Coach of Merit: Eryka Kahunanui

Equipped with a razor sharp wit and a passion for yelling at people, Coach Eryka will get you through the toughest of workouts. Her ability to make you feel part of the family even on your first day will keep you coming back. When she’s not coaching CrossFit, you can find Eryka on her hobby farm with her husband and their blended family of seven.

Choose a celebrity to be quarantined with.

Ron Finley, the gangsta gardener. We would eat like vegetarian kings.

What do you love most about Crossfit Merit?

The love. For reals: when that clock beeps and the workout starts, no one talks shit about any body else. Just a room full of people cheering each other on. It doesn't matter if someone is scaling the workout, reducing the reps, or lifting the heaviest in the room - everyone gets cheered on.

Out of everyone who is a member, who's your favorite?

Probably Adam Carroll because I give him SO. MUCH. shit and he still signs up for class the next day.

What are you currently working on in your fitness journey?

I'm almost a year postpartum with my third child. It's easy to look at all the things I can't do right now, so I'm working on accepting that my process doesn't have to look a specific way and doesn't have a time limit.

Describe what gets you through the toughest workouts.

Knowing that I'm tough. That I've gone through hard things and come out of them. Then I break down the reps to however small I need to in order to get through. Sometimes that’s one rep at a time…

How do you find the motivation on days you just "can't"?

Permission. I give myself permission to not have to be bound to anyone else's rules. If I don't feel like working out, that doesn't speak poorly about me. I can find happiness in something else for that day and then try again tomorrow.

Why CrossFit Merit?

The philosophy. It's intimidating, walking in to a gym of so many differently-abled people. But the philosophy of acceptance that belongs to CrossFit Merit -- it's very special.

What is some advice you have for someone on the fence about joining?

We aren't going to be a perfect match for everyone, and that's okay. So I'd say just come check us out. If what you experience resonates with you, then we'd love to have you.

Pizza or tacos?

I’m a taco snob, so I won’t eat just any taco. But I’ll take any pizza.

Favorite recipe:

Egg roll in a bowl. Best way to use up veggies that are going bad in the fridge.

What's one thing you've done that you'd never do again?

Exercise used to be my punishment. But I'm not really about that life anymore.

How do you get yourself back on track when you've skipped workouts or you aren't eating well?

Being honest with myself. Really evaluating how I feel: emotionally and physically. Is it truly benefiting me to be skipping a workout (because sometimes, a break is what I need)? Or is it just an excuse because I'm being lazy? I'm also of the practice that if you want the food, eat the food.

If you were stranded on a deserted island...what swim stroke would you use to find land?

I'd stay on the island. I'm assuming I can nap whenever I want, without interruption?? Yeah. I'm staying

Who's the best boss out of all the CrossFit gyms in the entire world? Name only one.

Jason Linville hates being called "boss" so obviously his name goes here.

What are your coaching strengths? What do you bring to the table?

I'd like to think I can break down instructions well, into digestible pieces. And I'm loud AF.

What's your favorite kind of athlete to work with?

The athlete who thinks they can't. I love them. I love witnessing the moment when they go from "I can't do this..." to " holy shit! I'm doing it!" It's a beautiful moment and I'm always grateful to experience it.

Which do you prefer: dumbbells or kettlebells? Why?

Dumbbells make me feel strong, even with the lighter weights. I think it's because I feel completely in control of the equipment.

What's your favorite quote?

“I hope to arrive at my death, late, in love, and a little drunk. ” - Atticus

Have you ever had body image issues, and if so, has that impacted how you coach the members at Merit?

Absolutely. I'm a noisy advocate for body positivity because I'm moving through the process of self-acceptance myself. I think it helps me root for the athletes I coach. Because I know we all have our issues, and yet, here they are: doing the damn thing anyway.

What's one movement you struggle with?

Candlesticks. I'm a fairly coordinated individual but candlesticks just piss me off.

Which do you prefer: burpees or running? Why?

Burpees. Because running gives me too much time alone in my head. And that's usually when the shit talking starts.

What's been on your to-do list the longest?

I was so close to handstand walks before I got pregnant and now I’m pretty sure I’ll have to start back at square one…

Sing like Celine Dion or dance like J-Lo?

Dance like J-Lo! and by that, I mean get paid for it. because I already have her moves.

Coach Eryka brings her enthusiasm to both kids and adult classes. She has also completed the Pregnant & Postpartum Athlete Coaching course and helps women prepare for athleticism before, during, and after pregnancy. To learn more about classes, click here!