Kaia FIT Oahu

Although I was perfectly happy in my personal and professional life before joining Kaia, Kaia has brought me a new kind of LOVE for my life and the wonderful people in it. I think the fact that I now appreciate my stronger [yet, imperfect] body and health has had an impact on how I view other aspects of my personal and professional life. This group of women and the Kaia lifestyle have helped me find confidence in myself and awareness of the strength of the women around me. If you’re looking to improve yourself and to gain friendships that are beyond comparison, Kaia is the whole package.
The coaches and all of the other women who are working out beside you are so strong and inspiring, but it’s so eye-​opening to realize that everyone has their own history, journey, and pace. Everyone has their own fitness story and goals. The coaches know how to balance pushing you harder and modifying exercises when you need to take it easy. At other gyms I’ve felt self-​conscious about others thinking I’m not strong enough or I’m not giving 100%. Kaia sisters don’t judge, they only encourage you to do your best at whatever level that is. The support system is remarkable.
I joined Kaia back in January 2015 and I was VERY skeptical of working out with just women and was worried about not being good enough. It’s amazing how you can surprise yourself with what you’re capable of and it’s so meaningful to share the experience with other women who are at various fitness levels and abilities.
Some specifics about the Kaia sessions/​lifestyle:
— Each class is different and they’re actually FUN. The workouts are designed in advance and you go through the exercises as a group; usually individually but sometimes in partners/​groups. The coach (es) guide you through and demo the exercises. The workouts are a great mix of cardio and weight training (e.g. burpees, kettle bells, box steps/​jumps, jumping rope, resistance bands, plyometrics, pushups/​situps/​pullups, and so much more).
— Each exercise is flexible to meet your ability. Typically there are three levels: balance, strength, and Kaia. Balance is low-​impact — great for starting out or if you have an injury. Strength is usually a step up and involves either a little more speed or intensity. Kaia is the hardest level that
— During bootcamps, aka BRIK sessions, you workout 5 days a week (including yoga on Fridays and runs on Saturdays). There’s a heavy nutrition factor during these bootcamps which includes food journaling and detox weeks. Don’t let the terminology intimidate you — it’s nothing too extreme and it’s definitely flexible based on your individual goals.
— During CORE sessions, you workout 3 days a week (plus the optional Saturday power hour classes). These sessions are designed to prepare you for bootcamps so the workouts are actually just as intense.
— You spend a lot of time in the gym, but we also do some stations and running outdoors. For example, the Saturday runs during BRIK sessions are at a new outdoor location each week.
— In addition to the regular classes, they’ve recently added TRX classes and Yin Yoga classes. These typically are at a small extra cost, but they can be a great addition that are worth trying.
— KAIA becomes a part of your lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you have to always eat a certain way or feel guilty for missing workouts. It means you become more aware of how consistent decisions can impact your health and happiness. It gives you a means to make positive changes in your life and that you don’t have to make these changes on your own.

Kaia FIT Oahu is THE BEST! It is truly an amazing program that changed my life. The support of the other women and coaches is like no other! They will push you beyond your limits… or what you think your limits are. I saw such amazing progress (and results!!) with Kaia. If you want your workout to be FUN, meet amazing women that support each other, and see results, Kaia is IT!

When I first heard about KAIA, I heard loud music coming from upstairs of the Verde Kaimuki restaurant. I realized that it’s an all women workout/​bootcamp and I thought «cool. that sounds fun.» After that, I wondered «maybe there’s a Groupon for it?» And I checked and there it was! I immediately purchased it and signed up for the June CORE session. I have to say, now that my 5-​weeks of working out with KAIA, I miss it so much! Every day the class is different. There are different workout routines, the coaches are super nice and motivating. What I like most is how they write all the routines on the chalkboard, that way after class I’ll take a picture of it so that I can use it when I work out on my own. It’s really fun as in you will definitely be working your butt off and sweat! Which I love about. If I need to be brutally honest, I took off a star because it’s really pricey. I was glad that I bought the Groupon because without it I wouldn’t really consider. If I have the money then I definitely would still continue with KAIA and make it my lifestyle. Maybe one day, I would LOVE to come back!

