Meet Bodybuilding.com Master Coach:
Ken Yu

Focusing on functional movements with ultimate results, Ken empowers you to use your body and improve your life.

Before fitness, Ken Yu, Master Coach, worked in the corporate world as an attorney. A natural athlete who enjoys playing sports, he joined a functional fitness gym and fell in love, sparking his journey as a fitness coach. At first, his goal for working out was to build muscles, but shifted his focus to wellness to take on all of life’s challenges without living in pain.

We had a chance to discuss Ken's journey to fitness and Bodybuilding.com. Here’s what he said.

Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m Ken Yu, a passionate coach committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with anyone eager to improve their fitness journey.

When and where did your fitness journey begin?

My fitness journey started with youth sports, but my serious dedication to exercise physiology ignited after spending a decade at a desk job. I joined a 24-hour fitness center and began building my body.

What got you hooked on fitness as a career?

While practicing law for nearly ten years, I joined a CrossFit gym to get back in shape. My time at the gym increased, and when my brother noticed me practicing my snatch technique in the kitchen, he encouraged me to pursue fitness professionally. I took my Level 1 CrossFit Certification, beginning my coaching journey.

What’s your movement of choice?

I believe in the power of squats. It's a fundamental movement everyone needs to master, as sitting down is a part of daily life.

What’s the difference between working out and training?

Working out is a basic activity, like brushing your teeth—necessary for functioning. In contrast, training involves a specific goal, a detailed plan, and measurable progress. It’s for those who aspire to achieve something significant.

What does being strong mean to you?

Being strong means having the ability to embrace discomfort and grow from those experiences.

How does training benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally?

Training enhances my daily capacity for life—whether climbing stairs, carrying groceries, burning off my dog’s energy with a park session. It also serves as a mental outlet, helping me manage pain, anxiety, and other negative emotions.

Tell us about your routine: from training regimen to nutrition, fueling, and recovery. 

I’m an early riser, enjoying the quiet of 5 a.m. I start my day with a French press coffee and homemade cashew milk while working on the New York Times crossword puzzle. I train clients in the morning, as it’s less likely to interfere with their schedules. My morning snack includes chia seed pudding with whey protein and seasonal fruit. My meals focus on plant-based foods, incorporating proteins like steak or salmon based on my body’s needs. I usually work out in the early afternoon when I feel most prepared.

My weekly training program includes:

• Sunday: Heavy barbell deadlift triples, feet elevated Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), Zercher stiff leg deadlifts.
• Monday: Volume chest day with high-rep barbell bench press, dumbbell incline bench, deep stretch push-ups, and cable flys.
• Tuesday: Climbing and 400-meter sprints.
• Wednesday: Barbell back squat, Ukrainian deadlifts, rear foot elevated split squats.
• Thursday: Back day with weighted pull-ups, lat pull-downs, chest-supported incline bench rows, and bicep curls.
• Friday: Climbing and shoulder work.
• Saturday is a rest day. I enjoy sauna sessions three times a week and a cold plunge once a week.

What’s your supplement routine? 

I use a pre-workout stack that includes creatine, taurine, leucine, arginine, citrulline, beta-alanine, glutamine, dextrose, and beet extract. Specifically, I take Bodybuilding.com Signature L-Carnitine, Signature L-Glutamine, and Signature Magnesium Glycinate. I also recommend Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Vanilla Cream flavor and Signature BCAA Sour Gummy flavor. 

How did Bodybuilding.com help you in your early days of training?

I’ve purchased Bodybuilding.com creatine and protein powder for over a decade and have a collection of their original black-and-white t-shirts. Their programs were instrumental in my early training.

What piece of advice would you give someone just starting their fitness journey?

Motivation can fluctuate, but establishing a consistent routine can last forever. Start by working out once a week at the same time until it becomes a habit.

What is one thing you would tell your future self?

Keep going; it’s not over yet!