IKAIKA Fitness

Fantastic experience: Had an awesome experience here with the reset. I was able to learn proper form for several exercises that I thought I was doing correctly but clearly wasn't. The focus on core and injury prevention was very helpful. I was able to achieve the results as promised in 12 weeks. Einar is an amazing trainer and really works to find what fits with your personal lifestyle and schedule.

Fantastic experience: I had the pleasure of working with Einar Leon at IKAIKA. I’m truly happy and satisfied with his work and professionalism. Einar was able to help me with a nutrition plan that eventually helped me to lose weight. All of this was done through zoom calls because we live thousands of miles away. I can only imagine how much more process I could have made if I was able to do workouts with him in person. Thank you Einar for your excellent work!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend IKAIKA Fitness. IKAIKA sounded like the right fit for me from day one - nutrition program (normal food!), workouts (stretch, weights,and cardio), and regular check-ins (goal setting and accountability). I have followed the individual plan laid out for me and I have absolutely seen results. And, I've built some goood habits that I believe will serve me well for the long haul. The coaches at IKAIKA and the members (AKA: Warriors) are exceptional - welcoming, supportive, inspiring and full of encouragement!

Fantastic experience: I've been really happy with the program here. I've never been to a gym that's also helped me with my nutrition, so that's been a big plus. I'm 6 weeks into the program and have been hitting my milestones thanks to the program. The coach and the other gym members have been super supportive. I also appreciate the focus on doing all the exercises safely.

Fantastic experience: From day one walking in as a new client I felt like family, from coach Einar hospitality to others in the groups. Also In just a short period of time I’m above and beyond my goals for the time set. You couldn’t ask for a better gym to further your goals and to build self confidence.

Fantastic experience: I've been going to IKAIKA for about a month now with the 12 week nutrition program and already I have already seen such a change! I lost 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks and have surpassed my first milestone! The program is not difficult to follow and the workouts are challenging but not impossible. Everyone in the group classes are very encouraging and you can feel the community that is at this gym. Coach Einar has been extremely supportive throughout this journey and I can already feel such a difference! I can't wait to see where it goes!

Fantastic experience: Ikaika is a great gym for those who are ready to put in the work and are looking for consistently challenging and effective workouts lead by a knowledgeable, professional and attentive coach. Einar is the real deal and I am absolutely seeing results!

Fantastic experience: I’ve had a great experience with IKAIKA. Coach Einar has created an atmosphere that is supportive and keeps you accountable all while giving you workouts that will continually push your fitness. I really liked how he focuses on form to prevent injuries and tailors goals to each individual. The initial goal setting can seem intimidating at first, but the support and accountability help you to achieve what you set out to do. I highly recommend the gym to anyone who is looking to up their fitness, from frost timers to experienced athletes.

Fantastic experience: IKAIKA is truly an exceptional community and gym. Coach Einar takes the time to teach you correct form, ensure you're working out safely, and will always be your biggest supporter. It's almost annoying how committed Einar is to helping you achieve your goals. In my first 3-months, I lost 25lbs but most importantly gained my confidence back. I've never felt stronger!!

Fantastic experience: This is a great place for people of all ages to get fit I highly recommend checking it out if you want to get fit. It has an amazing community and is a great experience overall.

Fantastic experience: Einar has helped me achieve my goals after attempts with myself and other coaches failed. He gave the balance I needed to be disciplined yet not harsh. He provided the right amount of support and advice and has helped changed the way I view food and weight management. I’m almost finished with the 12 week program and have finally seen the results I’ve been trying to achieve for years. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey of a new mindset and approach to food and health. I’d definitely recommended him to friends and family looking for a guide to help them lose weight and gain a healthy relationship with food.

