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National Personal Training Institute Graduate
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National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Specialist
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Certified Kettlebell Training Specialist
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Certified Speed and Agility Trainer
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Former Kamehameha School Strength Conditioning Coach
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Author of Fighting Sickness with Fitness
Meet The Team
Justin Yanagida, Founder
Growing up, I was 40 lbs overweight, ended up in the ER multiple times due to chronic asthma, and have a liver ailment where doctors thought I wouldn’t live to see my 30th birthday. These “blessings in disguise” were the catalysts to lean into living a healthier lifestyle through exercise and nutrition. I’m grateful that you’re reading this because at one point I had $59 and was sleeping in my mom's car in between training sessions dreaming about who we can serve. Throughout the many ups and downs throughout this journey is to see you and other people in our community achieve lasting health and fitness results that fundamentally improve the quality of our lives. Fun facts: I love dogs, Japanese is my first language, I like anime and watch korean dramas from time to time. Fighting Sickness with Fitness is about harmonizing our body, mind, and spirit to live a joyful, healthy and victorious life.
Allyn Kalaiwaa, General Manager
Though exercise has come in many forms for me, it’s never come naturally. Like you might feel too, I’ve had my ups and downs in my fitness journey from injuries to lack of motivation and discipline to now being the strongest I’ve ever felt. Through the years, I was a club and collegiate swimmer, a high school athlete and later on a coach, and an elementary school P.E. teacher. I’m now a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Yanagida Fitness Strength and Conditioning Coach, and also working toward NASM’s Senior Fitness Specialist and Women’s Fitness Specialist certifications so that I can serve more of the community. I started off as a member in 2016, became a coach in 2017, and the rest as they say is history. I’m so thankful to be a part of a team that works to extend people's lives and raise their quality of life. I left elementary education teaching 4th graders to go all-in on our community’s well-being, so now I ask, how can I be of service to you?
What does ‘Fighting Sickness with Fitness’ mean to me? Well, I’ve always enjoyed spending time with loved ones and since moving back home after college, I’ve been able to connect with my mom more through fitness. She’s been my role model and inspiration for as long as I can remember, but over the past four years, I’ve seen her become so much stronger, healthier, confident, and all without a frozen shoulder anymore. She says she wants to continue working her full-time job until she’s at least 70 and I without a doubt believe she will. She will forever be my inspiration as she truly embodies ‘Fighting Sickness with Fitness’.
What does ‘Fighting Sickness with Fitness’ mean to me? Well, I’ve always enjoyed spending time with loved ones and since moving back home after college, I’ve been able to connect with my mom more through fitness. She’s been my role model and inspiration for as long as I can remember, but over the past four years, I’ve seen her become so much stronger, healthier, confident, and all without a frozen shoulder anymore. She says she wants to continue working her full-time job until she’s at least 70 and I without a doubt believe she will. She will forever be my inspiration as she truly embodies ‘Fighting Sickness with Fitness’.
Tyler Hultquist, Head Coach
I graduated from the National Personal Training Institute in Florida with Justin in 2013. However, after being sedentary for a few years it was hard to get back into working out again. Before our current location on Eha Street, we used to exercise and train in my garage. It took about a year to get back into the habit of working out several times a week. In 2018, I started helping him clean up after classes and officially joined the team as a coach in 2019. Working out is hard for everyone, no matter their level of fitness. The Fit Fam here is supportive regardless of where you are in life. We as a team and as individuals are always here for you. Making a new lifestyle choice is always hard, but if you never give up, at some point...you’ll get there. Just don’t stop!
Fighting Sickness with Fitness has many meanings for me. I look at it as mind, body, and spirit: healing and improving the body, strengthening the mind, and rejuvenating the spirit. “Sickness” comes in many forms and fitness is a way to help improve yourself in a multitude of ways. If you can get the mind and spirit in alignment, the body will follow.
Fighting Sickness with Fitness has many meanings for me. I look at it as mind, body, and spirit: healing and improving the body, strengthening the mind, and rejuvenating the spirit. “Sickness” comes in many forms and fitness is a way to help improve yourself in a multitude of ways. If you can get the mind and spirit in alignment, the body will follow.
Alana Seabury, Assistant Manager
As a former high school athlete and coach for track & field, I’ve always enjoyed fitness and exercising. In 2018 I was referred by a friend to participate in Yanagida’s 6 week challenge. As a new member, I appreciated how the coaches and fellow gym members were always positive and motivated me towards my goals. After 2 years of drive and dedication to the gym as a member then a student-coach, I was offered a position to become an accountability coach. It is an honor to become part of a team who not only love fitness as much as I do, but who are also so supportive towards each other and the community.
I wholeheartedly believe that fitness is one of the best ways to fight sickness. Exercising regularly is not only a great way to boost your health and mood, but is also a great positive outlet for stress & any other negativity keeping you from being the best version of yourself. “Fighting Sickness With Fitness.”
