Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Dwayne the Rock Johnson healthy protein shake recipe to fuel his massive workouts
    Healthy Eating

    Dwayne Johnson Shares His Protein Shake Recipes

    Bodybuilder using a protein scooper to measure out how much protein he needs
    Performance Nutrition

    How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

    Intermittent Fasting window with a clock and healthy foods
    Healthy Eating

    New Study Reveals the Optimal Daily Fasting Window for Maximum Mental Cl...

    Chef cooking with a healthy oil avoiding Palmitic Acid based oils
    Healthy Eating

    Scientists Say This Common Saturated Fat May Increase Diabetes Risk

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Dan Browne military photo
    Interviews

    Dan Browne Shares How His Military Service Led to the Olympics and Coach...

    Actor Jamie Roy in his transformation as Bryan Frase in Outlander- Blood of My Blood Season 2
    News

    Why Jamie Roy Shot for More Muscle on 'Outlander'

    The Rock transformation for Lizard Music after dropping 50 lbs
    News

    The Rock's Down to 235 Pounds: He Shares His Fasting & Carb Strategy

    100 Years of JoyHarlem Globe Trotter promotional art
    News

    Harlem Globetrotters Celebrate 100 Years with HOF Induction

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Female bodybuilder pointing to a pile of creatine
    News

    Creatine Is Apparently Good for Everyone Now. The Truth is It Always Has...

    image1 (3)
    From our Partners

    Why Men Are Taking Grooming Beyond the Gym

    GLP-1 Drug ozempic being handled by a doctor wearing gloves
    News

    The 17.5% Rule: How Lifters Are Retaining Muscle on Weight-Loss Drugs

    Rosabella
    From our Partners

    Rosabella Wants to Make the Superfood You Stopped Using Easier to Take

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Stem Cell Therapy displayed on a screen with medical equipment
    Recovery

    What Questions You Should Be Asking Before Stem Cell Treatment?

    Director of Cornucopia Events Mini Vohra, a celebrity events strategist, Director of Cornucopia Events, British entrepreneur, and former barrister
    Wellness

    Longevity Is the New Luxury: Inside the $100K Biohacking Lifestyle

    Wellness retreat attendees performing yoga at SHA wellness retreat
    Wellness

    Can Your Biomarkers Build A Vacation Itinerary?

    Elderly man placing weights on a barbell
    Wellness

    Strength Training Is the New Anti-Aging Drug

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    The Menace Podcast
    News

    2026 Mr. Olympia Debate: Does Size Still Matter in Bodybuilding’s Bigges...

    UFC fighter Forrest Griffin inductee at the 2026 ISHOF
    News

    UFC Icon Forrest Griffin Enters the 2026 International Sports Hall of Fa...

    Olympia 2026 Palms Hotel
    News

    First Time at the Olympia? Here's Your Complete Beginner's Guide to Olym...

    2026 International Sports Hall of Fame inductee Dexter Jackson
    News

    Dexter Jackson Speaks on Future International Sports Hall of Fame Induct...

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Devyn Dalton stunt double for Matt Damon on the Odyssey gives her workout tips
    Hers Workouts

    Devyn Dalton Explains the Movements that Put Her Arms in 'The Odyssey'

    Devyn Dalton
    Hers Workouts

    How a 4'6" Stunt Pro Outtrained Hollywood Using Body Weight

    Christina Kirkman performing her boxing training routine
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    Christina Kirkman Might Be the Most Confident Person in the Room

    Image 1_ avp
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    The Real Story Behind Betsi Flint's Incredible Postpartum Comeback

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Active Lifestyle

5 Motivational Tips from Britain’s Smallest Bodybuilder

Choon Tan has a ripped physique, a small stature, and wisdom beyond his years.

by Gary Cotton
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
choon-tan-content
https://instagram.com/imchoontan/
View Gallery

5 Motivational Tips from Britain’s Smallest Bodybuilder

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 6

1 of 6

choon-tan-content

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

Tan’s the Man

There’s plenty we could say about Choon Tan. At just 21 years old he’s become a sponsored athlete, a viral fitness sensation, and Britain’s smallest professional bodybuilder. The Chichester Observer reports that Tan, who is 4′ 10″ was often bullied as a kid because of his size (Tan’s small stature is due to a rare condition he has called x-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda). His answer? Hit the gym.As if that weren’t enough inspiration, his Instagram account has some sage advice we could all use.

