Strength Training For Women

Jodee Burris
Owner, Puuwai Fitness

Please tell us about your business.

I offer group fitness classes to people who are looking to get in shape, stay in shape and have fun while exercising.

What kind of classes do you offer?

I focus a lot on strength training, and most of my clients are women between 30 and 60-years-old who are really looking to stay strong, keep their bone density up and stay healthy. Most of my classes are either indoors using weights, balls and Bosu balls, and I also do an outdoor boot camp that is strength training mixed with speed and agility, cardio and play games – a more intense workout. In addition, I have a circuit class where participants move around the room to different exercise stations. I time them, coach them and work on their form, but it’s their workout in the sense that they’re going at their own pace.

Why did you start this business?

I’ve been passionate about group exercise since high school. I loved it and have always wanted to become an instructor. Several years ago, I had the time to pursue that. I just love it because I like to work out. I love the feeling and the energy that I get when I’m finished working out. In a group exercise atmosphere, you have somebody pushing you – the instructor and other people in the class – and you get that energy that you wouldn’t get exercising on your own. And it really takes you to another level of fitness that you don’t get when you work out by yourself. And it’s fun!

Do you offer any specialty classes?

I also teach pre-natal and post-natal classes. I had a baby myself 21 months ago, Jacy. So for me, when I was pregnant, I was exercising and I actually started my business when I was pregnant. I was exercising right up until four days before I had her. And right at the six-week mark, I was right back to exercising.

Do you have any certifications?

I am certified through ACE as a group fitness instructor and I’ve done a lot of group certifications since then, everything from seniors to indoor cycling.

Where were you born and raised and what high school did you graduate from?

I’m from Kaua’i and went to Kaua’i High School. I graduated in 2000.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your business?

Seeing people change – seeing change in their bodies, seeing change in the way that they think and feel about exercise and watching them get stronger.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

Always keeping the classes fresh, new and fun. I never want anybody to end up doing the same workout twice; I really want them to feel like I’m giving them something new and different every time they come.

What is your business motto?

For the love of exercise. It’s really about coming to exercise and loving it. Not seeing it as a chore or something that you have to do, but something that you just really enjoy doing.

What makes you get up every day and go to work?

I love what I do. I’m amazed that I’ve been able to find a career that I love. And I love exercising myself, so who wouldn’t love going to work and doing something they love to do? It’s perfect. www.puuwaifitnesskauai.com, 212-4034, puuwaifitness@gmail.com