Journey to Fitness
Testimonials
Mary Hattori - with Journey to Fitness since Feb 2021
Li Si is one of the secrets of my success in many demanding roles (mom, leader, caregiver, mentor, educator, community organizer, poet, philanthropist). She has improved my body awareness, posture, and lifestyle in ways that make me more effective in all my roles. Most importantly, she’s helped me diminish and abolish pain and improve my mobility and flexibility.
I feel better, happier, and empowered after each session! I’ll be a client for as long as she’s in practice and I recommend her for busy professionals and those feeling slowed by aches and pains associated with aging—-you are worth it!
Dr. Lois Saruwatari MD - with Journey to Fitness since 2015- Present
I am an Internal Medicine physician and I have been training with Li Si since 2015 with tremendous improvement in my overall well-being as well as in my tennis game!
As an avid tennis player and with the gruel of electronic medical records I have suffered my share of shoulder and forearm injuries as well as wear on my knees. I do believe in and have relied on traditional physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, and constant stretching.
However, working with Li Si has taken my health to the next level. Through personal training, cupping, fascia blasting, and Cue Stick Pilates, I have experienced improved fitness, avoidance of re-injury, and continue to improve my tennis game!
Her positive attitude and the results are what keeps me motivated to improve and be healthier!
Tom Beck - with Journey to Fitness since June 2022
I am a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in my 50’s. Needless to say I have a physical job that requires on all of my body parts to be functioning at a high level to carry out my duties. After numerous surgeries and the daily grind of my job it was apparent my body was breaking down.
After trying numerous physical therapy, medications, I was still dealing with chronic pain. Working together with Li Si has opened up a new dimension for me .
In our short time together she has already proven to be better than any other option I have tried to relieve my pain.
She explains how the body works and responds to our daily physical activities and what we should be doing to combat our ailments.
She is not a miracle worker, she is a treasure trove of information that she shares.
It is on ourselves to make it a priority and be committed to achieving our goals of staying physically fit.
I am only a month in but I have already begun to see and feel the results of getting myself back on track to where I want to be.
It is exactly that which keeps me motivated to continue to work towards my goals.
If you are dealing with chronic pain, I highly recommend at least a few sessions with Li Si.
The journey is the reward, and Journey to Fitness is a game changer!
Rod Karasaki- with Journey to Fitness since 2015- Present
I met Li Si 7 years ago. I was 450 pounds and needed help to feel better. Li Si was suggested by a mutual friend so I made the call. She made that first visit very comfortable. Each time I saw her it was tough but made me feel better, both physically and morale.
Fast forward seven years and while I have lost a bunch of weight I was physically breaking down. I knew Li Si was working on causes of pain and how to alleviate it. So about two months ago I started a fascia blasting session once a week. While only five weeks in I have noticed a 30-50 percent reduction in pain since my first session! The range of motion is night and day. I am very hopeful and excited to see where I’m at in a year. I can’t recommend enough, if you are in pain to give Li Si a call.
Lisa Rives - with Journey to Fitness since July 2022
Recently my Husband and I relocated back home to Hawaii from Canada and I knew I wasin need of a Trainer. A good one, a special person.
I have always been active and strived to care for my mental and physical health.
With the moving and aging process I can say it sure isn’t easy.
I started having knee issues the last few years I think running was a huge contributor.
I had a MRI done and they found 3 small tears in my meniscus and a small bakers cyst behind my knee. We were scheduled for surgery when COVID came upon us.
It was delayed and I just pushed through, with that being said I gained weight and this had a additional impact on my knee, it is a vicious cycle and you don’t realize how all of our tissue, muscles and fascia are all connected and work with in unison. One injury can cause one to start then another then another.
Long story short now my right hip started having pain cause I always lean to one side so I don’t place pressure on my left knee.
This is when I found Li Si Yang. I saw her post on Facebook and read her Bio and was immediately drawn to her no nonsense approach and her experience. I set up a meet and greet thinking she was going to jump in and start training me.
