Member Spotlight: Donnel Dulay

Donnel has been a member of Ola Kai for about two years, but he’s been a close friend to Jimmy and me for many more than that. It’s been so much fun to watch a friend we’ve known for years come alive in the gym.

Donnel is positive, energetic, and committed, and he’s friendly to every single member. He’s one of our many “welcome wagon” members, the kind of person who can make a brand-new member feel at home in a class within minutes. Walking into a gym for the first time can be intimidating, and Donnel is always there with a smile, a high five, or a word of encouragement that makes people feel like they belong.

His fitness has come so far in the past two years, and it shows in his strength, his confidence, and his consistency. What we love most is his attitude. Donnel is always asking questions: how to improve his form, what weight to go for, how to get better. He’s humble, eager to learn, and ready to put in the hard work. He shows up, listens, and does the work, and the results speak for themselves.

Donnel, thank you for being such a big part of what makes Ola Kai feel like a community. We’re proud of you, and we’re so glad you’re here!

How long have you been a part of our gym community?

I have been a steady part of the Ola Kai community for 2 years now and couldn't be happier : )

What do you do when you're not at the gym?

So many things I could say but let's go with . . . I started learning ASL which has been fun. I think it'd be pretty cool to learn and it'll give me something to do during the colder months here. The ultimate goal would be to be one of the ASL interpreters \ that dance on the side of the stage while signing the lyrics to whoever is performing. I'm putting it out there in the universe, I am going to be Cardi B's ASL dancing interpreter. 

Are you originally from here or did you find your way to our island?

A little bit of both . . . My family and I moved to Brigantine from the Philippines right before I started preschool. I grew up here and after college I moved out to San Francisco. I found my way back to the island and honestly couldn't be happier that I did. I had never intended to come back honestly. I don't know if I plan on staying but in the present moment, I couldn't be more grateful and happy to have found my way back here and have this time here again.

Favorite way to spend a day off?

My MOST favorite way to spend a day off is hanging out with my nephews, Chase and Caden and my niece, Lyanna. 

What keeps you coming back?

I don't really see the point in stopping something that I know is making me a better & healthier person. Also, the inevitable day in my future that I clear the turf with a broad jump! 

Favorite class, workout, or movement?

Whatever poison you wanna pick or whatever fancy you wanna tickle . . . here's my favorite thing about each workout. If I want to grow in my discipline and strength, I go to 5:30 am. The workouts are tough for sure and people say it can be intimidating but I find this crew to be the most encouraging, the more you work out with them, the better and stronger you will get, undoubtedly. If I wanna kick off my day feeling accomplished by 8 am, I'll go to the 6:45 am class. This crew's the most motivating. You will put your best foot forward every step for the rest of the day working out with this crew. Then there's the 9:30 am ladies!! Guaranteed to smile and sweat the entire time! These workouts are no joke and this crew is the sweetest. You leave feeling lighter and feeling refreshed for sure! And however your day goes, if you wanna end it on a positive note, I love going to the 5:30 pm class. This crew's the most fun out of the bunch. It's your guaranteed to feel good, leave really good crew : ) 

A movement you used to dread but now kind of love?

I don't like a burpee but I love a burpee pull up 

Biggest win since joining?

There was one Saturday, towards the end of summer, when Ella (quick shout out: HIIIIEEE ELLA! We miss you and hope you're having an amazing school year!) and I were partners for the 7 am class. 

As per usual Jimmy's programs, he had planned something like 20 rounds of a 400m run, 20 hang cleans, 10 leg lifts, and something else just to make sure you're pushing yourself aka questioning your decision to come to class. 

Somewhere around round 14 and panting for my life, I noticed we were ahead of Jimmy and Tommy. I whispered this to Ella and homegirl must've had turbo boosters in her reserve tank because the moment I told her, phhewww zoom we were off!! 

And this my friends, was the Summer Saturday that Ella and I beat Tommy and Jimmy by 2 whole rounds! Rumor has it, it may have been 3 but it was definitely more than 1. 

Now, to be clear, Ella is an amazing athlete and I couldn't have done it without her. Also, Tommy had absolutely NO IDEA we were racing him but that's the only way to beat him. Ya gotta catch homie by surprise! Will I ever beat Tommy again? Probably not, especially now that he's read this and will never let his guard down. But did I beat him once? Ohhh Yeaaaaaa

How has your fitness changed outside the gym?

I find that I am challenging myself more. I am having more patience with myself with things I want to be better at and growing the confidence to do things I wouldn't normally challenge myself with, which is pretty cool. This past summer I did the BCBP mile swim in the bay which was the most difficult thing I have ever done physically and I am really proud of myself for accomplishing the swim. 

What does this gym community mean to you?

As per my answer for my favorite class question, I think I've said enough about you all so I'll take this opportunity to say thank you. You guys are all amazing individuals, I'm happy to have met you, and thank you for pushing me to be better. Don't read too much into this though coz ima be sooo obnoxious when I get all ripped and muscled up never wearing a shirt while working out ever again. If you think I'm distracting now, you're in for a treat . . . 

What would you tell someone who is nervous to try their first class?

If you're nervous, there's this amazing seasonal instructor Liesje, her class should DEFINITELY be your first class. I can't guarantee how you feel afterwards but I can promise you that being nervous is the last thing you will feel. 

I think it's also really important to know that each of us go there for something different and we each have different goals whether it's to be healthier, to be stronger, to be faster. None of us are the same either, we are all at different levels and to be honest, I'm pretty sure each of us have been nervous at some point and we all are growing together. We push each other to be better and we're in it together so whatever you gotta do to take that step through the door the first time, ya gotta step into the uncomfortable because that's where the magic happens.

Favorite local restaurant?

Honestly, I'm not a big "foodie" so I don't really know but if you're asking me out, I'll go wherever, let's just end it dancing somewhere

Go-to coffee spot?

And by coffee, I take you mean ice cream coz the best ice cream in Brig is at Richmond's! Lovers of all flavors are welcome except for bubble gum coz that makes no sense. What do you do with the gum? Do you spit it out after every bite or do you have a huge glob in your mouth at the end? I'm not even gonna get started on toppings . . . 

Beach or Bay?

I mean nothing beats a beach hang with friends and family and our summers are filled with them but I am a bay rat! I love a summer afternoon swim at the dock on 26th.