So I have officially been at Kaia for just over 6 months now! WOW! I can honestly say from my very first day in October last year until now (mid-​April), I still have just as much excitement and enthusiasm for the Kaia lifestyle if not MORE. There’s not many things in my life that I can say have had the tremendous impact that Kaia has. Before I started at Kaia FIT Oahu I was in a fitness slump. I made attempts at trying some different fitness activities and gym locations, but ultimately it all felt the same for me and I began to notice I was struggling with staying motivated. Eventually, I started to make excuses and it quickly became less of a priority in my life. Without even actively searching, I just so happened to stumble upon this place called Kaia FIT Oahu. Who knew that something I saw my friend ‘like’ on Facebook would be something that would change my life in more ways than I can count.
Day one at Kaia I knew I had started not only a new fitness adventure but a way of life. I like to call ‘Kaia FIT’ a movement because it is an organization of women, from all walks of life, cultures, ethnicities, and ages, who come together for a common goal of making the choice everyday to live a life of healthy eating, challenging workouts, and a positive mindset. Not only do these women strive to better themselves but they genuinely want to see their Kaia sisters working out alongside them do just the same. I can’t even count the number of mornings I woke up at 415am and thought to myself «Ugh, I don’t want to get up and go to Kaia. It’s way TOO early,» but what did I do. I laid there and thought about each of my Kaia sisters by name and thought to myself, «I can’t let them down and I refuse to let them down. I need to GET UP for them. They are counting on me just like I count on them.» And that is precisely what Kaia FIT is all about. Sisterhood. A beautiful unity of women who choose to get up every day and voluntarily go through strenuous, often painful workouts full of burpees, pushups, squats, burpees, squats, more burpees, kettlebell swings, etc. But no matter how painful or exhausting the workouts are, not once have I regretted it and not once have I ever left the gym without a smile on my face feeling anything less than pumped, rejuvenated and ready to start my day on a positive note.
Kaia FIT Oahu has truly changed my life for the better. I no longer obsess about my weight and I don’t dread the foods that I eat nor do I starve. I have constantly changing workouts that I look forward to because I know I get to see just how much stronger I am today than I was yesterday. I look forward to prepping my meals for the week ahead because I know that I’m fueling my body with foods that give me energy, refuel my body and will ultimately help me to live a much fuller life. I look forward to days at the Farmer’s Marker and I get excited to see what new recipes my Kaia sisters have shared on our FB page. It’s never boring and there is always something new that is being added.
I cannot be more thankful to owner/​coach Amanda for bringing this Kaia FIT movement to the island and to our amazing coaches, Katie, Lauren, Jenni, Ella, and Nadean who help make it all possible. I cannot get enough of Kaia. I live and breathe it and want every woman I know to be able to experience the same. I have been inspired and motivated to give back in any way I can and I know that no matter where I go Kaia FIT will always be with me and I will always be a part of it. Kaia strong for LIFE!!!

I’m on week 2 of the core session. Definitely worth it. It’s only and hour out of my day. The coaches and other ladies are friendly and encouraging no matter your skill level. Such a great place to go and kick butt and relieve stress. This is the type of workout I have been looking for, be prepared to sweat!!!

I found Kaia after the other gym I went to closed. I started around 5 months pregnant and could not have found a better place to work out while pregnant. I’m going to go back after I have my baby but if you are pregnant this is an amazing place to workout. I continued taking classes up to just 2 weeks before delivery. Here’s the highlights.
1) Every day is a different workout. You never get bored because there’s something always different. A lot of the workouts incorporate your own body weight and some incorporate a kettle bell. There is some running which is awesome because you always want to keep your heart rate up and mix cardio with strength. Plus there’s great music!
2) Environment. The instructors and other women in the class are supportive, friendly and great people to work out with. I never felt weird being really pregnant and it was a great place to go and be surrounded by awesome women.
3) Convenient. It’s right at the top of Kaimuki. I loved having an 8:30am class time but there are earlier and later options too.
4) Skill Level. Normally I like to workout at a very high level. You can definitely adjust the intensity based on your level. This includes lifting heavier weights, doing a box jump instead of a step up, full pull up vs assisted, jog vs sprint etc. So you can adjust the class to fit where you’re at.

