The Workout Couple

A husband and wife team combine love and fitness to open their own gym

For most couples, living and working together is a bridge too far – blurring the boundaries between work and play, and bringing office stress home is something to be avoided at all costs. But for Sylvie and Joao, who have been working together since they met at college, it is the most natural thing in the world. And not only do they work together, they have just set up a business together in a foreign country. Or at least semi-foreign. Sylvie’s parents are Vietnamese but she grew up in Canada, while Joao, who has Portuguese relatives, also grew up in Canada.

Body by Jovie - Dec _MG_2348 - LN

Like so many expats living here, after visiting Vietnam on holiday, they fell in love with the place, and were struck by how many opportunities there were for development and growth. With their backgrounds in health and fitness, they were shocked by how far behind Vietnam was both in terms of their attitude to health and fitness and the expertise available in the country. So after a short stint working at a gym (together, obviously), they decided to bite the bullet and venture out on their own to open up Body by Jovie. They wanted to create a boutique gym with a focus on personal training, which would allow them to deliver customized service, and in doing so, help people reach their health goals more quickly.

Body by Jovie - Dec _MG_2355 - LN

Seven months in, and the business is doing well, although it has not been without its hurdles. Getting state-of-the-art gym equipment into the country from far-flung corners of the world proved a logistical nightmare, and client retention in a naturally transient expat environment is tricky. But it has been the clash of cultural attitudes that has been most interesting.

Battling Health Myths
In Vietnam, health myths abound and advice about which foods do what to your body are steeped in cultural tradition. There are theories about whether sweat is a sign of health or a sign of sickness, archaic myths about how to lose weight and what constitutes being ‘healthy.’ In the absence of a coherent public health policy and health education here, it is inherited advice and cultural practice that people live by, oftentimes wrongly. Knowledge about food groups and the dangers of too much salt and sugar is not a given, which explains the rising obesity in kids and the growing number of adults afflicted with diabetes.

Body by Jovie - Dec _MG_2366 - LN

For Sylvie and Joao, it’s a challenge. They are not only working in an environment where the primary social activity is to eat and drink, but they are battling centuries-old cultural myths about how to look after our bodies. But they are undeterred. In fact they relish the challenge and even see it as their duty. Vietnam’s health and fitness industry is completely unregulated – personal trainers do not need qualifications or need to be experts on nutrition, which further fuels the problems and can lead to serious injury. Therefore the couple is able to offer knowledgeable, professional advice to their clients that they hope will make a difference in their lives.

Body by Jovie - Dec _MG_2309 - LN

Alongside the gym, which includes unique equipment such as Kettleballs, ViPR and TRX suspension training, they have a varied roster of classes to make working out fun, including kids’classes that are increasingly popular. But the main draw is the couple’s combined personal training partnership. Joao is an ex-bodybuilder, so if it’s strength training you’re after, he’s your guy. But for those wanting a cardio trainer, Sylvie has got it covered. Both Joao and Sylvie are always at the gym to motivate and speak to clients about creating a specialized diet and health plan that will suit their individual needs. Together, with their Western expertise and local knowledge, they offer a package few can beat. It makes a refreshing change to have such a personalized service at a place where so many of us have come to dread on a Monday morning.

Body by Jovie is located in Block B, Riverside Residence, Nguyen Luong Bang, D7; or visit www.bodybyjovie.com for more info

Images by Loc Nguyen

Share this story, choose your platform!

About the author:

Leave a Comment

Vietnamese athletes in the Olympics 2024

As 2023 came to an end, Vietnamese sports fans celebrated three remarkable athletes who clinched the official berth for the Paris Olympics 2024 in France. The Vietnam sports authority is hoping to take 12-15 athletes to represent their nation at the Olympic Games in France, but only five have qualified so far. That puts them

Read More »

Momentous Sporting Events in Vietnam

Vietnam has always been known for its resiliency, history, and culture. These qualities are only further exemplified in the sporting events that they hold in the country. This Southeast Asian has been the stage for many milestone moments for the country and the region as a whole. It doesn’t look like Vietnam is about to

Read More »

THAIFEX- HOREC Asia 2024

Shaping the Future of HoReCa Bangkok, Thailand – The Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse are thrilled to announce the upcoming THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024. Scheduled from March 6th to 8th at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, this premier event is poised to redefine the HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, and

Read More »

Adventure Travel in Uganda: Rafting, Hiking, and Wildlife Safaris

Uganda, often called the Pearl of Africa, is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests and snow-capped mountains to vast savannas and majestic rivers, Uganda offers a wide array of thrilling activities for those looking to explore the wild side of Africa. From adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting on the

Read More »

Streets, Stories, and Pho: A First-Timer’s Guide to Hanoi

Hey there, Hanoi Newbies! Welcome to the chaos, charm, and downright deliciousness that is Hanoi! Buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into this city where every street has a tale to tell, and the aroma of Pho is practically a love letter to your taste buds. This first-timer’s guide is your golden ticket

Read More »