Fantastic experience: 12 week follow up from my original post: Original mission accomplished! I’ve lost my goal of 40 pounds and received all the related benefits such as: significant reduction of joint swelling due to proper diet that works in tandem with the personalized workout routines; all my cloths fit with the welcome challenge of being loose; having plenty of energy as long as I’m maintaining the right kind and proper amount of carbs; and all around better attitude towards the desire to continue on with this journey of a healthier lifestyle. For me, there are two key factors that helped me reach this goal. First and foremost, I was mentally ready and had the personal desire to make a lifestyle change. Without that, nothing or anyone could have helped me get to this point or go further. Secondly, finding the right organization to guide me through the proper process that I admittedly did not know how to accomplish properly. That organization is IKAIKA, and the sole guidance from Einar. Factors I like: This is a big one, all the food recommendations center around REAL food. No shakes or supplements so I’ve learned how to continue to support this healthy lifestyle in the future with no reliance on proprietary diet products. I’ve learned correct exercise techniques related to CrossFit. A few sore muscles is expected but most importantly I have not had the slightest injury. Personal training guidance tailored to my physical limitations (which have reduced). I constantly have to manage arthritis in my lower back and wrists. It’s rare to find an organization like IKAIKA. My experience has truly been life changing. Now I want to see how far I can go. My perspective is one of an older person returning to the world of CrossFit after several years of being away from the sport. But this time my goals are very different and focused and I’ve learned that being guided by Einar at IKAIKA has proven to be exactly what I needed. After a detailed evaluation of my goals, Einar has been able to tailor a dietary and exercise program that has enabled me to meet and exceed my expectations even though I’m only about 25% of the way through the Reset program. He started by analyzing my physical limitations so that I can get the most out of my limited exercise time while ensuring that my movements and strenuous levels don’t exceed my capabilities. At the same time he is holding my feet to the fire on my eating habits and pushing me physically to my limits without injury. (Sore muscles don’t count) This individual and knowledgeable support is what it will need to reach my final goal. I get the feeling that he is as excited about me achieving my goals as I am. More to come… Brett Hughes

Fantastic experience: Coach Einar has been incredible to help me reach my health and fitness goals! I have gained so much knowledge from joining Ikaika. I am in the BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE @ 49 years old!! So Empowering!! It feels incredible to invest in myself and learning how to take this gift of life to the FULLEST!! Coach set me up on a sustainable eating plan , has coached me on the correct form to prevent injury and continue to gain muscle definition. This has truly been a life changing experience!! Mentally, emotionally and physically creating my best self from the inside out!! Love kick starting my day with my 6am Warrior Tribe @ Ikaika!! Such an amazing community!! #bettertogether Thanks Coach Einar

Fantastic experience: Best decision I've ever made to get serious about my health. New lifestyle eating habits and a great workout. Workouts are challenging but the results are proven. new way of living a healthier life.

Fantastic experience: I started this 12 week restart program 3 weeks ago. At 54 years old, losing weight is not easy now. So far I’m down 6lbs. I have really enjoyed the direction from EINAR. He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. The work outs are easy to follow and so is the nutrition plan that EINAR set up for me to follow. I am very happy with my results at this point. I have 10 more lbs to my goal weight and EINAR and the people in the group make me feel like nothing can stand in my way!!

Fantastic experience: After a year of movement outdoors and at home, I was ready to get back into a gym! IKAIKA has been the perfect blend of nutrition guidance, flexibility, strength, cardio, and balance. Coach Einar is a great teacher, mindful of safety, and has a lot of patience. His program has built-in accountability which has helped me succeed in reaching my goals :)

Fantastic experience: There are only POSITIVE things to say about IKAIKA! I am almost one month in and am making more progress than I have in the past several years. I have eaten healthy foods and exercised for years without any success of losing weight. Coach Einar gives you the winning combination of both of those to help you lose weight, build strength, and gain confidence. Also, I have a history of knee injuries and have been able to exercise (HARD) without reinjuring with his guidance. Lastly, everyone there is so FRIENDLY and SUPPORTIVE!!!

Fantastic experience: I love working with Einar! My husband and I are doing the 12 week reset and 2 weeks in we’ve already lost about 13 pounds each! Einar is super helpful and encouraging especially when giving corrections on movements in class. Can’t wait to see what the next 10 weeks bring!

Fantastic experience: Ikaika has been a life changer for me. It’s the first gym I’ve stuck with and now almost 2 years later I’m still enjoying it. Einar pushes you just the right amount and makes everything stress free. Whether you are looking to gain strength, improve your overall fitness, or lose weight, this is the place to do it.

