approach integrates movement, recovery, and mindset to help clients build resilient strength and thrive both inside and outside the gym."
book here
Jean Liu, MS, RDN, LDN/CDN
Los Angeles, CA
Jean is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who provides nutrition therapy and counseling to support folks in healing their relationship to food and body. She specializes in helping women, athletes, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and queer communities.
https://www.roottobloomnutrition.com/
Google Sites
Report abuse