Well that was not the case. I am so grateful we decided to work on healing my knee and body from the inside out.
She is a trainer, facia specialist and health coach who cares. She gives you the tools and knowledge needed to help your self for the rest of your life.
Seeing Li Si this last month has given me relief of my knee pain and hip issue. I’m going to be honest she is not cheap but she is worth every penny you spend.
She works on me for an hour and it is at times painful on a scale of 1-10 its a 9.... just keepn it real.....but when I leave I feel AMAZING ! I am mobile, honestly “Euphoric” and free of pain.
I am so limber and I can exercise at 100% of my capacity.
If you know me you know I would never write a review and share if I honestly could not vouch or believe in a practice or something that was just not good.
If you are suffering from pain, tightness, or just want to get healthy try reaching out to Li Si, she is truly a dedicated trainer who cares. When you are with her she gives you her undivided attention and her percent dedication.
I am grateful I found her. Oh I forgot to mention ladies she has reduced my cellulite on the back of my legs to about 50-60 percent. NO JOKE.....
Thank you Li Si Yang and once again I’m so grateful I have found you please lets take this old body and do a transformation together! I am dedicated to you!
Bryan Lum - with Journey to Fitness since 2016 - Present
Li Si has been my personal trainer since 2016. I was dealing with pain and nerve issues in my lower back when I first started with her. She taught me how to adjust my posture and workout correctly. I learned myofascial release techniques (rolling, scraping, cupping) and other exercises/techniques to help me to resolve my issues and understand my body better.
Li Si has a wealth of knowledge and strives to keep on learning new things to help her and her clients succeed in their lives. She speaks and teaches from her own experiences in dealing with pain and other issues from bodybuilding in her 20s. That's what I like about her. It truly has been a journey with her the last several years as I've grown to understand my body better and achieve my fitness goals. , I highly recommend Li Si if you are looking for someone to help improve yourself and work on your body issues.
Ric Redman - with Journey to Fitness since Jan 2022
Li Si is simply the best for the work we all need to do: maintenance on our bodies. We tend to concentrate on aerobic fitness and strength training and stretching, but the reality is that over time most of us have hunched over our computers, dinner tables, steering wheels, etc., seated most of the day, and allowed too many muscles to become inflexible, ruining our posture and flexibility. Li Si has the cure. It's rigorous and vigorous, but/and it works! She really knows what she is doing.
Yu Zhi
I work as a nurse and have suffered back pain due to the physical demands of my job.
On my trip to Hawaii, I had four sessions with Lisi Yang.
She taught me the reason for my back pain is due to the weakness of my core muscles and during the four sessions, I was taught the different levels of exercises to strengthen my core muscles and how to perform them on my own.
Li Si used various tools to release the toxins built up in my muscles.
Now I am back in the mainland, and use these tools which I purchased online, plus implementing the exercises to strengthen my core.
I am very impressed by Li Si Yang’s expertise of human anatomy.
My only regret in not staying in Hawaii longer and learning from her vast knowledge of health and fitness.
Thanks to social media, I can follow her posts on facebook and continue learning.
Jasmine Stiefel
I took a nasty tumble snow boarding and had been in so much pain doing any type of bending from the waist.
I tried acupuncture and stretching but in the end figured it would just take patience before I got my mobility back.
I came in to see Li Si and I swear to god I was fixed in the one hour session.
I don’t think I’d believe it if it hadn’t actually happened to me.
She massaged the inflamed muscled and I went from an 8 or 9 on the pain scale to PAINLESS.
She worked through the knots and granted my back was completely purple from all the toxins she worked out of me, but I can move so there is nothing I could possibly complain about.
On top of fixing my back she also talked to me about how I could work through these pains on my own if I wasn’t able to come in and see her.
It was informative and empowering.
I have had great personal training sessions with Li Si in the past but what happened last time felt miraculous.