Fantastic experience: I could not be happier to have found IKAIKA. Coach Einar is motivating, encouraging, and helps us to achieve our best potential. I am so happy to have found a gym full of positivity where my classmates feel like family! I would highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to make a serious change in their life and overall health!

Fantastic experience: IKAIKA has been more than I bargained for. I have come to realize the goals that motivated me to sign up in the first place (i.e., weight loss, improved strength, more endurance) are not the prize. The prize has been an incredible journey of self-acceptance and self-awareness. IKAIKA has taught me to show up, be intentional, and to give myself grace. I highly recommend this experience!

Fantastic experience: Life changing! Since joining IKAIKA 12 weeks ago I've lost 7% body fat, gained 8% muscle (based on DEXA scans) and I feel better than I have in years. I lifted weights for many years but stopped when my gym closed due to COVID. I had a hard time getting motivated to start working out again so a friend suggested I try something different. I was hesitant at first, but after meeting Einar and talking with him about IKAIKA, I decided to give it a shot. I'm really glad I did! Einar is a fantastic coach, both for exercise and for nutrition. He designed a personalized nutrition plan for me, guided me in learning new exercises (with a focus on good form) and has been incredibly encouraging both during and outside of the workout classes. I was surprised at how much more effective the exercise and nutrition at IKAIKA have been to lose fat AND gain muscle than the years of weight training that I've done on my own. The workouts are a cross between different types of exercises: yoga/stretching, strength training and low-impact cardio workouts using weights. I would describe the classes as kind of like a cross between long-interval HIIT and low-impact CrossFit. The gym is clean, the people are really fun and supportive, the classes are challenging and Einar is an amazing coach. If you are looking for something more than a standard gym and want life changing results (assuming you put in the effort) from a well-designed personalized exercise and nutrition program that includes expert guidance and accountability, then I suggest you give IKAIKA a try.

Fantastic experience: Einar's 12 week reset program is just what I needed to get myself back to healthy. In 12 weeks, I reduced my cholesterol by more than 50 points, cut my triglycerides in half, and lost 24 pounds. The plan is realistic and effective. Einar is a phenomenal trainer! He's motivating while holding you accountable for your eating and workouts. Classes are a lot of fun and the other participants are so positive and encouraging. Just signed up for another 12 weeks!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication Love this gym. Great training, great community, and well-designed accountability mechanisms. Einer has pulled all of the best pieces of group fitness and individual instruments together at Ikaika.

Fantastic experience: If you are looking for personalized goal setting and accountability you have found the right place. Coach's attention to detail and sincere desire for each client's success are what set IKAIKA apart. This is the longest I have worked out consistently and my mental and physical well being are grateful for that fact. Highly recommend this gym if you are struggling to make the changes that you deserve to live a life to your healthiest/happiest capacity.

Fantastic experience: I am truly blessed to have found Ikaika. I signed up for the 12 week Reset program to lose the 30+ lbs I gained in quarantine. THAT WAS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE!!!!! The nutrition plan is easy to follow and I am on track to blow past my first weight loss milestone. The workouts are challenging but Coach Einar and this community of warriors will encourage you to do your best. Coach Einar is motivating and is truly invested in helping you reach your goals.

Fantastic experience: I spent months on the fence not sure if this was something I would be able to do. I've never been a gym member, never been in a fitness program that did anything outside of just cardio. I joined after seeing friends enjoying their experience and having great results, and after just two weeks in I am addicted. The space feels like coming home, everyone is friendly, personable and encouraging. The only way you can NOT belong is if you CHOOSE to not belong. I'm enjoying my workouts, they are challenging, and leave me feeling accomplished and proud, I can already see progress. The nutrition program is easy to follow and in just two weeks I'm already blowing goals out of the water. If you're looking for a gym and a program that is suitable for every level and every body this is the place to be. Coach Einar is great at challenging each person to their unique abilities during group sessions while maintaining a sense of one-ness within the room. I am 10000000% pleased with my experience and cannot wait to see what the coming weeks and months bring me.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality IKAIKA is an excellent place to workout. Coach Einar is highly skilled and takes the time to teach you the right posture in each movement . . . he is so motivating and will push you to reach your goals . . He is all about making you accountable for your actions. (You really don’t need the cookie you think you want)

