Makena is a certified group fitness instructor, bringing a holistic but unique approach to training and diet. When not teaching, you can find Makena strolling around the city with an iced matcha in hand.

Incorporating health and wellness into my daily regime has been an important aspect of my life since cutting out soda at the ripe age of eleven. This wasn't typical of a girl just entering middle school, but something about shifting the importance of food from fun to fuel fascinated me. At the same time, dance was at the highest of priority that eventually led me to auditioning for the University of California, Davis Dance Team in college.

The 2020 pandemic brought much change, including leaving my college town and spending a lot of energy with myself. With education online and fitness studios closed, I began to heavily research the mind-body connection, emphasizing holistic remedies and intuitive movement. Home workouts became a daily occurrence and time in the kitchen let my creative juices flow. This lonely era is when I created @madebymakena, unknowingly the stepping stone to my career years later. This platform aimed to provide a sense of mindfulness and ease through daily mantra's, devoting time to meditation and self-reflection, and embracing food as fuel. Similarly, movement was just as important in a time like this. Videos were being filmed, posted, and viewed within hours of creating and I could see the positive shift of my mental state through it all. Eventually, this platform gave me the confidence and interest in instructing for Pure Barre Inc. & after auditioning, I landed the job instantly.

Although I was satisfied leading group fitness in my college town, I craved more. This sudden reevaluation of my twenty-one year old life made me pack all of my bags and head 2,500 miles away across the country to New York City. Not only was this the best decision I have ever made, but it also brought much uncertainty for my career.

After cut throat auditions within the fitness industry, I finally landed what I longed for throughout the entire process… holding the title of a group fitness instructor with Equinox. My classes allow me to express my creative energy in ways I have always dreamed of… curating a community that can let go of all things outside the studio and simply focus on themselves, while challenging their bodies both mentally and physically. My history with dance is highlighted through my choice of rhythmic training, whether that be through cardio, strength, or sculpt-like classes. Alongside Equinox, I teach weekly LIVE classes on Obé Fitness, streaming to hundreds of thousands individuals around their globe. Both companies highlight different angles of my career and encourage me to grow this community by a tenfold. ​MADE by Makena is a platform I developed to share my love for all things nutrition, health, and wellness.

Thank you for joining me on my journey to a better me. I only hope these values can become the main source of guidance to a better version of YOU.