Alex Mill
A huge shout out to Li Si Yang for helping me yesterday.
I’ve been dealing with a nagging golfer’s elbow in my left arm for a few months now (caused by lifting weights). While I wasn’t in severe pain, it was interfering with my training and uncomfortable any time I was using that arm in a specific way.
I tried stretching, band work, resting, a brace, massage, changing up my routine, etc., all with no success.
She and I got on a Zoom call, and within 15 minutes, she showed me how to work with it.
Luckily, I had some of the tools she recommended, and so I went to business on my arm.
Bingo!
It was like magic.
I instantly started to feel a difference.
In fact, this morning is the first time in a long while that I haven’t had as much discomfort from a simple activity like washing my face.
Although I’m not 100%, I plan to continue what she showed me until this thing is behind me.
Plus, I feel like I learned something incredibly valuable to help recover and prevent further injury!
Thanks so much, Li Si. You’re incredible!
Connie
Li Si is unlike any other body worker or fitness professional.
I have been to sports massage, cupping, gua sha, rolfing, and other bodyworkers/therapists and have not seen or felt the same results.
In my second session, Li Si identified severe stagnation and fascia congestion in my abdomen and ribs.
I’d always thought it was just the shape of my ribs.
After that session, she cleared a lot out, my ribs seemed to flatten, I can already stand straighter, and breathe more freely into my rib cage!
A surprising bonus was that I also immediately looked thinner.
I still have more work to do, but I’m excited at the progress and am looking forward to finding more freedom in my body.
Nellie Lee - with Journey to Fitness since Jan 2018
It is rare that I meet and respect someone close to my stature of 4’9”. I love Li Si’s "no nonsense” approach; start with a strong foundation and build upward; take baby steps prior to entering a marathon; okay - you get the picture. Being an avid sports person; paddling, hiking, weight training with kettlebells and dumb bells, pickle ball have all taken a tow on my senior body. Although I love these activities it is also taxing and abusive. With Li Si’s use of the fitness cue, aerial hammock, foam roller, tennis balls and fascia blasting she has given me the tools needed to “calm and rejuvenate my body and mind”. Think about your appliances and auto vehicle - you would never go decades without changing the motor oil or without upgrading your appliances. That’s how I view
Li Si’s coaching. With her knowledge she is capable of assessing one’s ailments and develop a fitness regimen for pain free wellness. With much gratitude to Li Si for "hands on" and guiding me on my Journey to Fitness for another decade.
Heather Bolan - with Journey to Fitness since 2013 - Present
"I found the Journey to Fitness Pyramid to be the best tool for learning how the body really works, providing a solid foundation for building real physical fitness, and making any physical activities easier and less stressful.
Knowledge really is power. If I had been given this education in school during my youth, I might have avoided the out of condition body I have now, and might have already incorporated fitness principles into my daily pattern of life making my transition into the "golden years" that much easier.
I highly recommend this program to anyone who is committed to living a better life, one free from unnecessary pain or medications. You won't be sorry."
Tonya Huntley - with Journey to Fitness since 2007- Present
I'm a pet sitter and veterinarian technician who had started to feel lower back pain from years of picking up pets and exercising with them. Li Si shows me a new way of breathing and aligning my body to prevent pain. As I age, I have Li Si by my side to help me continue this important way of developing my body. Li Si is a godsend. Don't wait, start now. You'll be so glad you did!
Founder of Malu Pet Bliss
malupetbliss.com
Sharon T.- with Journey to Fitness since 2012- Present
I've been in Li Si's yoga class at the Kapahulu Center for over 10 years and I really enjoy it. Before I started the class, I wasn't sure if this class was for me since I've heard about the difficult moves in other yoga classes. The class is different! I call this class my stretching class. We work on muscles from our neck to our toes.
I really like that Li Si includes a lot of balancing exercises. Balance is very important for us senors.
