80-Year-Old Fitness Instructor Proves ‘Movement is Medicine’ at Ko Olina
KO OLINA(HawaiiNewsNow) – At 80 years old, Teri Joule is proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and helping others do the same.
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Every week, Joule teaches up to nine fitness classes at the Ko Olina Beach and Sports Club, ranging from intense weight training to step aerobics, deep muscle rolling, and sunset stretch classes at Lagoon 4.
“Movement is medicine. Motion is lotion,” Joule said. “You’ve got to keep these muscles strong. You want your bones strong. It’s all one big package. So, you’ve got to do it all for longevity.”
From Dance to Aerobics
Joule’s passion for movement started early. The daughter of a dance instructor, she began dancing at just 3 years old. In the 1970s, as the aerobic dance craze took off, she realized she had a knack for coaching.
“I never became a very good dancer,” Joule laughed. “But I was taking from instructors that I decided I could do better than.”
She approached her gym owner, completed instructor training, and launched a fitness career that has spanned over 50 years.
A Community Pillar in Retirement
After retiring to Hawaii in 2016, Joule and her husband settled in Ko Olina, but she did not leave her passion behind. Today, her classes draw a diverse crowd, from young adults in their 20s to seniors in their 80s—and even reticent spouses dragged in by partners.
Club members describe her as an inspirational but firm coach who prioritizes safety and correct posture.
“She is a true coach,” said member Suzanne Carter. “If you’re using incorrect form, she’s very concerned about that. So, she will correct your form, but she does it gently,” said member Suzanne Carter.
Carter added: “I cannot tell you how many people have come back and go, ‘Wow, she really kicked my bottom, so to speak.’ We’re all very blessed to have her.”
Saving Lives Through Connection
For Joule, teaching is more than just exercise; it is about building a support system.
When her oldest student, Inna Whaycoff, lost the love of her life in 2013, Joule stepped in to ensure she didn’t isolate herself.
“Terry said, ‘No, we’re not going to let you die,’” Inna recalled.
Under Joule’s guidance, Inna started by lifting five-pound weights and gradually progressed to 20 pounds, training multiple times a week.
“Big credit to Terry for changing me… I’m lucky to have a friend like Teri,” Inna said.
It is stories like Inna’s that keep Joule motivated day after day, even when the alarm goes off early.
“I know I keep thinking maybe I’m going to get burnout one of these days, but I really don’t,” Joule said. “Sometimes I’m thinking I really don’t feel like doing this, but then once I’m here, I’m happy. This is my passion. It just does my heart good.”
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