Strength in Grace
At just 22 years old, Liu Wanlin—known as Alin on social media—has carved an extraordinary path that defies convention and celebrates empowerment in its most disciplined form. From her beginnings as a nurse in a respected tertiary hospital to becoming a competitive bodybuilder and emerging model, Alin’s journey is a bold statement about following passion over predictability.
Based in Shenzhen, China, Alin represents a new generation of women redefining femininity through strength, self-discipline, and authenticity. With a powerful physique sculpted through rigorous training and a lifestyle rooted in precision, her story resonates far beyond the gym. What began as a personal journey to overcome weight struggles has transformed into a mission to inspire others—especially women—to challenge stereotypes and embrace their physical potential without fear or apology.
In this exclusive interview, Alin opens up to CiiN Magazine about her transition from healthcare to competitive bodybuilding, the mental and emotional demands of the sport, her evolving relationship with body image, and how she balances it all with modeling and creativity. She speaks with a calm intensity—grounded, focused, and deeply self-aware.
Whether she’s training clients, posing for a shoot, or competing on stage, Liu Wanlin is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Join us as we step into the world of a woman who proves there truly is no “pause” in her dictionary.
Alin, you’ve transitioned from being a nurse to a bodybuilder. What prompted that change, and what was the journey like?
When I was in college, I became attracted to bodybuilding. I believed that women are not just delicate or weak—they can also be muscular and powerful. I admired the shining presence of bodybuilders on stage. Eventually, I resigned from a well-known tertiary hospital and chose to pursue my dream. After all, life only comes once.
What inspired you to pursue bodybuilding, and how long have you been actively training?
I really love food and have a much larger appetite than most girls, so I used to be very overweight. At first, I was just an ordinary fitness enthusiast trying to lose weight. Later, I met a coach who was a bodybuilder. He told me I had strong potential and an almost perfect bone structure for the sport. That’s when I chose to seriously pursue bodybuilding.
How do you balance bodybuilding with other aspects of your life?
I follow a very regular daily routine. I’ve quit drinking and avoid high-fat, high-salt foods. This means I’ve had to give up a lot of socializing and now spend most of my time focusing on myself and my goals.
Can you describe your daily routine as a bodybuilder? How do you structure your workouts and nutrition?
Every morning, I do aerobic exercises on an empty stomach, followed by high-intensity training. I follow a precise and balanced diet. After that, I train my students. This is my typical daily schedule.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a bodybuilder, and how do you overcome them?
The most difficult time is preparing for competitions. It involves strict dieting while still maintaining high-intensity training. During this phase, I often feel low energy, emotional sensitivity, and a general lack of interest in daily life. It’s mentally and physically draining.
How has bodybuilding affected your mental health and self-confidence?
I love being on stage. This competitive sport has introduced me to many outstanding and inspiring people. It has boosted my confidence and given me a sense of purpose.
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about women in bodybuilding, and how do you challenge them?
Many girls think that just going to the gym will make them overly muscular, so they’re afraid to try it. But everyone’s goals and training methods are different. There’s no need to worry. Just step into the gym and enjoy the dopamine boost from working out.
How do you approach diet and nutrition for bodybuilding? Do you have any favorite meals that help you stay on track?
Fitness food needs to be nutritionally balanced. When I’m not preparing for a competition, I usually have eggs, oats, and milk for breakfast, and home-cooked meals for lunch and dinner. I also allow myself three restaurant meals per week to enjoy the foods I love.
What role does rest and recovery play in your fitness routine, and how do you prioritize it?
When I rest, I take yoga classes and do fascia relaxation work. This helps a lot with muscle growth and overall recovery.
How do you prepare for a photoshoot, both physically and mentally?
I browse social media. When I see beautiful and confident women, I feel more motivated because I want to become just as beautiful and strong.
How do you maintain your physique to meet the demands of both bodybuilding and modeling?
I follow a strict training schedule and carefully planned diet year-round. Even when I’m not competing, I stay within a healthy range to keep my body ready for shoots. I also make sure my skin, posture, and flexibility are in great condition, since modeling requires overall presentation, not just muscle size.
What motivates you to keep pushing in bodybuilding, especially when facing challenging training sessions or moments of doubt?
I just want to succeed and do my best in my area of expertise. That drive keeps me going even when it’s hard.
Bodybuilding often requires extreme discipline. How do you stay consistent and dedicated to your goals?
I surround myself with people who share my passion for sports. We have common topics to talk about and train together, which keeps it fun and motivating.
What are some of your other hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy drawing, dancing, and playing rugby.
Your message for us at CiiN magazine:
Thank you for having me! I want to encourage everyone, especially women, to believe in their strength—physically and mentally. You don’t have to fit into any one mold. Whether you’re lifting weights, working a demanding job, or chasing a dream, remember: your power comes from within. Never be afraid to choose your own path.
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