The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) celebrated the re-opening of its Adrenaline Fitness Center (AFC) in January, and perhaps the most important fixture of the center is trainer and coach Toni Nicholson. What started as an empty room three years ago now features new equipment and a new air filtration system, but it also serves as the place for Nicholson to motivate WAB students. “When a kid comes into the gym, I have them focus on two things,” he says. “What did you come here to do today and why?”
Nicholson, who became a professional trainer after winning a 12-week fitness challenge, trains WAB students like Theo Chapman, grade 12, after school every day. Chapman has been going to AFC for eight weeks, and “came in with a strong goal – running for rugby.” He’s well on his way, after adding plenty of muscle, and encouraging his friends to come along as well.
The fitness center is open to all members of the WAB community, and on its re-opening day, almost 90 people – both adults and students – came to celebrate. The goal of the center is to be a positive space that encourages all members of WAB’s community to get fit and healthy.
Photos courtesy of WAB
