Ola Kai Functional Fitness
For Christina and Jimmy Perry, 2021 was the year they said goodbye to a high-stress lifestyle. That summer, they quit their jobs and gave focus to their true passion - opening a functional fitness studio for the Brigantine community.
The Perrys have always had a passion for fitness and functional movement. For years, though, Christina and Jimmy had worked together in an overly demanding career seven days a week. They found themselves unable to enjoy any outing or family gathering as work would quickly call them away. Most days they'd come home with no energy to spare and had to choose between spending time with their son, exercising, or cooking a homemade meal. They realized a new work/life balance was needed to be able to do the things they wanted to do together as a family.
The Perry Family inside Ola Kai Functional Fitness as it was under construction. Photo by Kelly and Craig Photography
Insert newfound freedom and adventure.
After leaving their jobs, Christina and Jimmy drove cross country with their four year old. While on this adventure, they often talked about what was important to them as a family. They debated moving out west but being away from home made them realize how much they love their Brigantine community.
Being active was central to their wellbeing and happiness and so was being in Brigantine. Their goal was to start a fitness studio where everyone would benefit. "We really wanted to open a business to be more of a part of our community and bring health and wellness here to Brigantine," Christina said.
But it was another island that inspired the fitness studio's name.
Christina went to college in Hawaii and lived there for almost a decade, with Jimmy joining her for part of the time. Her brother and sister have lived there more than 20 years as well.
"Living (in Hawaii) I fell in love with the people and the culture and wanted to bring a piece of that part of my life onto the island," said Christina.
The studio is named after two loves - ola and kai, meaning "health" and "ocean."
Ola Kai offers fitness classes for everyone from kids to seniors. Regardless of your age, functional movement is crucial. As kids, it's the foundation of our daily movement and strength. As we get older, functional movement helps us move and feel better. Understanding how to lift and move properly without hurting yourself is key. While they teach many styles of fitness classes, like HIIT and full-body functional movement, Ola Kai also offers CrossFit classes for kids and adults.
Ola Kai is open year-round in Brigantine and in the summer months offers seven to eight classes a day. Open gym and personal training options are also available in the spacious studio space.
Ola Kai Functional Fitness
https://www.olakaifunctionalfitness.com/
1200 West Brigantine Avenue
Brigantine, NJ 08203
olakaiff@gmail.com
609.353.4051