Fitness is big business in America, and influencer Eliza Chau certainly has a particular point of view on the industry. She recently opened Pink Lab gym – which is loudly and proudly a female-only facility.
After going viral on TikTok while working at Foot Locker, Eliza has channeled her notoriety and charm full-steam into fitness content. Chau, at only 21, is a multi-sport athlete and ever evolving.
Through a crowded schedule of powerlifting, operating her Newark, California gym, playing basketball and being social, Eliza stopped for a chat with Playboy’s Gabriel Santiago—see here!
Playboy: Where did you grow up and what was that like?
Eliza Chau: I grew up in Fremont. CA. I lived with my mom most of my life and basically grew up very locally. When I was in high school, I lived in Spain for a year playing basketball. I was living in León, traveling around and learning Spanish. It was really cool to be immersed in that culture. When I came back, I decided I wanted to stay in the Bay Area. I really preferred the fast-paced movement and lifestyle of the Bay compared to how it was in Spain.
Playboy: At what age did you start focussing on your fitness and what early benefits did you notice?
Eliza Chau: I started getting into fitness when I was in Spain. I was 16 and we had to lift because of competitive basketball. Once I started doing that, I kind of fell in love with it. I was really petite at that time. If I tried to drive in, I would get smacked onto the floor. I started hitting the weight room and I noticed a lot of results. I was finishing stronger and without getting thrown to the floor. Eventually, I started falling in love with working out. After I graduated high school, I decided to start studying to be a certified trainer and did so by the time I turned 18. Ever since then, it’s been all fitness.
Playboy: I hear you’ve competed as a powerlifter? Tell me about that.
Eliza Chau: I did my first powerlifting meet when I was 19. I had somebody online that was guiding me but I went into that meet all by myself. I just went and I ended up getting first place! Everyone was saying, ‘Who is this 19-year-old girl who walks in with no coach and no handler?’ I ended up choosing a powerlifting team and coach that I really liked. I was pushing myself to my limits, for sure. I remember one of the deadlifts, I literally fainted in the middle of it. When I came to, I got up and I lifted it afterwards! It really pushes you to your limits, but I feel like it was taking such a huge toll on my body and I wanted to take a rest from that. I decided to move into bodybuilding, which is where I’m at now.
Playboy: Right now, what do your weekly workout splits look like?
Eliza Chau: Mondays, I usually hit a quad-focussed workout. Then, I move into back and shoulder groups on Tuesday. Wednesday, I try to do high-intensity workouts so I can get my heart rate up. Thursday, I go back to lower body with hamstrings and glutes focus. Friday is more of an upper day for chest and arms. I take a couple rest days, as well.
Playboy: When did you realize that you wanted to open your own gym?
Eliza Chau: I used to work at a bigger facility and they asked me to start my own program. For that, I decided to do a women’s strength program. I like working with male clients, but at the same time, I feel like women really listen to me more than men because they might aspire to have the body type that I have. I also enjoyed seeing women’s confidence skyrocket. After that, I realized I could expand this and make it so much more. I know for the facility I was at, it was very expensive to go there and it was very limited. I wanted to make it more accessible to others, so I decided to open a gym for women so I can do it larger scale.
Playboy: What are the best benefits of a female-only fitness facility like Pink Lab?
Eliza Chau: The women here feel very comfortable working out and asking questions. I know in regular commercial facilities, women can be scared to ask things, so they aren’t able to work out the way that they want to. Some of my clients are Muslim women; they’re able to use this facility without their hijabs because there’s no presence of men. To be able to come into here, be free and not have anyone looking at you, it’s so rewarding. When women work out in this setting, they look so happy because they’re able to be themselves. We’ve created such a really strong womanhood community where we throw events. A lot of girls get to meet each other and make friendships that will last a really long time. It shows that you’re making a difference.
Playboy: Whether owning a gym or in fitness content creation, what does it feel like to dominate a very male-run industry?
Eliza Chau: At first, it feels intimidating, but then, it feels so empowering. The odds are not in your favor when it comes to a male-dominant occupation, so the fact that I was able to push through those obstacles feels very empowering. We’re going to get hate comments. We’re going to get people who don’t agree with what we believe in, which is fine. I think that if you don’t have any haters, you’re not making a real difference. If somebody’s out there who is feeling upset about what you’re doing, you’re definitely making a difference in other people’s lives. It’s my job as the owner and to be a leader. If I want to keep dominating this field, it has to be done with full confidence. Ladies just have to really be confident and believe in what you do and you’ll be fine in a male-dominated field.
Playboy: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey?
Eliza Chau: Everyone that I’ve met, for sure. Seeing their journeys and progression has been so amazing. Also, making my family proud. Obviously, the “Foot Locker girl,” it blew up and was cool. I really did appreciate that, but my family is proud that I’m able to do and create something I love. To have that from my family and see the difference that I’m really making feels surreal, but I’m just more than grateful that I get to do something that I love every day to the point where it doesn’t feel like work. That’s the real blessing.
Playboy: How does “a day in the life of Eliza Chau” go?
Eliza Chau: I eat some breakfast and I go to the gym. I film my content that I make. Depending on the day, I make reels or take pictures. I do that during my workout and then after, I get coffee because I can’t live without coffee. Then, I go to Pink Lab and I’m here training people, instructing clients and teaching classes. I’m there for most of the day. Sometimes, I’m able to come in later to spend time with my friends, take cute pictures and go out. But I spend a lot of time at the gym working. After I get off, I go home, take a nice shower, eat my meal preps, watch a movie and go to sleep. Then, I wake up and do it again.
Interested in more body positivity stories? Artist Ana Benaroya is painting strong female images with a unique perspective.