I wholeheartedly believe that fitness is one of the best ways to fight sickness. Exercising regularly is not only a great way to boost your health and mood, but is also a great positive outlet for stress & any other negativity keeping you from being the best version of yourself. “Fighting Sickness With Fitness.”
Kellen Kato, Group Class Coach and Personal Trainer
Growing up, I was always known as the nice and chubby kid. I didn't really have knowledge about what a helahty diet consists of, but over the years I started to neglect what I ate. I become almost 70-80 pounds overweight. During college, I became depressed and turned to substances to cope. Thus, thoughts of self-hate and self-hard came to surface. However, after taking things into my own hands, I realized that the only person that can change my situation is me. After that, I worked out at a gym close to home three to five times a week. Shortly after, I re-met Justin, whom I grew up with since birth. He reached out to me and told me that I had unlimited potential with fitness and health. The rest is history.
In my eyes, "Fighting Sickness with Fitness" means to take full responsibility for where you are in life. Because in the end, the only person that can truly change your destiny is yourself. Everything happens for a reason and it's up to you on how you're going to use your experiences for self-development.
In my eyes, "Fighting Sickness with Fitness" means to take full responsibility for where you are in life. Because in the end, the only person that can truly change your destiny is yourself. Everything happens for a reason and it's up to you on how you're going to use your experiences for self-development.
Matt Chong, Group Class Coach and Personal Trainer
I Yelped gyms in Maui when I first moved here from O’ahu and decided to check out Yanagida Fitness to help with my lower back problems. With consistency, the workouts helped strengthen my lower back and the results were beyond what I thought I could ever achieve. I’m thankful that Yanagida Fitness and the community of Maui have shown me kindness, encouragement, and support during my time here. As a coach, I hope to repay the same type of care that members, coaches at Yanagida Fitness, and the community of Maui have given me.
Fighting Sickness with Fitness has taught me about being consistent with exercise, diet, and discipline. Those core values guided me in making less excuses when I was tired or when I became complacent in my workouts. I also learned that I wasn’t alone in my fitness journey. There are many people at Yanagida Fitness, both coaches and members, that show encouragement and positivity towards each other to keep going.
Fighting Sickness with Fitness has taught me about being consistent with exercise, diet, and discipline. Those core values guided me in making less excuses when I was tired or when I became complacent in my workouts. I also learned that I wasn’t alone in my fitness journey. There are many people at Yanagida Fitness, both coaches and members, that show encouragement and positivity towards each other to keep going.
Alyssa Nagai, Group Class Coach
I started at Yanagida through a mutual friend who had told me to come with her. At first I was hesitant because I had assumed it was like CrossFit and that was something I absolutely did not want to do. Finally, I gave it a try and ended up having way more fun than I thought and never stopped going from there! Now I feel stronger than I’ve ever been in my life. I’ve toned in places that I’ve been the most self conscious about and for the first time, have found a gym that I love consistently going to. I love our team and the people that are in it, the members and other coaches are my “why” for being a part of the team.
Fighting sickness with fitness” means a lot of things, whether you’re fighting something mentally or physically, you’re not alone. The gym and community coming together to get stronger and fight together is what that saying
Fighting sickness with fitness” means a lot of things, whether you’re fighting something mentally or physically, you’re not alone. The gym and community coming together to get stronger and fight together is what that saying
Carol Kurisu, Group Class Coach
Born on Maui, educated on Oahu, mother of two daughters, grandmother of five, (also a mother of three cats), and retired in December 2017. In the beginning I was looking for something more than just walking 1-½ hours after work. I saw a post on Facebook by Karleen Hultquist (Tyler’s mom). She was working out in her mom’s driveway and I asked if I could come by and join in. My first workout with Justin was at War Memorial track in the summer of 2015 and the rest is history. Through all these years as a member or as a coach, I’ve always felt supported. This team and Fit Fam have helped me develop confidence in my own mental and physical abilities and it’s so rewarding to be a part of and see that growth in people that walk through our doors too. Unless I’m off-island or sick, you’ll usually see me sweating alongside you or coaching the morning classes. See you bright and early!
To me, Fighting Sickness with Fitness defines a person’s ability to care enough about their body by taking the initiative to eat properly, exercise to a degree that enables their mind and body to repair itself and recover from any type of illness or injury. I have one body. I control what goes into it, where it goes and pretty much what it does. I workout to keep it in good working condition. My fight is against aging and the illnesses that go hand and hand with it.
To me, Fighting Sickness with Fitness defines a person’s ability to care enough about their body by taking the initiative to eat properly, exercise to a degree that enables their mind and body to repair itself and recover from any type of illness or injury. I have one body. I control what goes into it, where it goes and pretty much what it does. I workout to keep it in good working condition. My fight is against aging and the illnesses that go hand and hand with it.
Kalea Heu, Group Class Coach
I went to my first class in June 2020 after not having a consistent workout routine for months during the pandemic. I remember my first class because it was Core Wednesday, everyone remembers Yanagida Core Wednesday classes. I love that everyone supports each other regardless of their fitness level. It’s one of the reasons why I chose to become a coach and to step out of my comfort zone.
