“Kea’s Pilates 10-Day Challenge was just what the doctor ordered. Mayo Clinic tells us that “regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: stroke, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, many types of cancer, arthritis, and falls. It can also help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.”
The trick is to find something that you like to do and will do regularly. Kea’s Pilates 10-Day Challenge was exactly that for me. Kea is a kindly drill sergeant; she gently persuades me to do more than I would ever do on my own. The “Challenge” format provides the recommended most-days-of-the-week exercise program. At the age of 75, I am so grateful that Kea does all the thinking and organizing; all I need to do is show up for class to maintain my health and fitness.”
— Ruth Robison
“Hey, I’m an active, 63 year old guy, living in Colorado. Kea’s Pilates classes from Hilo, Hawaii on Zoom have been a great activity to keep moving while gyms are closed and normal activities are scaled back.
Normally I do stuff like biking, hiking, swimming, and all the gym stuff. But regular Pilates is something new. And it’s turned out to be great. It’s getting me to concentrate a lot more on core and supporting musculature, rather than just the big, compound, strength moves. Can’t believe what it’s done for my overall core strength. I’m almost to the point where I can do a roll up now! Before I started Pilates I could do sit ups on an inclined bench all day but I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do a roll up, my feet just wouldn’t stay on the floor. Now I’m almost there! Huge victory.
Daily Pilates core work is also making a big difference in all the other stuff. It’s like my whole muscle system is working together as a single unit in a way that it never did before. I’m liking this journey, and I really appreciate that Lokahi Pilates makes it possible by offering live and recorded sessions over Zoom. It’s my new thing!”
— Robin Ku
“Excellent class series! Loved it. Kea is clear, kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I feel challenged and protected—like I am working hard for results but not going to hurt myself.
Setting is lovely—very refreshing. I workout primarily outside so Kea’s location is in sync!
Kea has a sweet demeanor which helps relax and encourage me. She has a darling cat, Tux, who regularly makes an appearance—adding to the charm of this class! All three of my animals practice with me: two Golden Retrievers and a cat, Nicholas!
I will sign up for any class this talented, lovely instructor offers. Thank you!”
— Lynn Neillie
“I loved this series! I only started to see a change in my body shape when I first began Pilates before the “Stay at Home” Covid directives—and then continued with your online classes. Because of all kinds of hernia surgeries, I’ve frankly been afraid to push myself too much in the past. The hope that I could “strengthen my core” with modifications gave me a new perspective, which included seeing the way to my Best Pilates Life!””
— Diane S.C. Ferreira
“This was a fantastic challenge. Classes held via Zoom and Facebook. Excellent instruction, positive reinforcement, and best of all, seeing Tux, the cat, in the background kept me relaxed and happy. It’s a week later and I feel good and my body shape is trimmer. I am addicted to Kea’s Pilates classes. Kea is super awesome.”
”I’d gone to an orthopedic specialist, a physical therapist and massage therapist and I was still using a cane. Then a friend recommended I take Kea’s Pilates mat classes. Within two months the cane was gone. Kea makes everyone feel comfortable. She truly cares for everyone’s well-being and strives to keep us happy and pain free. Pilates mat and circuit classes have strengthened my core and my muscles and is re-shaping my body. Kea has changed my life for the better.”
— Lea Kaneta-Ogata
“Kea is my go to body worker! She is a skilled, talented and extremely kind teacher who has taken her years of dancing and personal history with injuries and transformed them into a healing modality based on the Pilates Method. You are getting so much more than Pilates when you work with Kea. Her keen eye and soothing voice will get you deep into your body, strengthening areas you did not know were there and releasing areas prone to chronic pain and/or tightness. She is adept at both relaxing you and getting you to work your body in a way that offers the deepest of support.
Despite her extreme athleticism and talent as a mover, Kea is never intimidating to be around, but rather she is inspirational, relatable and caring. She wants the best for each and every one of her students. She simply is the best teacher you will find anywhere!”
— Laura Blakely
“Kea’s classes are incredible. If you’re looking for a good total body workout while also strengthening your core, stretching and lengthening your muscles, and improving your overall alignment, you need to take Pilates classes with Kea! She offers many modifications to the exercises in order to meet your specific needs. I’ve been an active person my whole life, but I’ve always felt my strongest when regularly attending Kea’s Pilates classes. The Zoom classes she has offered during this time of quarantine have been a true blessing. I always look forward to Pilates class! Thank you Kea!”
— Mimi Tincher
“I have done Pilates for a long time in lots of places. Kea is one of the best instructors I have had. Her ability to vividly explain what tweak I can do to instantly intensify the impact and benefit of a particular movement is unparalleled. She is kind and fun - but she also works you to your physical capacity. I am always eager to get to my Pilates sessions with Kea and I always leave feeling better, stronger, and more energized.”
— Joan Stewart
“Kea not only has the educational background, but also carries within herself an immense drive and compassion to help her students improve their physical well-being. She gives each student personal attention during class to make the class fit their needs and abilities. Kea’s positive attitude is contagious and I always looked forward to her class. I knew it would be an energy boost and that I would walk out of the class with a big smile on my face.”
— Britt Otterud
“Kea over the many years has been a blessing not only to me, but to my family and friends. I have always trusted her to provide exercises and knowledge to assist us to be efficient and effective in our sports endeavors. She has helped my son build a strong core, a flexible body and balance which has made him successful in baseball. My daughter has also gained much in balance and confidence to use in her ballet classes and performances. For myself, Pilates keeps me surfing. Kea keeps it real with a family environment.”
