MA‘O — Laying the foundation for a women’s group based on principles of spirituality, exercise and nutrition, personal trainer and nutritionist Angela Kuzma invites women to gather every Monday at Kahili Adventist School’s lodge in ‘Oma‘o. The newly restored building
MA‘O — Laying the foundation for a women’s group based on principles of spirituality, exercise and nutrition, personal trainer and nutritionist Angela Kuzma invites women to gather every Monday at Kahili Adventist School’s lodge in ‘Oma‘o. The newly restored building has a spacious kitchen and meeting room where Kuzma provides guidance on exercise and nutrition.
Still in its infancy, the gathering is described by Kuzma as a health class that will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday. But “class” doesn’t capture the essence of camaraderie and collaboration among the women. Kuzma describes it as “a place to feel supported and healthy at least once a week,” in her newsletter.
“I’m starting this more structured as the leader,” she said. “But eventually I want everyone to feel they can share a gift of their own.”
Kuzma calls her love of exercise and nutrition a hobby.
“This is my thing, but I want the class to evolve into a place where women can work together,” she said.
A mother of two, Kuzma not only offers free child care but also does not charge a fee for the service.
“Other teachers I work with at the gym are donating their time to lead classes too,” she said.
The activities begin at 5 p.m. with an exercise in guided imagery and prayer followed by 40 minutes of movement. The exercise portion will be a combination of aerobics led by Kuzma and stretching with yoga therapist, Ellen Wagner. Following the workout, the group gathers in the adjoining kitchen to prepare a meal.
Kuzma provides the groceries. She prints the evenings recipes in a weekly newsletter where she also lists the nutritional value of the ingredients along with health tips to elevate body and soul. The donation she does request is to offset the cost of food.
Kuzma is basing the structure and intent of the group on her upcoming book, “The S.W.E.E.T.E.R Life: A Step by Step Health Program for an Exceptional Life,” which will be released by summer. She described the book as a health program based on seven needs. The seven letter acronym stands for what she considers the ingredients for a joyful life: Spirituality, water, eating right, exercise, train your brain, environment and rest.
What inspired this nine-year Kaua‘i resident and Kindergarten teacher to start a support group for women is three-fold.
“I read a book on the four zones of the world where people live past 100 years-old,” she said. “One in Japan was a women’s group where they gardened, cooked and raised their children together. The premise is that their longevity had to do with their supporting each other.”
Then when an elder at Lawai Seventh Day Adventist’s Church suggested she do community service it occurred to her that she needed to start a women’s group. The newly renovated kitchen at the Adventist School was further support for the idea.
Before committing though, she did a test. Last summer she offered an abbreviated program to a handful of girl friends.
“I did this with some friends for eight weeks,” she said. “They all lost at least a pound a week.”
But Kuzma is not an advocate of dieting. The weight loss was just a measurable component of what she intends to be focused on making life more joy filled.
Kuzma envisions the group as a place where women can support each other.
“Everyone has a gift to share,” she said.
• For more information call Angela Kuzma at 652-4390.
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
