Through volunteering at HomeTeamNS and being a Fitness Workz manager, SGT (NS) Nur Fauzi has found camaraderie, purpose and opportunities to grow as a leader and communicator.
When SGT (NS) Nur Fauzi served his National Service with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), he learnt early on how powerful teamwork could be — especially in high-pressure moments.
“Once, during a New Year’s Eve deployment at Orchard Road, we encountered a wanted person who resisted arrest,” he recalls. “He got physical with my NS inspector, and I jumped in to help subdue him. I was very protective over my NSF teammates; we looked out for each other.”
Years later, Fauzi would rediscover that sense of brotherhood — this time through HomeTeamNS, where he has built a tight-knit community of fellow volunteers and fitness enthusiasts. Together, they’ve brought events like the signature Fitness Ironman competition to life, rallying others through their shared passion for fitness and bodybuilding.
FLEXING HIS PASSION AND GAINING CONFIDENCE
A dedicated bodybuilder since the age of 17, Fauzi — now 39 — found inspiration through his friend, a competitive bodybuilder who also became his mentor. Spurred by his example, Fauzi entered the HomeTeamNS Bodybuilding Championships in 2008. He trained solo at his NS division’s in-house gym and pored over bodybuilding magazines borrowed from the library for guidance.
When competition day arrived, Fauzi was struck by the sheer number of participants — many of whom were visibly more muscular. “I struggled with feeling like I wasn’t good enough to make it to the finals,” he recalls. “But after the preliminary rounds, I was told that I had qualified.”
Placing top five in his first competition, the unexpected achievement sparked a fire in him to push further. In 2011, he signed up for the NUS Muscle War competition — this time committing three to four months of intense preparation at the Fitness Workz gym at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok.
His dedication and resilience paid off with a win: “That day in 2008 spurred me to train even harder. I told myself I wanted to win gold one day — and I eventually did.”
FROM COMPETITOR TO COMMITTEE LEADER
While competing boosted Fauzi’s confidence, it also piqued his curiosity about what it takes to run large-scale fitness events. By 2013, Fauzi began helping to organise bodybuilding contests, and in 2015, he joined the HomeTeamNS Fitness Ironman Committee as a volunteer — taking the lead in organising its inaugural competition.
Since it was a brand-new event, Fauzi admits that the committee didn’t expect much of a turnout. To their surprise, more than 50 people signed up. “That experience taught me to trust the process, and that our efforts would bear fruit at the end of the day,” he reflects.
Though he was working full-time elsewhere then, Fauzi was happy to carve out time for committee meetings. “I enjoy the interactions and the excitement we share during meetings,” he recalls. “Some nights, we stayed past 10pm, but seeing our events come together so smoothly makes it all worth it.”
Now in his tenth year of organising the Fitness Ironman competition, Fauzi remains energised by the camaraderie of working with passionate teammates from all walks of life. “I find it meaningful and amazing that we’re united by a common passion. This group of people has become an integral part of my life.”
Naturally, Fauzi has become something of a HomeTeamNS ambassador, regularly encouraging non-member friends to check out the Fitness Ironman competition. Some even travel from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, just to watch. “They praised us for how well the event was run,” he says proudly. “And they loved how clean and vibrant the clubhouse is.”
EMBRACING A NEW CHAPTER IN FITNESS
After 11 years as an English Language educator, Fauzi made a leap of faith last year. Backed by over a decade of experience as a Fitness Workz member and active volunteer, he applied for the role of gym manager — a career pivot that felt like a natural next step. “Working in the fitness industry was always something I was keen on doing,” he says. “Plus, I wasn’t getting any younger. When the opportunity came up, I knew I couldn’t let it pass me by.”
These days, instead of reporting to school at 7.30am, his mornings begin with a focused hour-long workout — a time he also uses to mentally map out the day, check equipment and touch base with gym members.
“Back when I was teaching, I often offered a listening ear to my students,” he shares. “Now, at Fitness Workz, I do the same with my team and our members. I take in their feedback and from there, I come up with action plans to close any gaps and improve our work processes and service standards.”
Every time a problem is solved — either directly or through teamwork — Fauzi finds deep fulfilment. “It’s meaningful to know that I’m making a difference.”
STRENGTHENING SKILLS AND CONNECTIONS
Building on the momentum of his career switch, Fauzi decided to level up his credentials by earning his personal trainer certification — further sharpening the leadership and communication skills he has honed through volunteering and managing the gym.
“The certification gives me a better understanding of how to guide and support members more effectively,” he explains “It’s also helped me be more confident when mentoring newer staff and working through challenges as a team.”
Fitness Workz, he adds, has always felt like a second home — ever since he first began his bodybuilding journey. “It’s where I’ve formed friendships that have lasted till today,” he adds, fondly mentioning trainers like Dave, who welcomes everyone with infectious positivity; and Jamal, who generously shares his expertise with the next generation.
“After so many years spent working out at the gym, it’s exciting to finally be working in one,” he quips. “It drives me to collaborate with my team and keep improving Fitness Workz — making it better than ever.”
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