Mission Statement...

Try Fitness is an organization dedicated to women’s health and fitness, striving to teach women the benefits of fitness as a part of a healthy lifestyle and as a means of improving their quality of life. We motivate women and help them realize their physical, emotional and spiritual potential.

About Kristin "KC" Carlberg, MPH...

“My name is KC Carlberg. I am the founder and president of Try Fitness. It is my life. I started this business in 1996 in an effort to share my passion with other women and to help them see, feel and understand the importance of a healthy body toward an improved quality of life. I have been an athlete all my life and have been participating in triathlons for 20 years. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, I know why I do what I do and I am grateful that I can make a living fulfilling my passion. It is an incredible thing.”

KC was born Kristin Lyn Carlberg in Southern California in 1963. Growing up she was always active, playing outside every chance she got. Sports became her passion in elementary school, and continued as she played softball, basketball and tennis in high school. KC went to California State University at Northridge where she majored in Speech Communication and was a Camp Counselor in the summer months. Being outdoors, playing and having fun – this was the beginning of the dream, the seed was planted for Try Fitness.

After college, KC went off to Holland to live and work, learn a language, and see a bit more of the world. After returning home in 1990, she moved to Hawaii for her last summer job as a Camp Counselor. She has since been a physical education Teacher for the DOE for adapted Physical Education, a radio DJ, a clothing buyer for IT&B and finally a personal trainer and small business owner.

Some further accolades:

• BA in Speech Communications (Cum Laude) from California State University, Northridge California (1986)
• MPH from University of Hawaii (2006)
• Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Counsel on Exercise as a Personal Trainer.
• Certified Wellness Counselor and Motivational Coach from the Hawaii Institute of Wellness
• Founder and organizer of the Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon, Hawaii’s premier all-women’s triathlon (since 1999)
• Race Director for the Kapiolani/Straub Women’s 10K Race (2002-2009)
• Race Director for the Tour De Cure (2001-2003), a bike ride to raise money and awareness for the American Diabetes Association of Hawaii
• Volunteer Logistics coordinator for the Walk for the Cure for the American Diabetes Association of Hawaii
• Member of the Zonta Club of Honolulu, a worldwide service organization working together to advance the status of women
• A 2005 nominee for Pacific Business News’ Business Woman of the Year

KC has been competing in triathlon, running races and cycling events for the past 18 years. Some of the highlights and successes include:

• Ford Ironman 70.3 Finisher 2007
• Keahou Kona Half Ironman Finisher 5 times
• Keahoua Kona Half Ironman – 3rd place age group, 1995
• Tinman Triathlon Finisher 8 times
• Honolulu Triathlon Finisher 3 times
• North Shore Triathlon – 2nd place age group, 2005
• LaniKai Triathlon – 3rd place age group, 2004
• Ko’Olina Triathlon – 3rd place age group, 2004
• Haleiwa Sprint Triathlon – 1st place age group, 2003
• MWR Sprint Triathlon – 3rd place age group 2000
• Honolulu International Triathlon – 3rd place age group, 1996 and 1998
• Perimeter Relay Team – 2nd place overall
• Powerman – 1st place age group 1999, finisher for 3 years
• Leeward Duathlon – 2nd place age group

In October of 2007 KC was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. After two surgeries and chemotherapy treatment she is a survivor. It was a transformational experience that made her realize she had been given a second chance to live. Life is too precious to wait for tomorrow.

The Try Fitness Story...

Good health is at the center of an improved quality of life. Being stronger and fitter physically gives us an increased awareness of our potential, an increased self-esteem and confidence, and the satisfaction of goal achievement that carries over into all areas of our lives. Try Fitness helps Hawaii’s women improve their health, and makes fitness fun.

Group training has been the cornerstone of Try Fitness and is designed to encourage, support and educate women on exercise, to help them find an activity that they enjoy, a routine that they can stick with and to develop lifestyle changes that they can follow. All training takes place outdoors, where we swim, walk, run, hike, stretch, do strength training, nutrition counseling, meditation and more. We teach proper form and technique, the how-to’s and the why’s of fitness.

A typical training day: On a beautiful Hawaii afternoon, in one of Honolulu’s public parks, you will see KC and her gals gathering for their workout. They greet each other with smiles and genuine enthusiasm, discussing their days and congratulating each other on just showing up. They are all have different reasons for training—to reduce stress, to find a routine, to learn workout basics, to lose weight– and they realize the importance of fitness in their lives. They have made a commitment to themselves and with the help of the group they will create habits that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Tonight’s workout is hills. Team Try Fitness works on strength and endurance as they make several trips of the park and surrounding streets. Coach KC runs along with each of the women, encouraging, correcting form and inspiring them to do their best. After the last repeat the team meets at the top, each woman waiting, clapping and encouraging her fellow participants. After push-ups and tricep dips (strength training is an important part of any workout), they gather in a circle just in time to watch a spectacular sunset, to stretch, and to discuss personal goals for the week. They all say goodnight and head to their respective lives, feeling stronger, happier and healthier. And so it goes for 12 weeks, three times a week, three times a year.

It is this very same environment for Try Fitness’ other programs: Boot Camp, Honu Half Ironman Endurance Training for Women, Tinman Training for Women, Cycling Training for Women, Marathon Training for Women and the Na Wahine Triathlon Training. Try Fitness brings women together, outdoors, to improve their lives and their health, offering them a challenge and guiding their way for success.

“Great things happen when women come together; a terrific energy and support fill the air,” says Try Fitness founder KC Carlberg.

“To be human means to have the capacity for transformation.” —Matthew Ies Spetter