Karen Chang - with Journey to Fitness 2006-2008, 2019- Present
I still vividly remember being flunked in elementary PE! I could not do the required number of sit-ups, chin ups, and all that standardized test criteria. (Still can’t.) So I deliberately stay away from this area of weakness and embarrassment.
However as one ages, I find that I’m faced with this momentous hurdle again! One needs to move a lot to age gracefully. So I’m exploring silk movements that I’ve always been fascinated with but scared to do!
Baby steps! 😂 Many, many thanks to my patient, innovative, personal trainer, Li Si Yang! She believes that I can do it!
Patty Okimura- with Journey to Fitness since 2015 - Present
"Fascia blasting is a MUST. So is using the acupressure mat aka the "pokey mat".
I had a very painful frozen shoulder. Through many months of training and exercise with Li Si, and even taking a few shoulder classes from her, we realized that the scar tissue and thick, binding fascia released my pain and my shoulder was finally cured! The constant and sometimes excruciating pain disappeared.
With the addition of the acupressure mat to the collection of "tools" we use to reduce pain and/or tightness, I am able to easier keep my body in check and move easier. I continue to work with Li Si regularly and use the tools (which include tennis balls, fascia blaster, acupressure mat, and foam roller, to name just a few) and the methods she's given me to sustain and maintain range of motion with my shoulder and all other aches and pains that arise. It's all about the blood circulation and regular movement of the whole body!"
Karen Ono- with Journey to Fitness since 2016- 2020
Attending Li Si's weekly Fitness Cue Class has been the best thing I have done to improve my posture, flexibility and balance. Li Si leads us in a variety of challenging Fitness Cue routines. I appreciate Li Si's spot on observations and specific instructions, which help me learn to use proper form for maximum benefit. What I learn in Fitness Cue class also applies to my yoga, Pilate and tai chi practice. After a lifetime of poor posture, I now find myself automatically sitting more upright and standing / walking taller. I can honestly say that attending Li Si's weekly Fitness Cue class weekly has been a life changer!
Clara Chapman- with Journey to Fitness since 2008- 2020
Robert Chapman - with Journey to Fitness since 2014-2020
"We found Li Si to be very innovative in her exercise routine. She keeps up with the latest developments in exercise aids and equipment and introduces them into her exercise programs.
We love using the Fitness Cue®. It's a great tool for mind body connection and upper body flexibility. She has helped us maintain good health and feeling like we are in our 70's instead of our 80's."
Ethel Iwasaki - with Journey to Fitness since 2007- 2019
"Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving." The quote is form Albert Einstein, but it sounds like what Li Si would tell her clients to inspire them to work on their physical fitness in in order to maintain and improve their quality of life.
Through these eleven years of working with Li Si, I have found myself appreciating her abilities and knowledge to help in healing and strengthening the human body. Every session is personalized for each client. She also is flexible in terms of revamping her plan in a session to heal an ache or get rid of stiffness that is affecting her client.
I know that the result of my personal training sessions have been successful, because when friends, who have not seen me for a while, remark on how well I look. One of my former high school student said, "What ever you're doing, keep doing it.
My "journey to fitness" with Li Si has been positive and enriching, as well as being enjoyable and worthwhile. I hope to continue getting fit with her for many years to come."
Dr. Robert Woliver, Ph.D. - with Journey to Fitness since 2008- 2019
As a health care provider and psychologist, I am well aware of the studies and research that show the benefits and importance of exercise and diet. The evidence is overwhelming on both the physical and psychological sides. In study after study, exercise reduces anxiety, improves mood, lowers depression rates, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol counts and reduces stress. Nowhere is the mind-body connection more evident.
If you want to be happy, reduce stress, be more productive and healthy, you can't ignore proper diet and exercise. It's important to practice what you preach. For over 30 years, exercise and diet have been an important aspect of my life. This includes working out at least 1 hour four times a week. I have taken numerous classes and worked with various trainers to motivate myself and to learn.
I have learned as much from Li Si in 3 years as from all the other trainers in 30 years! She has a well thought out and developed system and the ability to communicate what she sees and knows.
I am over 65 and often am competing for waves when surfing with individuals a fourth or one-third my age. Fortunately, I have a secret weapon - Li Si.
Aline Bender
Finally! Someone understands my fitness goal. I have always wanted a lean, tone, and fit body. I am the type of person that is open to testing all sorts of different methods when it comes to improving myself. That is why I went from typical lifting weights and treadmill runs at 24 hrs. fitness, crossfit (fun), Birkram yoga, starving myself (lol), to Insanity. After acquiring injured knees, soar back, and a crooked posture-I decided something had to give. That is when Li Si appeared in my life!
She has a petite frame that doesn't appear to have one once of fat. I met her at my Toast Masters Club and was very impressed with her "correct posture" speech. I never thought that posture would have a dramatic impact on my work out and body shape. I have been used to "no pain...no gain" when it came to fitness. She even taught me how zip my stomach, which makes my feel like I am walking on water.
It's only been one week of my personal sessions with Li Si and I have released 2lbs! She is holding me accountable for my big goal of releasing 8lbs in 8 weeks- I am getting married on June, 30th. I have always been pretty fit, yet getting rid of the last 10lbs has been a long struggle of mine.
Jim Wagner, D.C. - Fitness Cue® Master Trainer/Chiropractor Arizona
"I have been teaching a Dynamic Staff Stretching class for the past decade as well as being in the Health and Fitness industry for the last thirty years, and what I learned in Li Si's Masters workshop was amazing. We all have asymmetry, muscle weakness/tightness as well as postural compensations that are not allowing our body to function and perform like it should.
Li Si was very patient and thorough in correcting my deficiencies and when I had trouble grasping the movement she broke it down so I could learn it properly. Doing one rep properly is better than doing 15 reps wrong. Li Si has a true understanding of movement and how to work with individuals and her passion is infectious. Do yourself a favor and work with a true Master. I do!"
Joyce & Rod Misawa
Our experience with Li Si started about 6 months ago as virtual 1st graders in our quest for fitness. Having led relatively sedate lifestyles for decades, it’s quite a commitment to show up each week and to also do the “homework” outside of the studio. However, with an understanding of her philosophy and holistic approach to fitness, we were motivated to make a personal commitment to this journey. Most importantly, Li Si gives us space and time to understand the requisite building blocks of this path to fitness, i.e., reconstructing your posture (to become aligned); engaging your core; breathing properly, increasing flexibility and improving your balance.
Li Si helps us to learn and develop at our own pace while structuring each session with a “stretch” for incremental improvement. This approach makes each session a meaningful and an enjoyable experience, and we are committed to endure this journey to fitness.
Jackson and June Cho
We first met Li Si at the Honolulu Marathon Expo in December 2012. We were impressed by her great posture. It was nine months later that we contacted Li Si. In the consultation session, we told Li Si that we wanted to improve our posture and core. Li Si suggested trying out her Fitness Pyramid©, which has six levels. We were really curious about this Fitness Pyramid©, so we decided to give it a try. Level 1 works on the posture, flexibility, breathing, core, and mind muscle connection. It was an eye opener for us to learn the concepts. Once they were explained to us, they just made so much sense. One of our hobbies is ballroom dancing, after Level 1, we were able to apply many of these concepts into our ballroom dancing. Level 1 was a great start for us. We were so excited about Level 2. Level 2 builds on top of Level 1. Level 2 works on the Ball Therapy and Self Message. All we needed were the foam roller, tennis balls and some golf balls, we were able to self message our bodies and release all the tight spots in our bodies. Level 2 is where we are right now. We feel the Fitness Pyramid© gave us the knowledge and tools to have a fit body. This training is the best investment of time and effort anyone can give to his/her self.