Fantastic experience: I'm beyond elated with my progress. Thus far, I'm about 4 weeks in and I've learned to eat properly, equipment technique, and the importance of group classes. I'm better at food prep; which in turn, makes my food selection quick and simple. I don't feel like I'm starving myself on salads. The 1:1 training helped me focus on proper technique to eliminate injury. And combine that with the group classes (has been most impactful) I've noticed I have more energy, a happier disposition, and most of all...RESULTS! In essence; I've exceed my bi-weekly milestones and ecstatic to report that I've lost 12lbs. My why? This Short-Term goal remove the pandemic weight I put on from Working From Home. Mid-Term Goal is to compete in a Model Competition end of this year in Nov @ 49 y/o. Long-Term Goal is to qualify for 2022 NPC Nationals Competition @ 50 y/o. I'm in the right place to help me achieve all my goals...

Fantastic experience: I Absolutely love IKAIKA! Coach Einar is so helpful, friendly atmosphere & the results will show. This gym has helped me gain so much strength mentally & physically to live a healthier lifestyle!!

Fantastic experience: Coach Einar is the best! Love the personal training, class sessions and individual support he gives! I had never been in or to a gym and I am so elated I chose IKAIKA as my first ever fitness center. Workouts are worth the sweat and you go at your own pace. My confidence has increased and my weight has decreased. Thankful I took the first step. Best lifestyle change in 2021!!

Fantastic experience: I feel better with more energy now in my 40s than I ever did in my 30s. It’s 100% based on following the personalized training plan. I have seen a massive change in just 3 months and can’t wait to see another 3 months of improvement.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality My experience at Ikaika has been phenomenal. I really needed an extra boost from someone who understands nutrition, proper form when you have injury and a generally positive outlook on life. This is just what I needed right now. I feel stronger, have mental clarity and am able to move my belt up to the next notch!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality I can't say enough great things about Rona's yoga class. It was both relaxing and challenging. Rona is knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging. Her instruction is very thorough, which is super helpful for a beginner like myself. The yoga class makes for a great workout and I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: I am happy to report I have lost 30 pounds since joining Ikaika at the beginning of February!! Thanks to Coach Einar and Ikaika's mission to help people reach their fitness goals, I wouldn't have been able to achieve this goal on my own! Ikaika is a wonderful gym where you will find encouragement from coach and other memebrs who are also striving to reach fitness goals of their own!! Also, I am continuously impressed with Coach Einar's dedicated effort to Ikaika during COVID19. He has worked hard to keep the community intact during COVID19 by creating preview videos for members to watch before each zoom workout meeting. Zoom is not the same as being in the gym together, but seeing other members definitely motivates me to join workouts throughout each week!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality I have been attending Ikaika gym for the past couple of weeks and I am more than happy with my experience. Einar is very professional and is an extremely encouraging trainer. He makes you feel that you can and will reach your goals. I look forward to attending my classes and am proud that my eating habits have greatly improved!

Fantastic experience: IKAIKA literally saved my life. My physical and emotional state was ground zero. Coach and his program built me back up and showed me that I possessed the strength to accomplish my weight goals through proper nutrition and exercise. As the weight started to melt away my confidence started to return. I attend class everyday because I’m on a mission to love and care for me as I do for others. Coach has shown me that I deserve this self-care.

Fantastic experience: No empty promises @ IKAIKA . What a gem of a gym I have found. Great support from Coach Einar. He insures that your form is where it needs to be gain strength and confidence .Super attentive and genuine person. His passion to see each person succeed is unmatched. Small class size and very well kept gym. Go see for yourself You will not regret.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality I attended a beginner/intermediate yoga class with Rona at Ikaika. The gym was super clean and sanitized, the equipment was new, and the location is very accessible. I’m very new to yoga and Rona walked me through how to do each movement! She was very encouraging and knowledgeable, and did a great job. Will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Rona/IKAIKA just hosted a yoga flow class for my company and it was SUPER! She explained all of the moves in a calm, clear way and led us through a really nice series of poses that were interesting and challenging but totally doable by people with various skill levels and yoga knowledge. My colleagues are clamoring for more sessions! I’m a regular IKAIKA member and am really glad they’ve added Rona’s yoga classes to their offerings.