Prior to starting Yanagida Fitness I had really bad exercise-induced asthma. I hate depending on an inhaler to do simple things like exercising but I would use it before each class just in case. After some time I noticed I could go longer without needing the inhaler. Once I maintained a consistent workout routine, incorporated proper breathing techniques, and experimented with healthier food options, I become more aware of my own personal journey with “Fighting Sickness with Fitness”.
Prior to starting Yanagida Fitness I had really bad exercise-induced asthma. I hate depending on an inhaler to do simple things like exercising but I would use it before each class just in case. After some time I noticed I could go longer without needing the inhaler. Once I maintained a consistent workout routine, incorporated proper breathing techniques, and experimented with healthier food options, I become more aware of my own personal journey with “Fighting Sickness with Fitness”.
Kacie Norman, Student-Coach
Fitness has always been a part of my life, but I lost it after college. I tried multiple gyms, but nothing seemed to work. One night, my friend who was a coach at the time, told me I should give it a try with the 6 Week Challenge. I was able to lose a little weight and feel better about myself. All the coaches and members were so welcoming and encouraging that it kept me coming back. Two years later, I have the opportunity to do the same for others. Whether it is Student-Coaching or working out with the members, I see that everyone is here to become a better version of themselves.
“Fighting Sickness with Fitness” is not all physical, but mental as well. The choice to workout consistently, eat healthy, and believing in yourself, will all make you a stronger person. I also believe that working out in a group setting just hits different as we can all push and motivate each other. Yanagida Fitness is truly a family and we all lookout for one another.
“Fighting Sickness with Fitness” is not all physical, but mental as well. The choice to workout consistently, eat healthy, and believing in yourself, will all make you a stronger person. I also believe that working out in a group setting just hits different as we can all push and motivate each other. Yanagida Fitness is truly a family and we all lookout for one another.
Kula Batangan, Student-Coach
I first started working out with Yanagida Fitness in early 2022 with my other half, and immediately noticed that the gym culture was much more welcoming, friendly, and supportive than many gyms I have attended in the past. We looked up reviews on the gym and am happy to say that the positive feedback was very on point. Both the faculty and members were approachable, and there was a sincere sense of wanting to help each other develop and grow at everyone’s unique pace. I was impressed, and as I continued to grow in my personal fitness, I was approached about joining the coaching staff. What I enjoy most about coaching here are the members, because this gym has a way of attracting people who are kindhearted, interested
in longevity, having fun, and supporting others in their pursuit of health in addition to themselves. It is a wonderful experience to witness, and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to be a part of everyone’s health endeavors. Everyone and any-body is accepted, and any goal is supported no matter how small or grand. People of all ages attend classes, with a huge spectrum of capabilities reaching heights of professional athletes, and the gym puts a big focus on how we can accommodate each person so that the greatest results in a safe and manageable way can be achieved. It is these values that make me proud to be a part of this gym.
The benefits of movement and making healthy choices exceeds the limitations the body, and that is what I believe "Fighting Sickness with Fitness" means. Whether being physical, emotional, or mental health, choosing an active and healthy lifestyle while having a supportive community to lean on can have life altering benefits, no matter who you are, where you are, or branch of
life you are in. It is a lifelong and worthwhile pursuit.
in longevity, having fun, and supporting others in their pursuit of health in addition to themselves. It is a wonderful experience to witness, and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to be a part of everyone’s health endeavors. Everyone and any-body is accepted, and any goal is supported no matter how small or grand. People of all ages attend classes, with a huge spectrum of capabilities reaching heights of professional athletes, and the gym puts a big focus on how we can accommodate each person so that the greatest results in a safe and manageable way can be achieved. It is these values that make me proud to be a part of this gym.
The benefits of movement and making healthy choices exceeds the limitations the body, and that is what I believe "Fighting Sickness with Fitness" means. Whether being physical, emotional, or mental health, choosing an active and healthy lifestyle while having a supportive community to lean on can have life altering benefits, no matter who you are, where you are, or branch of
life you are in. It is a lifelong and worthwhile pursuit.
Dodie Madriaga, Podcast Producer
I started at Yanagida Fitness through my teacher for my senior project. My teacher told me I would be interning and that Yanagida Fitness is a gym. Once I heard gym I knew what was up, so I went along with it. Right now, I come to work twice a week and then workout. For being part of the team, I run Youtube and upload videos for whoever feels like watching. The topics are always about some type of fitness, business talk, and a lot of fighting.
To me, ‘“Fighting Sickness with Fitness” is fighting illnesses by not being vulnerable to them. I believe that working out strengthens the immune system and because of that, I won’t get sick so often.
To me, ‘“Fighting Sickness with Fitness” is fighting illnesses by not being vulnerable to them. I believe that working out strengthens the immune system and because of that, I won’t get sick so often.