OWNER, INSTRUCTOR, PERSONAL TRAINER

Growing up "Get X", I know the struggle with body image & insecurity that were the consequences of diet culture and the push to be as skinny as possible. Gym culture made people feel that if they weren't obsessed with exercise, it wasn't for them. I constantly meet people who say they "aren't the exercise type" or they need to "get in shape" before they come to class. I want people to know that exercise is for every body, regardless of age, size, or gender. Not only that, but it is necessary for healthy living & aging.

Find your “WHY”: I’ve been into fitness off & on since high school, usually focused on fitting into a cute pair of jeans. After getting married & having 3 kids, my focus has shifted to staying as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. I believe we have a responsibility to our loved ones. Personally, I’m training for old age- I’m not going down without a fight!

When I purchased ABA in 2016, I wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome & comfortable. We don't do "mean girl" or "creepy guy" energy here. Our instructors & classes are light-hearted and fun, with a strong focus on form & safety (& sarcasm!). You will leave ABA feeling better than when you walked in...if you don't, I sincerely want to hear about it!

INSTRUCTOR

I grew up in Kodiak and moved away after high school. For the past 20 plus years, I’ve pursued my passion for the culinary arts at various hotels & restaurants. I’m currently managing my father’s business & enjoying the slower pace of life.

In 2010 Katey Inman & Joshua Love opened Anchorage Yoga. I was hooked on not just the asanas (postures), but the loving energy of the space & connection to something bigger than myself). In 2022 I received my 200 hour yoga teacher training certification, simply because I wanted to know all I could about this practice I loved so much. I’m currently working towards my 500 hr YTT with Janet Stone. Through these studies I’ve been able to travel the world soaking in as much knowledge as I can.

My goal in sharing this practice of Yoga and Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science) is that you can learn to become your own healer. Quieting the chatter of the mind, finding sweetness in the chaos of everyday life, if only for 60 minutes.

I love ABA because of the variety of classes, vibe of the gym and the uplifting support from the members & other instructors. I feel like I’m at my home in my own gym. Feeling tired? There’s a Nespresso machine!!!

INSTRUCTOR

I was born in Kodiak, and love being a part of this community. My favorite things to do are cook, read, hike, and bring people together. I am married to the most fantastic, funny, and kind person in the world.

My favorite class to teach is anything with a theme - especially Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings!

I have struggled with lower back pain and difficulty sleeping for as long as I can remember. Strength training has helped my back immensely. A regular exercise schedule keeps my body moving and improves my mood, so that even if my sleep wasn't the best, my attitude is positive and my energy isn't lacking. 

ABA truly offers something for everyone. I love the fact that each instructor has their own style and classes are filled with members of every age group and at every level of their fitness journey - there is never judgement, only support. At the heart of it all ABA is an accepting community that brings fitness, fun, and friendship to everyone who walks through the doors!

INSTRUCTOR

My name is Jennifer Myrick Pedersen, Jenny to many, Ms. Jennifer to those who know me as an elementary school counselor. I am a mother of 3 wonderful girls (ages 13, 10, and 7), elementary school counselor, and commercial salmon fisherman. Life is busy, but exercise, time outdoors, and maintaining a healthy diet help make it all possible.

My favorite class to teach - Foundations (or cycle classes - I started teaching 20+ years ago).

With my busy schedule and many evening activities for kids, 5:30am workouts are the only ones I can manage to make regularly. I have found that when I prioritize "me time" for workouts in the morning, my mood is much more positive all day long and EVERYTHING is much easier to handle. It can be hard to motivate for a 5:30am workout and I tried online/at home workouts with irregular success. I found I am more consistent and motivated by the ABA morning crew. The morning attendees and instructors are encouraging, supportive, and so kind.

INSTRUCTOR

I was a high school teacher for many years, but now I’m working on my second master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I hope to serve the Kodiak community as a child and young adult therapist. I’m married and have a smart and sassy 4-year-old who keeps me on my feet. I grew up in Kodiak with my dad, a commercial fisherman who can literally fix anything, and my mom, an occupational therapist and wound care specialist. My mom taught me that education is something no one can ever take away from you, which is a big reason I’m still learning and growing. My dad showed me that hard work pays off. I also have two older brothers who are probably the coolest dudes you could ever meet (okay, I might be a little biased). I’ve lived in Kodiak for about 90% of my life, with some exciting adventures and college years off island sprinkled in.

My favorite class to teach is Progressive Lifting, hands down.

I’ve been chunky most of my life, and after dealing with some health issues that caused me to lose weight, I decided it was time to really take control of my health. Now, I’m focused on getting stronger and feeling good. I’ve lost 70 pounds, and 35 of those pounds came off thanks to consistently showing up at ABA. I can run around with my daughter, lift heavier weights each week, and feel proud of my progress. Watching my dumbbells go up and my confidence grow has been one of the coolest parts of this journey.

Why should you come to ABA? Because it’s fun, it’s welcoming, and it feels like a little community. If you’re into early 2000s hip hop and want to get stronger with a fun group of people, come to Progressive Lifting with me!