2 of 6

Choon-Tan-show-pose-abs

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

No. 5: Surround Yourself With Motivators

“[Three] completely different individuals showing you the results from years of hard work and perseverance,” Tan says in a post. “Always surround yourself with people who will inspire and motivate you…”

3 of 6

Choon-Tan-Pose-2

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

No. 4: Stay Driven

“My life is always about progress and determination,” Tan says. “Never stop trying to be the best you can be. And when times get tough, use that as your drive.”
<

4 of 6

Choon-Tan-Abs

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

No. 3: Don’t Get Comfortable

“I just stop talking and take action and I’m living my dreams,” Tan says. “Break your comfort zones whatever it takes. And remember, actions speak louder than words.”
<

5 of 6

choon-tan-pose-3

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

No. 2: Be Your Best

“Be the best version of yourself physically and mentally, never settle for anything less.”

6 of 6

Choon-Tan-Pose-1

https://instagram.com/imchoontan/

No. 1: Mix it Up

“[Get] out, meet new people learn new things, travel to new places. You’ll never grow if you constantly do the same thing.”

Back to intro

Tan's the Man

There’s plenty we could say about Choon Tan. 

At just 21 years old he’s become a sponsored athlete, a viral fitness sensation, and Britain’s smallest professional bodybuilder. The Chichester Observer reports that Tan, who is 4′ 10″ was often bullied as a kid because of his size (Tan’s small stature is due to a rare condition he has called x-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda). His answer? Hit the gym.

As if that weren’t enough inspiration, his Instagram account has some sage advice we could all use.

No. 5: Surround Yourself With Motivators

“[Three] completely different individuals showing you the results from years of hard work and perseverance,” Tan says in a post. “Always surround yourself with people who will inspire and motivate you…”

No. 4: Stay Driven

“My life is always about progress and determination,” Tan says. “Never stop trying to be the best you can be. And when times get tough, use that as your drive.”

No. 3: Don't Get Comfortable

“I just stop talking and take action and I’m living my dreams,” Tan says. “Break your comfort zones whatever it takes. And remember, actions speak louder than words.”

No. 2: Be Your Best

“Be the best version of yourself physically and mentally, never settle for anything less.”

No. 1: Mix it Up

“[Get] out, meet new people learn new things, travel to new places. You’ll never grow if you constantly do the same thing.”

Topics:
  • Bodybuilders
  • Entertainment
  • Inspiration
Author picture
Written by Gary Cotton
Also by Gary Cotton
conor-cristiano
News

McGregor, Ronaldo Go One-On-One

TEST: Mark Barroso's Mass Plan
News

CBS feels the 'Pump,' Acquires Arnold's TV Series

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

A group of hikers hiking through a wet terrain hiking trail
Active Lifestyle

This Simple 3-Day Plan Will Make Hiking Feel Easier

Build the strength, endurance, and stability your body needs so long climbs and descents feel smoother.

Read article
Skiier falling down the ski slope due to an accident from a skiing injuries
Active Lifestyle

Injury Prevention Tips for Conquering the Slopes

Elevate your ski game and decrease your chance of injury with these pro tips.

Read article
Fit female competitors performing sled pulls in a Hyrox competition
Active Lifestyle

Thinking About Trying Hyrox? Here's Why You Should

Watch out CrossFit, there’s a new fitness kid on the block.

Read article
All Active Lifestyle
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Features
  4. /
  5. Active Lifestyle
  6. /
  7. 5 Motivational Tips from Britain’s Smallest Bodybuilder
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement