Michael Chou is many things: proud girl dad to Moana, former Canadian transplant, the only POUND ICON in Taiwan — and quite possibly the person most likely to make you laugh until you can’t breathe, while also making you sweat until you can’t breathe.
Based in Taichung City, Michael came to POUND in 2017 and has been building an incredible community of rockstars ever since. He is ICONic in every way: he shows up fully in all that he does, he’ll challenge you, hype you up, crack a joke right when you need it most, and he always knows exactly where to find the best food in whatever city he’s in.
Here’s what you don’t know about Michael until you’ve spent real time with him: the man has magic hands. We’re talking fixing-your-back-in-two-minutes, how-did-that-even-work magic. It might look questionable to a bystander. It absolutely works. Don’t ask questions.
He will be the first one to joke with you and pick on you lovingly, but that also means he will protect you fiercely. And if you’re lucky enough to be in his orbit long enough, you’ll find yourself poolside somewhere in Asia at midnight, laughing so hard you almost pee your pants — what happens in Yogya stays in Yogya. #IYKYK
What you’ll also notice, underneath the tattoos and the teasing and the imposing exterior, is someone who is deeply, fiercely loyal — the kind of person who makes everyone around him feel safe without ever making a big deal about it.
That’s Michael. We’re so glad he’s one of us. 💚
POUND Journey 🤘
When did you first discover POUND?
I first discovered POUND through the gym where I was working. My supervisor came across it in an AFAA magazine and asked me to look up the official website and translate the information into Chinese. At the time, the gym was searching for a unique and fresh group fitness format to attract more members, and POUND immediately stood out as something different and exciting.
What made you fall in love with it?
It wasn’t just the music or the energy—although those hit me instantly. It was the feeling.
The moment I picked up the Ripstix and started moving, I felt something shift. It was powerful, raw, and freeing all at once. POUND gave me a space where I didn’t have to be perfect. I could be loud, expressive, and completely myself. It allowed me to release stress, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with my body in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
More than that, I saw how it connected people. Different ages, different backgrounds—everyone moving together, feeling the same rhythm, sharing the same energy. That’s when I realized POUND is not just a workout. It’s a way to bring people back to themselves—and to each other.
That’s what made me fall in love with it, and that’s why I’m still here sharing it.
Favorite POUND program/continuing edu to teach (PRW / UP / GEN / Level Up / Pro Skills) and why?
It’s honestly so hard to choose—I truly love them all. Each program has its own unique beauty and purpose.
POUND ROCKOUT WORKOUT® brings high-energy, full-body release.
POUND UNPLUGGED® creates space to slow down, reset, and reconnect.
GENERATION POUND® is pure joy—watching kids move, express themselves, and build confidence.
Level Up and Pro Skills allow me to go deeper, refine my craft, and grow as a coach.
Each one fulfills a different part of me, both as an instructor and as a person. That’s why it’s impossible to pick just one—they all matter and inspire me in different ways.
What’s a POUND moment you’ll never forget?
ICON Training Camp in 2019 is a moment I will never forget. When we all accomplished a goal together, there was such a powerful sense of unity and connection in the room.
We hugged, and in that moment, I couldn’t hold back my tears. It wasn’t just about achieving something—it was about sharing that journey, that energy, and that bond with everyone there. It’s a feeling that will stay with me forever.
Fitness Background 
How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I’ve been in the fitness industry since 2003, when I started as a personal trainer. During that time, I also returned to teaching while continuing personal training and coaching a basketball team.
In 2015, I officially transitioned back into group fitness, where I’ve been fully dedicated ever since.
What did/do you teach besides POUND (if anything)?
In addition to POUND, I’ve taught a variety of formats including indoor cycling and aerobic step. I’ve also taught Radical Fitness programs such as Fight Do and Power, which focus on strength, cardio, and dynamic movement training.
One certification or course that changed your teaching?
Amplify Training 2017 in Singapore was a turning point for me. It completely changed how I think about teaching.
I realized it’s not about how well someone performs a movement—it’s about how they feel while doing it. It’s about helping people connect with themselves, build confidence, and learn to love who they are through movement.
That shift has shaped the way I coach ever since.
What’s something you believe every great instructor should focus on?
Connection.
A great instructor doesn’t just lead movements—they connect with people. It’s about seeing each participant, understanding their needs, and creating a space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Strong observation skills are also essential—being able to notice each person’s condition, guide them appropriately, build their confidence, and connect them to the group.
Technique and programming matter, but what truly makes an impact is how you make people feel. When participants feel confident, included, and accepted—that’s when real transformation happens.
Your community 
What’s unique about your fitness community or region?
Taiwan’s fitness community is incredibly warm, supportive, and open-minded. People may seem reserved at first, but once a sense of safety and connection is built, they show up fully with energy and passion.
There’s also a strong sense of belonging. People don’t just come for a workout—they come to connect, support each other, and grow together.
As Taiwan has entered an aging society, POUND has had a powerful impact. Because POUND is for everybody, many older adults who were once afraid of injury are now willing to try. Over time, they build consistent exercise habits—and more importantly, experience connection, support, and belonging.
What makes Taiwan unique is the balance between discipline and heart—respect for structure combined with genuine emotion and connection. Movement becomes more than exercise; it becomes a shared experience.
What’s one way you’ve seen POUND impact your local Pros?
Confidence.
Through POUND, many local Pros find their voice, learn to trust themselves, and believe in their inner strength. They step fully into their role—not just teaching, but leading and inspiring.
Watching that transformation—from hesitation to confidence—is one of the most meaningful journeys I’ve witnessed.
Rapid fire (short answers only!) 
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Salty or sweet?
Sweet (I have a sweet tooth!)
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Favorite pre-class hype song (non-POUND)?
Anything from Linkin Park
Go-to post-class/training snack?
Snickers
One word your participants use to describe you?
Cray
One word you’d use to describe yourself?
Dumb
Personal side 
Something most people don’t know about you.
I used to have hair.
A hobby outside of fitness.
Watching movies.
A recent win (big or small).
On March 7th, after completing an event together, Pro Doris shared something I will never forget. She told me I had changed her life—and that she never imagined she could impact others.
She also said her mom felt proud of her, which meant even more because their relationship hadn’t always been close.
That moment truly touched me. It reminded me how powerful this journey is—not just in helping people grow, but in creating deeper connections and healing in unexpected ways.
A quote, mantra, or phrase you live by.
“Strong people don’t put others down; they lift them up.”
If you weren’t in fitness, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be working a more traditional 9-to-5 job.
Looking ahead 
What does being an ICON mean to you?
Being an ICON means becoming a better version of myself while inspiring others to become who they want to be.
What resonates most is gratitude. This journey isn’t one I walk alone—it’s built with the support of the entire community.
Being an ICON means staying grounded, appreciating those around me, and continuing to grow together.
What’s a skill you’re currently sharpening?
I’m working on expanding my influence—learning how to communicate my vision and the philosophy of POUND to a wider audience.
It’s no longer just about training instructors—it’s about growing the market, reaching more people, and creating a larger impact. I’m focused on expressing these ideas in a way that truly connects, resonates, and inspires action.