Ivan Fredric’s journey from law to fitness was unexpected but transformative. By founding Chase, he created a Malaysian studio where discipline, spirituality, and movement merge, helping clients push beyond limits and find balance.
For Ivan, the path from law to fitness was anything but predictable. Trained as a lawyer, he never imagined that his lifelong passion for movement would lead him to open his own studio. His journey began early. “I was a really chubby kid in primary school,” he recalls with a smile.
“Sports like basketball and shot put got me moving, then I got into running and athletics.” In college, he discovered the gym — a place where structure, discipline, and progress aligned. “That’s where I fell in love with fitness.”
Even as his legal ambitions grew, Ivan remained active. While studying for the Bar in the UK, he discovered spin classes. “I wanted to pursue my passion and help people on their fitness journeys,” he says.
His first audition as an instructor was far from polished — a tracksuit, trainers, and a random Spotify playlist. “It was awkward,” he laughs. “But I had no shame. I was confident and honest, and somehow, I got picked.”
Balancing law and coaching proved demanding. “Legal work was stressful,” he admits. “Teaching spin helped me stay grounded.” For years, he juggled both, teaching across the Klang Valley while practising law. Over time, fitness evolved from a hobby into a calling. “It became a purpose. I wanted to help people, and I loved what I was doing.”
That realisation sparked the idea for Chase. When approached to lead a new studio, he ultimately declined. “It wasn’t my brand,” he explains. “Saying no made me realise I could build something of my own.”
From Cycling To Community
The leap was daunting. “I was fearful,” he says. “But after a conversation with one of my riders, I saw the potential to create something sustainable.” His legal background proved invaluable. “Working under pressure and staying disciplined — those skills translated into building Chase.”
From the start, Ivan wanted the studio to stand apart. “Most places focus only on the physical,” he says. “We wanted to challenge people mentally and spiritually too.” Even the name reflects that vision: C for Community, H for Hustle, A for Aspiration, S for Spirituality, and E for Empowerment.
At its home in Alfa Bangsar, Chase offers indoor cycling, boot camp, and Reformer Pilates — three disciplines designed to build endurance, strength, and balance. Since opening in late 2024, the response has been overwhelming. “The first day was chaos, but in a good way,” he recalls.
Ivan continues to consult in law while running the business. “Balance isn’t easy,” he says. “It takes discipline and faith.” With Chase steadily building its presence, his focus now is refinement rather than rapid expansion. “I’m not chasing growth for the sake of it,” he insists. “I want to strengthen the team, the experience, and the culture. Growth will come when we’re ready.”
For Ivan, it’s no longer about choosing between law and fitness, but about alignment. “Chase taught me that fitness is more than movement,” he reflects. “It’s about resilience, faith, and community — helping people realise they can go further than they think.”