Since starting Kaia over three years ago, I have had my first green smoothie, participated in my first (and last) raw juice cleanse, ran my first 10K in a pink tutu, finished three obstacle course mud runs, beat my collegiate timed mile as a 35 year old mother of three, and held a plank for over 15 minutes. I am not listing these accomplishments to show-​off my abilities, but to prove that when given the opportunity, we can accomplish what we thought would be too difficult or impossible. These challenges inspire me! I wasn’t aware how strong my «aging» body can become! KaiaFit has been such a joy in my life. We all know that trying new healthy practices and making them habits, feeling strong, seeing muscles develop, feeling confident in our clothes, sweating a LOT, being a part of a team and seeing them succeed brings JOY! I never found this connection and happiness in my other gym memberships.
Why I am committed: the challenge, the change and the chicks.
1) the challenge. The workouts are hard. But it wouldn’t be rewarding if it wasn’t hard. We have all heard the quote, «If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.» I know we all would rather waddle away after class feeling utterly exhausted versus a workout with mediocre movements and the option of not needing a shower since we didn’t sweat THAT much. I appreciate that each one of us — within all our various fitness levels — can be challenged each morning. I am well aware we all have busy lives full of demands and responsibilities and showing up each day can be a challenge all its own. But 5 am for me has been the place where I can escape being mommy and wifey and focus on challenging myself for an hour — with 25 other moms, wives, and professionals doing the same thing. That hour makes me a happier mom and a more energetic wife (my husband fully supports KaiaFit). We do show up for the challenge. And, you all have my permission to keep challenging me.
2) the change. Yea, I had some physical changes after my first couple BRIKS. I lost some inches and gained some nice looking muscles. But the change I valued the most was the mental change that occurred within me. I began to look at food differently — thus the beginning of my green smoothie love affair. Who knew something that looked like a by-​product of Shrek could taste amazing and make me feel like a well-​fueled machine. The way I ate changed — the way I cooked changed — the way I rewarded myself changed — changes began happening because KaiaFit was educating me.
I also became mentally stronger; workouts are 50% physical and 50% mental. If I knew I could beat my time and believed I could beat my time… I WAS beating my time. No question. The exterior is a byproduct of the change that occurred within my mind.
3) the chicks. I am an extremely social person. I am in my happy zone when I am around people. And, Kaia brings together likeminded women who all desire to be their best version of themselves and throws them all together to sweat, (sometimes) swear, and socialize together! And I LOVE IT! Friendships build. I have made life long friends through Kaia. I smile knowing KaiaFit was founded on the fact that women have a need to feel accepted, valued, and loved. Nikki saw a need to not only strengthen bodies, but strengthen womens’ confidence and love for themselves. We all need validation and support. I know we have all felt accepted within the Kaia sisterhood. Kaia chicks don’t compete against another’s weaknesses. Instead we look for opportunities to help our friends overcome them.
I have seen KaiaFit start as a fitness class for some, and as time went on, it became therapy and healing for them. A chance to repair and rebuild themselves. I love participating in this restoration.
I love being a Kaia Kat chick. Thanks for inspiring me. Continue to challenge yourself, change what you know is holding you back, and rely on your Kaia chicks to walk, run or do high knees beside you along your journey!

I was never the girl who would get up early for a workout, let alone put in a legitimate effort to do exercises I’d never done before. Last time I did a sit up was in high school PE… not counting when I actually get up in the mornings. The extent of my workouts was jogging and the occasional home DVDs. But as a lot of women will attest, being self motivated by a virtual Jillian Michaels can get old quick.
Anyhow, after much persuasion, I agreed to sign up with a good friend to try the CORE session. I thought to myself, 3 days at 6am for 5 weeks? Why not. For once, actually commit to something that was consistent. My goals were to gradually get stronger, be faster, be able to do actual sit-​ups and squat without looking like I’m about to tip over.
My first impression of Coach Amanda did not disappoint. She is extremely friendly, encouraging and positive. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, being that awkward newbie in the back, but she always made me (and my friend) feel comfortable and that it was more important to learn how to do the exercises right with the proper form than to do them quickly.
The environment is also extremely positive; seeing so many different women of different ages and body shapes, all coming together to support one another’s goals. This is perhaps one of their main distinguishing differences compared to the likes of 24 Hour Fitness or any other gym program I’ve tried before. The coaches really want you to succeed and become better, fitter, healthier. You don’t feel intimidated and the girls always have smiles on their faces (except of course, when they’re planking.)
Within two weeks, I started to notice a difference. I was able to do full situps, push-​ups, planks and improved my squats. I felt much more energized throughout the day, which also led me to start a serious change in my diet. This was the spark I needed to hit reset and get my health and fitness on the right track. Thanks to KAIA and their awesome coaches, I built up my cardio and strengthened my core significantly, which has translated well in Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu.
I recommend KAIA to women of any age. It’s never too late to make a change in your lifestyle.

