Finding strength through challenges.

Hi, I’m Carisse Tam (AKA Tigress Tam).

If you had told me four years ago that lifting weights would become one of my favourite things, that I’d be aiming to be the strongest version of myself, and that I’d finally feel happy with who I am, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Back in 2020, when the world shut down and we were all stuck at home, I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands to reflect and try new things. It didn’t take long for me to realize how unhappy I was—I was struggling with depression and trauma, I didn’t have close friends, and I really didn’t like who I’d become. I felt like I didn’t matter and I was convinced that I was worthless. That’s when I decided it was time to make some changes. I started therapy, dug into self-help workbooks, and listened to a ton of podcasts about self-improvement.

Meditation and yoga helped ease my anxiety, and hiking tough trails really lifted my mood. Then, I discovered home workouts on YouTube as part of my self-care routine. At first, I was doing them with the goal of getting abs and bigger glutes. But then I found this strong woman on YouTube who led these intense workouts—way harder than the ones I’d been doing. I’d be drenched in sweat and sore for days, but I loved it! Pushing my body felt incredible, even more so than hiking or yoga. Pretty soon, I was curious about lifting heavier weights and started getting inspired by more fit women on YouTube who were filming their exercises and gym experiences.

When gyms finally reopened, I decided to try a few sessions at my local rec centre. As expected, I loved it, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve been lifting weights consistently ever since, and it’s become one of the most important parts of my life.

After experiencing how transformative improving my fitness and nutrition was, I felt inspired to learn more and help others achieve the same. I earned my Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching certifications, and developed a strong passion for continually updating my knowledge regarding exercise and nutrition science.