Patti Nagami
This past year I’ve had stiffness and tightness on the right side of my neck, shoulders, and lower back. Unbeknownst to me, the use of the computer, laptop, and mobile devices throughout my day was causing the annoying discomforts. My range of motion was limited, and I even experienced “pulling” when I would glance to the right to change lanes while driving. I’d awake each morning feeling tightness and stiffness in my neck and shoulder accompanied by occasional headaches. I would use the foam roller or lie on a tennis ball in the morning to relieve the built up tension and tightness. It worked but by the afternoon, the stiffness and achiness would affect me physically, emotionally, and mentally. When headaches were unbearable, popping an ibuprofen brought relief.
However, after two weeks of using the Fasica Blaster for at least 10 minutes, three time a week, I have experienced long lasting, drug-free relief. I started blasting slowly to allow me to become familiar and understand the most efficient way to maneuver the tool and to build up tolerance for the blasting pressure on my body. My troublesome pain has significantly been reduced in my neck, my shoulder has greater range of motion, and I no longer have a strain in my lower back. In addition, my arms don’t feel flabby and overall I feel toner! Using the Fasica Blaster along with the foam roller has increased my flexibility, reduced pain and stiffness, and improved muscle performance during my workouts.
Karen Hayashida
Before working out with Li Si, I hated exercising. The exercise I could do on my own like walking was boring and I had no discipline to do it regularly. The exercise I thought I really needed like weightlifting, was too intimidating, and given my poor record with the easy stuff, I didn’t think I’d have much success with a gym membership. Li Si has made all the difference in me becoming healthier. She has taught me the proper way to work out, explains in terms I can relate to, and is extremely patient and encouraging. As a result, my strength has increased and my coordination has improved. The best change Li Si has helped me make, though, has been my attitude towards exercise: it’s a boost, not a burden.
Georganna Shiraishi
I was fortunate to find the Journey to Fitness website in my quest to better my health. Li Si’s unique philosophy of training and fitness sets her apart from most typical trainers. I have gained a better understanding and awareness of my body, and the journey towards wellness has been very positive. The results of weight loss, proper eating habits, flexibility, and strength, which I encountered in my sessions with Li Si, have been encouraging as well.
Lynn Hirashima
Since taking Li Si’s yoga, pilates, Level-1 Pyramid and circuit training classes for over a year, I am more aware of my breathing, posture, flexibility and my body as a whole. It is amazing how we sail through the days and years, often unconscious of our habits and the cumulative impact they have on our bodies, our health and well-being. As an example, I can see that the discomfort in my left shoulder blade area correlates to my wearing my heavy handbag on my left shoulder. It should be obvious, but it wasn’t so! Li Si helped me become aware of this and has helped me address this problem area. Overall, with a greater awareness of my body since training with Li Si, I am able to make adjustments during the day; I am more flexible and have become stronger.
I appreciate Li Si’s personalized instruction and philosophy of teaching her students to “fish for themselves “when it comes to one’s health and lifestyle. She is very knowledgeable about the structure of the body, explaining what part of the body we are working on with the exercise we are doing. The exercises are varied, so it’s not only effective, but fun, not boring! When working with a small group, Li Si tailors the particular exercise being done to the needs and abilities of each person, which is welcomed and speaks to her commitment to truly help each person. Her instructions, explanations and demonstrations are clear, stressing proper form to gain maximum effectiveness. In support of her philosophy to teach folks “how to fish” for themselves, the exercises are practical and can be done at home using simple and readily available aids.
Courtlin Holt-Nguyen
Li Si an exceptional personal trainer. She is one of those rare individuals who combines a passion for what she does with a deep knowledge of the subject. I started attending her classes about a year ago after my doctor recommended Pilates to alleviate my lower back pain in lieu of prescription drugs and surgery. After a few weeks of classes and doing my daily exercise "homework", the pain was gone and I've never been back to the doctor. If you have back pain, you really need to talk to Li Si before your doctor sends you down the path of prescription pain killers, physical therapy and ultimately, surgery.