Member Spotlight: Kris & Chris Triolo

Kris and Chris Triolo have been an incredible part of the Ola Kai community, but our relationship with them actually started long before the gym.

We first met them years ago when we were running our food prep business, Nina Cucina, at the Brigantine Farmers Market. From the very beginning they were two of our most loyal and encouraging customers. They supported us then the same way they support us now at Ola Kai — and honestly, that’s just the type of people the Triolos are.

Inside the gym they are the definition of hard workers. They show up ready to work, push themselves, and encourage everyone around them to do the same. They are supportive, positive, and determined— the kind of members every gym hopes to have.

Outside of the gym they are just as impressive. Kris and Chris are amazing parents, and one of the things we enjoy most is catching up with them about family life. We often trade stories about raising kids, and they always seem to have a little bit of wisdom to share along the way.

One of our favorite traditions now is when their kids — and their kids’ significant others — are in town and the whole crew shows up to class together. It has become something we truly look forward to.

They are also incredibly thoughtful. During our very first Christmas at the gym, they surprised us with the swivel chair behind the front desk. Before that, we were just sitting on one of the soft plyo boxes whenever we needed to use the computer. It was such a kind and practical gift — and knowing their background, we’re pretty sure watching our terrible posture while hunched over that box was driving them crazy!

As a couple and as parents, Kris and Chris are people we genuinely look up to. We feel incredibly lucky to have them as part of the Ola Kai family.

Kris Triolo

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

  Since the opening!  One of the best decisions I have ever made

2. What do you do when you’re not at the gym? 

 I love to travel and spend time with family and friends -  I also eat a lot of chocolate

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

 We found our way here in 2014 as part-timers, with the intention of having a place where the kids would love to gather.  We moved here full-time in 2020 and besides loving it here all year round, our kids love to come too, which is an extra plus!  They especially love hitting up Ola Kai workouts whenever they are in town.

4. Favorite way to spend a day off?   

Reading a good book with coffee or a walk on the beach. 

5. What keeps you coming back?  

All of the amazing instructors and sense of community here.  It’s my second home.

6. Favorite class, workout, or movement? 

 My latest favorite is to do a double - Stacey’s Circuit followed by Yoga; I also love Pilates and any Tabata – it’s so nice to have so many wonderful choices! 

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

Push-ups – it makes me feel so good that I can do them – kind of a love/hate thing lol

8. Biggest win since joining?  

The sense of family as I walk in the door

9. How has your fitness changed outside the gym? 

I feel STRONG.  Never in my life have I felt this good.  The class atmosphere is what I needed and what keeps me going.  I could never challenge myself enough on my own.

10. What does this gym community mean to you?   

It’s where I show up as I am, get stronger every day, and feel surrounded by people who lift me up.

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

ALL ARE WELCOME - Ola Kai is a totally judgement-free zone and you can modify anything – we all do! 

12. Favorite local restaurant?  

Brigantine Bistro but we also love our Eat Clean Org meals we order for pickup at Ola Kai

13. Go-to coffee spot?  

Sunday Teahouse - with friends of course

14. Beach or Bay?  

BEACH!  But Bay of course for the amazing sunsets

Chris Triolo

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

Since OLA KAI opened. I kept my word to Jimmy the first time I met him at the farmer’s market at the Nina Cucina booth, telling him I would be one of the first to join. It remains one of the best commitments I have ever made.

2. What do you do when you’re not at the gym?

I travel to see the world, spend time with family, and when I am not traveling, I take on home improvement projects.

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

A friend first introduced us to the island. When we came to explore, we immediately fell in love and purchased our home within a month of our first visit in 2014. We made the full-time commitment in 2020.

4. Favorite way to spend a day-off?

Tackling home improvement projects, most anything that does not involve spreadsheets or contracts.

5. What keeps you coming back?

Simply put, the people and the sense of community. It is the place where I feel at home.

6. Favorite class, workout, or movement?

I love it all, except kettlebell swings, my nemesis. The diversity and challenge of the workouts are exceptional.

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

I cannot believe I am admitting this, but burpees, for what they deliver.

8. Biggest win since joining?

Becoming part of the OLA KAI family and experiencing all the fitness and friendship rewards that come with it.

9. How has your fitness changed outside the gym?

It has improved tenfold in strength, endurance, and flexibility. I notice it most when hiking or skiing with Colby, my ultra athlete daughter, in Leadville, Colorado at 10,200 feet of altitude.

10. What does this gym community mean to you?

It is my extended family, and nothing is more important than family.

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

There is nothing to worry about. You will be welcomed by a true sense of community, receive great instruction, and experience well-designed workouts. No one will judge you, and you can adjust the intensity to match your fitness level. And for the guys, Stacy’s yoga is a game-changer when it comes to muscle recovery and improving flexibility. 

12. Favorite local restaurant?

Brigantine Bistro, and although it is not a restaurant, EatClean.org  has become a regular go-to.

13. Go-to coffee spot?

I am not a coffee or tea person, so I will defer to Kris.

14. Beach or Bay? 

It’s a true toss-up, love body surfing in the waves, and boating with friends.