GET TO KNOW US MORE!

We exist to help women get strong in a way that actually works for women.

Pherform was founded in 2016 to solve a problem most women experience:

Gyms weren’t built for women.
Training programs were designed for men, then handed to women as an afterthought. And the spaces that cater towards Women don’t prioritize what they actually need.

So we created a space where female physiology comes first where the programming, coaching, community and environment are designed specifically around how women train, adapt, recover and progress.

Strong women do better together.

Strength can be intimidating to start but not here.
Walk into Pherform and you’re not just another face in a class.

We know your name.
We care about your goals.
We coach you not just count reps.

Our community is built on belonging, support, and real connection women who celebrate each other’s wins and help each other keep showing up consistently.

If you want to get stronger, feel more confident in your body, and train in a way that respects your biology and your lifestyle welcome home.

People participating in a group workout class in a gym, with a woman assisting a woman doing a plank, and others stretching in the background. Pink wall with the phrase 'We are stronger together'.

Women working out in a gym, with one woman pushing a weighted sled and others lifting dumbbells in the background.

Our Values

Self-Belief: We believe in the power of a positive mindset, and we value modeling and teaching how to cultivate and maintain one over the course of a lifetime. 

Consistency: We focus on how to create healthy routines and habits and avoiding those yo-yo pitfalls so many women experience when trying to make positive change to their bodies and their lifestyles.

Community: We value all of the crucial reasons why building a community is critical to the success of every unique individual within it, and how in turn, we go out and impact the world around us.

Progression: We focus on the small wins and the attainable goals, and lose attachment to the defeating and mythical quest of ‘perfection’.

Intensity: We seek out doing the hard things and know that on the outside of our comfort zone is the growth and strength we need and deserve.

  • A smiling woman in athletic wear standing in front of a pink wall with black and green text that reads 'stronger together', with a stack of weight plates in the background.

    Stephanie Poelman - Owner & CEO

    A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Stephanie came to Pherform in 2017 as Managing Director. Utlizing her experience in the Fitness Industry since 2011 along with her background in HR she's successfully managed and operated over 9 multi-disciplinary fitness facilities around the world. She's been instrumental in the growth and development of Pherform and is excited to continue the growth and strength of the community. In July 2021 she officially became Owner of Pherform.

    She believes Pherform is much more than just a gym; its a community of strong women who are capable of much more than they've been told prior.

    “Being a female who has done strength training in a group environment the last 15 years I personally experienced the confidence, mental fortitude and self belief it brought me and has impacted so much of who I am today. Its now time for all women to be able to experience this through training, lifestyle and nutrition."

    IG: @stephpoelman
    Joined Pherform: December 2017
    Certifications: BBA in Human Resource Management, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Crossfit Strongman, Crossfit Weightlifting

    Voted as Prestige Magazine 40 under 40 Class of 2023

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling and crossing her arms, standing in front of a pink and purple background. She is wearing a black sleeveless top with the word 'pherform' in pink and black workout leggings, with fitness weights in the background.

    Laura Ng- Operations Manager & Coach

    Laura is the Gym Manager & Coach at Pherform. As a NASM CPT certified trainer & Certified Women's Health Specialist, and a unique background in data science and machine learning, she brings an evidence-based approach to helping women achieve lasting results.

    Laura experienced firsthand how standard "transformation gym" programs based on male-centric science left women wired and tired, worn out with no real lasting results. This inspired her to creat practical plans that work with the female body and the demands of Hong Kong working women and mothers, not against them. Her coaching uses strategic, habit-based programming that breaks big goals into manageable steps.

    Her training focuses on hypertrophy and strength development. As a mom and ProNatal certified coach, she specializes in guiding women through postnatal recovery, perimenopause, and menopause.

    Laura's method combines smart training, sustainable nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Her motivating style ensures clients feel capable and empowered. She fosters a community where all women feel understood and equipped to thrive.

    IG: @catchmesomewhere

    ‍ ‍

    Joined Pherform: August 2024

    Years Coaching: 4+ years

    Certifications: ProNatal Fitness Pre/Postnatal Certification, NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), NASM Women's Health Specialist, Essential First Aid.

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a black shirt with the word 'PERFORM' printed on it, in a gym with pink walls and black weight plates in the background.

    Shaneen Valencia- Member Adviser

    Shaneen is an intricate part of our team and is responsible for all things related to our Member’s experience. From new leads to tenured members she is the first point of contact in person and digitally. She came to us with an extensive amount of customer service and operations experience in the fitness industry and is excited to continue to expand her knowledge in all things fitness related.

    IG: @shxneen
    Joined Pherform: September 2022
    Certifications: ISSA Certified Yoga Instructor, High School Diploma

  • A man with a shaved head and beard stands in front of a pink backdrop with the words 'Je are STRONG'. He is wearing a black t-shirt with the word 'PHERFORM' printed in pink.

    Harry Taylor- Coach & Program Manager

    Harry has coached an array of various levels of fitness enthusiasts and athletes from across the globe. He has been involved with everything from coaching group classes to managing fitness studios to setting up fitness retreats which led members through fitness and nutrition routines and habits.

    Some would explain him as a "silent assassin" his welcoming and friendly demeanor and his genuine desire to help is felt immediately.