I love the Kaia lifestyle! They teach you how to make healthier choices, engage with new friends, and the coaches are beyond sweet. Each workout offers different skill levels allowing everyone to get the most from each class. I highly recommend Kaia to anyone looking for a strong community of inspiring ladies and a way to live a happy, healthy, and humble life.

I’ll admit it — when I first heard of women’s fitness on Oahu, I was thinking «oh God this is either going to be like Zumba (NOT that I’m knocking Zumba but you know — different strokes, different folks) or a vintage Jane Fonda workout tape.» I have never been more glad to be wrong! Every day is a different workout, one day you might be in stations, the next you might be doing Crossfit-​style AMRAPs, still the next you might be doing tabatas or good old-​fashioned HIIT exercises. The workouts kick your butt regardless of what fitness level you are, because each exercise has three levels of modification: Balance (beginner/​low impact), Strength (intermediate), and Kaia (advanced/​those who want an extra challenge). Nursing an injury? No problem! The coaches can provide modifications or alternate exercises for you. Because of this, Kaia really is suitable for every woman.
Another thing I like about Kaia is that nutrition is really heavily emphasized, probably more so than any other fitness program I’ve tried. And this is important, because what you put in your body constitutes about 80% of your results — you can’t out exercise a bad diet, after all. At Kaia, it’s all about fiber, whole/​minimally processed foods, fiber, fresh fruits and veggies, fiber, lean protein, and — you guessed it — fiber! Haha. But it makes sense — when you up your fiber intake, you stay fuller longer and won’t be as tempted to overeat — super helpful when trying to lose weight. And of course fiber helps to regulate your um… gastrointestinal system in various ways, but we won’t get into that. During Brik (the more intensive sessions), you food journal — which really helps you become more aware of what you’re eating. And during Brik there are two detox weeks, one toward the beginning and the other toward the end. During these two periods, we cut out: sugar, alcohol, carbs, processed foods, and dairy. It can be really difficult. Especially for someone like me, who would probably donate a kidney for a damn chocolate chip cookie. You might slip at some point. I have — it happens! But it’s okay! As long as you get back on track with your next meal. And there are so many resources available to you to ensure that you’re eating healthy, from the Kaia cookbook on the website to your fellow Kaia girls sharing recipe ideas, which brings me to the next point…
The accountability and the atmosphere is amazing. You’ll meet inspirational, hardworking women who, like you, are all working to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals. There’s never any competition — the only competition at Kaia is the competition you have with yourself. Your fellow Kaia girls are so supportive and encouraging. They’ll cheer you on while you finish your workout — it really makes a difference in the last few seconds of that sprint (or those last 5 burpees)! This isn’t like some gyms where you just go to work out and go home. The coaches here actually get to know you by name, and they too are a great resource and so, so motivational. Basically, when you do Kaia, not only do you get kickbutt workouts and nutritional advice, but you get an outstanding support group too!
So I guess the big question is — will you see results, and how quickly? It all depends on what you put into it. Six months ago, I was overweight, had low self-​esteem, couldn’t walk up a single flight of stairs without getting winded. Then I joined the May Brik session. Admittedly I wasn’t super dedicated to it at first (I cheated during the detox weeks so often and I lost track of how many classes I missed), so my results weren’t terribly dramatic BUT toward the end of the session, I found myself thinking, «Crap, I missed my workout…» whenever I slept in, and that’s how I knew I was hooked. After a summer back in California (where I did do a Kaia Core session) and improved clean eating habits, I came back for my second Brik. It’s a process, for sure! I’m leaner, stronger, but above all, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long long time. And hey — isn’t that really what it’s all about?