INSTRUCTOR

I spent a majority of my childhood here in Kodiak (USCG transplant) and graduated from KHS. When I’m not in the gym or running, I manage the marketing and communications for Providence Kodiak and am almost done with my Masters degree in Organizational Communication. I have a passion for health, fitness, communication and ensuring access and accessibility to resources to inform one’s health. You can catch me around town at the hockey rink or on the trails with my kids and partner doing all the Kodiak things!

My favorite classes to teach are cycle and weightlifting. I love a good music playlist and getting my heart pumping and cycle combines those two things. Weight lifting boosts confidence and endorphins—especially when you go up in weight or can accomplish a task at home you previously couldn’t. It makes you feel strong and powerful and proud.

When I was much heavier than I am now, I decided to make a change. I changed everything about the way I ate and thought about food, the transformation was incredible. Unfortunately, it was also a time in my life where I fell incredibly ill with an autoimmune condition. Food intolerances started appearing out of no where. I stopped digesting food. I literally couldn’t eat anything, it felt like all the work I had done to improve myself was for nothing. I felt out of control. The only thing that really kept me going (outside my kiddos) was the gym. It’s where I could take out all my frustration and angst and anxiety & feel better mentally. It’s taken years to heal and I still have to put up one heck of a fight against symptoms. But exercise helps. All of this is to say we each have our own battles…but you are stronger than you think. You are resilient. You can’t control life but you can control prioritizing yourself and showing up for you.

INSTRUCTOR

I was born and raised in Kodiak. I left for six years to get a degree in education with a minor in American Sign Language and physical education and dance. I have been teaching at KIBSD for almost 10 years now as a special education teacher. My husband & I have two wonderful boys, ages 5 & 2.

My two favorite classes to teach at ABA are Total Body Barre class and Cycle/TRX.

One obstacle I have faced during my fitness journey is when I broke my ankle in five places, recovery was difficult. Being pregnant with my two beautiful boys was a struggle, during this time my body went through massive changes. Luckily, I was able to work out almost every day of my second pregnancy- thanks to A Balanced Approach and the magnitude of different classes and wonderful instructors.

One reason I would recommend ABA is the amount of people that support you and the friends that you make while bettering your fitness journey. I will say I’ve never regretted a workout at ABA. I’ve only regretted not being able to make it.

INSTRUCTOR

Nyssa was born and raised in Homer but has made Kodiak home with her husband, two toddlers, and two pups. She's dedicated her professional life to helping find ways to protect our unique Alaskan ways of life and the environment and natural resources that sustain us. You'll likely see her around town or on the trails running or walking with her dogs or wrangling her toddlers in public places (IYKYK). She equally loves leading cycle classes and strength training, which is why you'll usually see her teaching some kind of combo class! 

I used to believe that "skinny" was the ultimate goal and that insane HIIT training, restricting calories, and running were the only way to achieve some ridiculous societal standard. It just led me to an unhealthy relationship with fitness, food, and myself. BUT, everything changed when I picked up weights, stopped killing myself with endless cardio, and completely changed my mindset around food. Ladies: LIFT HEAVY SH*T! It truly is the best thing you can do for yourself. ABA provides such a welcoming environment for everyone, and the instructors are all so passionate about sharing our love of health and fitness with anyone who walks through the doors.

INSTRUCTOR

I grew up in Kodiak and moved home recently (after living on the East Coast for 10 years) and am so happy to be back! I was hired at the middle school and I love the “controlled chaos” of that environment. My favorite class to teach is anything involving weights because women are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for … and it’s good to be strong.

Through exercise I’ve learned self acceptance. I’ve learned that I can get through anything with healthy coping mechanisms like exercise.

Someone should come to ABA because it’s a warm, friendly environment that’ll kick your butt! 

INSTRUCTOR

I have been a fitness instructor at ABA for over 10+ years! I work for KANA as the Elder Services Director.

I have lived in Kodiak for 13 years. I am married and have 3 beautiful girls! We love getting outside as a family and you can find me hiking all the mountains!

You'll also find me teaching Cycle... I love cycle classes! The music really brings some great motivation for participants! It's a great way to torch calories quickly.

I have always loved fitness and have struggled with feeling not "fit" enough when I go to other fitness classes outside of ABA. A Balanced Approach is a place where ALL are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out!

INSTRUCTOR

I was born & raised in kodiak. My family has been here for a long time. You’ll probably see me somewhere around town as a bartender or managing the Rendezvous or on Instagram making bread, running & just doing life.

My favorite class to teach is Bootcamp. To me, movement is medicine. It calms my mind. I feel best when I’m moving my body in some way, shape, or form. My health journey has taught me that I am a lot stronger than I think I am - mentally & physically. Last year, I proved to myself that I can run 13.1 miles straight without stopping!

A Balanced Approach is one of the most supportive communities I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of. You’ll always be met exactly where you’re at & surrounded by people who are striving to