Minky Kim
Gold star experts say…
We interviewed Minky Kim, the Founder, CEO, and head trainer of Han Training in Chicago, to get their take on fitness and health. Minky is a Korean, queer, non-binary, neurodivergent, transmasculine athlete, movement activist, storyteller, performer, sex work advocate, and fat-liberated personal trainer. They founded Han Training after being disappointed in the lack of inclusive and accessible fitness trainers/spaces that align with the progressive and radical dismantling of white supremacy, queer/transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, and classism.
What can someone easily add to their daily routines to benefit their health and well-being?
Even 10-15 minutes of simple movement can greatly increase your overall well-being. I generally recommend either a brisk walk or mobility work. I find that doing daily mobility drills is particularly beneficial for most folks, as many people tend to work from home.
The best times for incorporating these tend to be:
After you wake up
Before you go to bed
Work breaks
Downtime (do it while you watch TV or listen to an audiobook!)
If someone is struggling to find the motivation to join a gym because they fear being judged for their gender identity or sexuality, what words of encouragement would you offer them?
It is important to remember that most people, even those who are cis-het, are mostly focused on themselves and how they are performing. Though we are all individuals, we also collectively share in the human experience, and more often than not, we are concerned about ourselves more than others are concerned about us. Remembering this takes a lot of pressure off.
However, this isn’t always easy, and not every gym is made the same. My way of thinking typically leads me to find a solution, so here are some things I might suggest:
Do a little research and find out if there are any queer/trans-friendly gyms in your city.
If none, then seek a trainer who is queer/trans/allied.
If this proves impossible, find a trainer you trust online or an online program you feel suits your movement comfortability and works within what you have access to.
Movement doesn’t need to happen in a dedicated space - it can be extremely helpful for some and of no matter to others, so find what works for you.
Don’t be afraid to try a variety of things, because how will you know it suits you if you don’t? And if it doesn’t work for you, that’s also okay. Something not working for you is not about your worth.
Making business moves…
Starting Han Training must have been a considerable undertaking. Looking back, what reservations did you have that tried to convince you it wasn't a good idea, and how did you get past those hesitations?
Opening a brick-and-mortar for Han Training was something that was a faraway dream that I didn’t think was going to be a reality when I first began training. I started training as a passion project outside of my career at the time to give back to the community. It was only when the interest grew that I truly realized the extent of the need for a movement + fitness space that prioritizes marginalized bodies and identities.
My biggest reservations and concerns were about feasibility and logistics. I’m not a business major, I already had a secure and stable career that provided me what I needed to survive, and at the moment, I was beginning to consider a brick and mortar - the world had just entered the first summer of the global shut-down due to COVID-19. I also didn’t have a ton of capital moving forward, so almost every paycheck I received was going to have to go straight into opening the gym.