Another 5 star review for Kaia. I have tried a few different types of bootcamps here in Hawaii. I have tried an MMA based bootcamp that uses a lot of kicks and jumps as cardio. I have tried an outdoor based bootcamp that uses a lot of crawling around in the sand/​terrain. Then there’s Kaia.
Kaia seems like a crossfit fusion bootcamp style with a different workout on the chalkboard every day. In the week I attended, I have attended a station workout and a module workout. With a station workout there are about 5 stations with a mini workout you need to complete before moving on to the other one. I was not as much a fun of this because no one finished.
For a module workout, they had about 3 different mini workouts that everyone completed together. A lot of times they were a certain amount of work completed for time. I liked this a lot as they gave you time to rest between each workout but still challenged you to give your max effort.
Out of the styles of bootcamp I’ve tried, I have found this to be the most challenging. You will find kettlebells, pull up bars, speed ropes, ab mats and bands here. There are lots of planks, squats, and burpees. Paired with the right nutrition plan, I know you will see results at Kaia.
The only caveat I feel should be mentioned is a reminder that this is a bootcamp. Bootcamps generally rely on bodyweight and cardio for the majority of their program. So I would suggest supplementing this program with weight lifting on your own. You will not be lifting much more than the band, a 20 lb kb or your own body weight.

Kaia is a way of life. I started Kaia over a year ago and it transformed my life. I had a friend who had done Kaia for a few years on the mainland and I would always see her pictures posted on Facebook. Instantly I wanted to try it because it looked not only fun but like a supportive environment for all women to feel comfortable working out in.
One of the best things about Kaia is the nutritional counseling that they offer. The workouts are pretty amazing too, but the food journaling and recommendations truly make Kaia a lifestyle. Each session has a new food challenge and during Brik there is detox week. For me, detox week makes me so aware of what I eat. And that’s the point. Detox makes you realize how much crap there really is in our food and how we just don’t need the excess. It makes eating more enjoyable and for me, it transform the way I look at being fit. Fitness is not just about lifting weights or cardio but it’s about a way of life and looking at how we treat our bodies during meals and physical activity.
I highly recommend giving Kaia a try just to see how you feel after a week. If nothing more, you’ll get a weeks worth of kick butt workouts and some awesome inspiration from girls of all walks of life.

Amazing! I joined for a BRIK using a groupon. The instructors are amazing and really want to see everyone be successful in a supportive but not pushy way. The women who join are no less supportive. The work outs are tough but make you feel strong and accomplished. I can’t wait to get back to the next session!

If I could, I would give Kaia 10 STARS! This program is not just about fitness, it is about helping women to build a healthy and functional lifestyle that will carry positive results into all aspects of their lives. Kaia Fit Oahu’s workouts are fun, energetic, and will get you results! This program is unique because it truly does fit ALL fitness levels and walks of life. I love that the workouts are never the same and that no matter how long you have been coming, there is always something new to challenge you. The girls are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Group camaraderie is a big point with our girls.
For me personally, when I first started Kaia I was skeptical. I had tried many group fitness programs and had not found a program that I wanted to commit to. I had no idea I was walking into something that would forever change my life! Kaia has given me a confidence that I never thought I would have. It’s not a program about who can be the strongest or about who can win at a competition. Kaia is about being your personal best and about finding what works for you so that you can live the fullest life possible. I have realized a passion for fitness and nutrition and I now Im ready to really makes changes in my life with the support of my Kaia sisters!!!