Fantastic experience: I took a yoga class at Ikaika with Rona and it was wonderful. The space is very open and clean, and felt welcoming and covid-safe. The yoga class was great, Rona is a patient and encouraging teacher, and the flow was challenging but achievable and rewarding for beginners and more experienced students alike. I got a great workout, and had a peaceful, happy yoga-glow feeling afterwards. Looking forward to going back in the future!

Fantastic experience: Want to reach your fitness and health goals in a way that feels good and keeps you coming back for more? Visit this gym once and I think you will be hooked. Einar is a consummate trainer who works with your current ability and level of comfort in order to push you to succeed. In 6 weeks I’m more fit at 47 than I was in my 20s. I have dropped excess fat and weight and crave the feelings of empowerment and strength that come from each workout. IKAIKA is more than just another gym - it’s a community of people committed to being their best selves and serving as accountability partners and resources for each other.

Fantastic experience: The first workout was awesome, and I am excited to see what tomorrow’s class is like! The fact that each day is completely different and you can work at your own pace and fitness level is definitely worth the visit alone. The 7 day unlimited pass is great because it gives you the ability to try any class you want and what ever fits into your schedule.

Fantastic experience: I’m a classpass user and have taken a lot of classes in the Raleigh/Durham area and this was by far my favorite. Einar took the time to explain each move and made sure I was comfortable. The class was fast paced but manageable and able to be modified depending on your fitness level. I loved it because I could feel that I was getting a great workout the entire time, there was no wondering if I’m holding a pose correctly or squeezing a certain muscle hard enough. I’ll absolutely be back and can’t recommend this studio enough!

Fantastic experience: Ikaika is a very beautiful and clean gym with an excellent coach. Einar pays attention to form and breathing and gives you good encouragement throughout a challenging workout. The people at the gym are nice and thoughtful. Ikaika creates a wonderful atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Einar is an awesome coach. He is not rude or overpowering and he knows how to teach excellence. He pushed my wife and me throughout an insane training program that was very challenging. I have been a runner since I was young and he taught me some new cool running techniques. I would never have thought that he would teach me how to be a better runner as well as build muscle, stamina, and strength. I highly recommend Ikaika!

Fantastic experience: IKAIKA is not your typical gym experience. The classes are very small, and Einar (coach/trainer/owner) has the ability to motivate/coach each of the participants throughout the workout. While I am new to IKAIKA, I have been a member of many gyms in the past, and I can say with certainty that IKAIKA is a different workout experience.

Fantastic experience: After having checked out numerous workout studios in the Durham area (I'm a ClassPass holder) I can honestly say the workout I had at Ikaika was by far the best workout I've had since I moved to the area. The small group classes, equipment and environment was exceptional. I look forward to attending more classes in the future!

Fantastic experience: Einar has been one of my CrossFit coaches for the past few years and one of the best coaches I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His warm ups are intense, unique and effective. His coaching style is encouraging, with an emphasis on improving and perfecting form. I learned so much about correct lifting technique from Einar. There are many choices in CrossFit boxes locally, but I highly recommend CrossFit Ikaika because Einar is such an outstanding coach.

Fantastic experience: I Have been to lots of gyms and Ikaika is not your typical workout facility. They go above and beyond what other gyms offer. Small class sizes are a bonus and allow for the personal attention so that each participant is being challenged to their personal level. Positive, upbeat atmosphere motivates me to keep going when I think I can’t do anymore. Einar takes the time to make sure class participants have correct form and proper breathing to maximize the workout and prevent injury. Classes begin and end with yoga, which is an amazing warmup and stretching routine before the workout and a wonderful relaxation after the workout. Check out Ikaika and see what a positive difference it will make in your life today.