    IG: @harryt_hk

    Joined Pherform: Jan 2021
    Years of coaching: 12 years
    Certifications: NASM PES, KBT STRENGTH & CONDITIONING , PERSONAL TRAINER
    Specialize in: Performance Enhancement, Athlete Development, Health & Wellness, Body Recomposition (Fat Loss/Muscle Gain), Strength & Power Training

  • A woman with short, styled hair and multiple ear piercings standing in front of a purple background with large black text and purple lighting, wearing a sleeveless black top with the word 'PHERFORM' in pink letters.

    Bernie Bray- Coach & Development Trainer

    Bernie began her coaching career over 12 years ago, coaching in the UAE and now in Hong Kong.
    Throughout the 12 years she’s had majority of her experience working directly with females (pre/post natal), sports nutrition and strength & conditioning.

    As a coach she loves to relay her knowledge onto her clients. She seeks to having them thrive towards progression and not perfection. She loves coaching clients from all backgrounds & abilities to specific goals. 

    Whether you are just beginning your journey, pre/post natal, or looking for a specific goal Bernie is 110% committed to your goals and punching through the ceiling. Bernies journey with all clients is to assess movement, nutrition, and lifestyle to create the most optimal plan possible.

    She has enjoyed playing rugby on a competitive level and has two pug dogs that keep her busy.

    IG: @berniebray89

    Joined Pherform: June 2022
    Certifications: ACE Personal Trainer Certification, ACE Strength & Conditioning Specialist Certification, ACE Pre and Post Natal Specialist Certification, ACE Sports Nutrition Specialist Certification, UKSCA L4 Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification, Physical Education A Level & Sports Science Diploma

  • Charles Warren-Coach

    Charles brings a strong athletic background and a people-first approach to every session. Starting his fitness journey at 14, Charles now coaches clients from ages 14 through to 60+, helping them build strength, improve conditioning, support recovery, reduce weight, optimise nutrition, and train smarter for long-term injury prevention.

    A competitive rugby athlete, Charles plays for SG Valley in Hong Kong and has represented the Philippines National Team. He’s driven by one core belief: person before client and loves seeing the people he coaches win in the gym and in life.

    Outside the gym, Charles enjoys rugby, surfing, and spending time with friends and family.

    Joined Pherform: Jan 2025
    Years of coaching: 2
    Certifications:
    CIMSPA Level 2 – Planning and Delivering Gym Based Exercise
    World Rugby Level 1 – Coaching 15-a-side
    World Rugby Certified – Concussion Management for the General Public
    World Rugby Certified – COVID-19 Return to Play
    Currently working towards CIMSPA Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications

    Specialize in: Performance Enhancement, Athlete Development, Health & Wellness, Strength & Power Training

  • Amy Fallaize – Coach

    Amy combines her background in psychology and sports coaching to help women find enjoyment and confidence when exercising.

    Originally from Guernsey, Channel Islands, she worked as a Netball Development Officer for two years, coaching women and girls of all ages while creating environments where they felt supported and encouraged to participate in sport.

    Having moved to Hong Kong in 2023 to play rugby and teach English, Amy currently plays for Gai Wu Rugby Club and has developed her background through several Strength and Conditioning programs as a netball, touch rugby, and rugby athlete.

    She loves cheering on others and celebrating their wins, no matter how big or small.

    Joined Pherform: May 2026

    Years of coaching: 2

    Certifications: BSc Psychology, Level 2 Certificate in Planning and Delivering Gym Based Exercise, Level 2 Certificate in Multi-Skills Development in Sport, Level 2 Certificate in Netball Coaching

    Specialized in: Women's Fitness & Empowerment, Sports Psychology, Athlete Development, Strength & Conditioning

  • Jayme Nuku – Coach

    Jayme is dedicated to coaching and plans to further specialize in nutrition and women's health. As a coach, she is guided by one core belief: people perform best when they feel safe, seen, and valued.

    A top-level rugby athlete, Jayme plays for Valley RFC in Hong Kong. Her career highlights include representing the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Aupiki (New Zealand), playing for the Rebels in Super Rugby Australia (where she earned Team MVP honours) and reaching a 50-game milestone across six seasons with the Manawatu Cyclones in New Zealand's Farah Palmer Cup.

    Outside the gym, Jayme enjoys spending time with family and friends, and exploring the beautiful beaches around Hong Kong.

    Years of coaching: 2–3

    Certifications:

    International Sports Science Association (ISSA) – Certified Personal Trainer

    World Rugby Level 1 Certification

    World Rugby Level 2 Certification

    World Rugby Level 3 Certification

    Specialized in: High Performance, Athlete Development, Strength & Conditioning, Women's Health & Nutrition

 Want to Join Our Team?

Whether you want to join our Coaching Staff or Operations, we are always looking for quality people.

Promotional graphic for the "Stronger Together" podcast featuring two women, one in a white shirt and the other in a patterned top, standing close together, with the text "Stronger Together Podcast" and the tagline "Create. Collaborate. Connect."

Strongher Together is a long-form conversational video podcast which shines a light into the amazing stories behind the individuals forming the fabric of Pherform.

We feature guests from within our broader community-staff, members and allied professionals who add value to our shared audience through their domain expertise.

Our mission is to create positive, pragmatic, profound impact in the lives of our audience though "story telling conversations". Unscripted, long-form dialogue which is real, authentic, and engaging.

Episode 1: Is a Female Strength & Conditioning Gym Intimidating?

Episode 2: Training During Pregnancy

Episode 3: How Functional Practices Can Improve Your Health

Episode 4: Why Pragya Loves Travelling

Episode 6: A Conversation with Member Maria

Episode 5: A Conversation with Member Adviser