For me, Kaia is truly as good as it gets. The workouts are always different and challenging. Coach Amanda shows you how to do modifications for pretty much all the workouts and both she and Coach Lauren foster a super supportive and welcoming environment. I started at the most beginner, beginner level (like, BEGINNER). I hadn’t done a cartwheel in well over a decade. I had never done a double under jump rope in… well, EVER. The best part is that there are some serious athlete type ladies at Kaia and they get worked just as hard because they all train at their level. So truly, all fitness levels will feel welcome here and benefit from the Kaia program.
A few years back, I had joined one of the local outdoor boot camps to try it out. It was a pretty demoralizing experience for me! The trainer there kept pushing me and yelling at me, telling me that she knows I can do it — don’t be lazy, she’d yell. Uh yeah. ‘Cause a non-​athletic, chubby couch potato like myself could totally do five minutes straight of burpees without stopping… silly me, I was just being LAZY. [/​end sarcasm]
That boot camp experience is what kept me off group workouts ever since… until Kaia. I love that Coach Amanda and Coach Lauren actually coach; they don’t act like drill sergeants/​Jillian Michaels. They works with your issues and give you helpful modifications and exercises so that you still get the absolute most out of your workout. It’s all about working at your level and trying to be better than you were yesterday.
I started with Kaia back in late 2013 and I went through their Core and BRIK sessions. Even though I loved it right from the start and actually began to enjoy getting up early to work out, I had so much stuff going on and little energy to really commit the time. Fast forward to January 2014, I came back in the new year determined to really embrace all the things that Kaia offers and make a commitment to myself and for myself. Just 3 weeks into being back at Kaia and I’m already down 8 pounds!!!

I bought a Unilocal deal to get a jump start to a more healthy and positive lifestyle and it was definitely the right decision! Amanda is an awesome teacher and everyone is wonderful.
There’s no judging here and group activities always are big motivators when exercising. If you’re new to getting healthy and fit, no problem, there’s a «Balance Level» for beginners, «Strength Level» for advanced, and «KAIA Level» for those who want to go all out and have done the exercises before.
I’m not a morning person but if you feel the same as me, you’ll want to keep coming back.
Remember, no pain, no gain! Definitely recommend it. :)

Kaia Fit is definitely not just a work out or fitness class but a lifestyle. It is also a support group because everyone will cheer you on and give you suggestions whenever needed. When I started Kaia fit Oahu I couldn’t run a mile, was about 20 pounds overweight and felt horrible everyday. I can now run over 3 miles straight, have lost 15 pounds, gained muscle, and actually like working out! That’s a first for me! Working out has always been something I hated until Kaia. The workouts are different every day and the girls and coaches are awesome and never make you feel self conscious. Kaia also includes nutrition tips which are so helpful when trying to lose weight or start a healthy lifestyle. I will never stop doing Kaia fit!

I heard about Kaia FIT through a friend, and am so happy that I tried it! I am usually content with doing my own thing in the gym, but Kaia is SO much more fun. The workouts are always different, so you never get tired of the same old gym routine. There’s individual levels for everyone, and it’s so rewarding to see the improvements your body can make after only a few weeks. I learned tons about different exercises, as well as healthy eating habits. The best part about Kaia is the positive attitude the women have. everyone is there to challenge themselves, but at their own pace. Amanda holds everyone accountable, and is always there to answer questions or offer support and encouragement. Kaia FIT is a lifestyle, and you will not regret trying this program.

Amanda is my new hero! I was waiting till after my before&after measurements to write a review… but I’m way too excited right now after my trip to the MALL.
Its my fourth week and all my shorts are too big for me! So I decided to treat myself to some more workout clothes at Lulu’s and I’m Down 2 sizes! It was awesome having the dressing room attendant go back and forth bring me one size smaller… then another size down, I was BEAMING obnoxiously.
I’m SO glad I got to do this, and that I shared the experience with my in-​law visiting from Sweden (who’s really sad about the end of her Kaia Journey in Hawaii).
Coach Amanda and Lauren are soo supportive and encouraging and never really have to push you, cause they make you want to Push yourself.
The ladies from both 5 am and 6am ROCK, they work hard, are very encouraging to us newbies and seem like they play hard too :)
Overall I love being part of KAIA, the classes aren’t too big, I get to learn how to do a freaking handstand and I actually love waking up that early to workout now! Only thing was, I did wish it was a tad cheaper but at this point the experience and results have been priceless.

I started Kaia FIT Oahu a few months ago and it has, without a doubt, changed my life! I have learned how to eat healthy as well as develop a love for working out! After having my son, I was afraid that I wouldn’t get back to my pre-​baby figure, but thanks to the support of Amanda and the other amazing ladies I workout with I have!!! Amanda creates workouts that challenge each individual at their level. There are always a variety of different exercises that keep you interested as well as continue to build on your fitness. I like that fact that there are 3 different levels for each workout, so no one feels intimated because everyone is working at their own pace!
Kaia FIT Oahu is amazing!