Member Highlight: Meet Krystin

Person making a heart shape with hands in front of a house.

What inspired you to join KUMA?

Way back in the spring of 2019 a friend asked me to join her for a class. I am up for trying anything once so of course I said yes, and then I was immediately hooked!

What keeps you coming back?

All of it?! The energy in the room as we collectively punch and kick away the stressors of the day, the variety of the workouts, how I feel after a class. Seriously, all of it.

What challenges have you faced in your fitness journey and how have you overcome them?

Consistency. Life is busy. I have two boys in a variety of activities, I’m a high school teacher who also works in the dorm program at Thornton Academy, my dog needs a walk everyday. So being able to consistently sync my schedule with the class schedule can sometimes be tricky.

What is your favorite workout or activity at KUMA and why?

BoxBeat. If you’ve taken any KUMA classes with me you migh thave noticed that I sing and even dance in class. BoxBeat is the perfect outlet for that side of me. I love the music, the choreography, the disco lights. I get a great workout in, but it feels more like a dance party! And coach Abby’s BoxFlex class is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. After a long week or work and working out, I really look forward to her guided stretch.

How has the community at KUMA influenced or supported you?

Everyone is always super friendly and genuinely excited to see each other in class. The coaches are incredibly supportive and understanding. Even on the days I feel like I am dragging myself to class, I am jazzed and ready to go once I walk in the door!

What advice would you give to someone just starting their fitness journey?

Don’t be afraid to try new things and look a little silly. It truly is your fitness journey, so find the things that excite and motivate you and do them! The goal is to just move your body!

Is there a fellow member or a coach at KUMA who has been particularly supportive or inspirational to you? Give them a shoutout! Tell us how they’ve made a positive impact on your journey.

I always love walking into class and getting a bag next to my friend, Emily. We’ve known each other since we were kids, but life gets busy and we don’t see each other as much as we’d like. Having a quick catch-up in between rounds is definitely an added boost to my workout!

Fun Fact: Tell us something fun or unexpected about yourself – any hobbies, talents, or surprising stories?

I have only been teaching for 4 years. After 12 years working in advertising, I decided COVID was the right time to finally chase my dream of being a teacher. And I haven’t looked back. I LOVE teaching and I am so happy I finally made the move! Plus, with a teacher’s schedule, I can make it to the 4 PM classes at KUMA! 🙂

Written By
Picture of Coach Stacy

Coach Stacy

Stacy Kim, the founder of KUMA Fit (a women’s kickboxing & fitness studio in Saco, Maine) and Stacy Kim Coaching, has dedicated her life to teaching. She has taught over 10,000 classes and has trained in martial arts and fitness for over 15 years. Today, her mission is to redefine what fitness means for women, to stop objectifying the body, and focus on moving to feel strong.

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