Fitness for all age groups is the main focus of one of the country's popular gyms located at Motootua. 

Mai Gym manager, Teuila Marie Keil, said their target was to offer training opportunities for people of all age and size in order to live healthily and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Keil said the gym provides simple concepts to all who are determined to make a change, showing them the right techniques that focus on the quality of the workout and not necessarily the quantity.

To monitor each client, their experienced fitness instructors provide guidance to ensure clients in training have lower risks of injury. She says the basic techniques are very important to learn and get right. 

A love of training from her schooling days, pushed Keil to establish a proper gym, and offer motivation to others to pursue a healthy and fit lifestyle.

“When I was in New Zealand, I hired a Hall to do training classes for women. I started with six women up until it’s full," she said.

"When I moved back to Samoa, my brother Letoa W. Keil built a gym only for our family but not for the public. I asked him to let me run the gym and he agreed, and then I opened the door for our country to come and train. 

"From five years ago, I never expected the gym to go this far. I am focused so much on the quality of the facilities in the Gym; keeping it clean all the time with a healthy environment for everyone. 

"We use Eucalyptus Oil to clean and Dettol to mop the floor. Those sacrifices we make with our instructors after classes or exercises, are to maintain [the gym's] cleanliness. Hygiene is important to stop germs from spreading."

Mai Gym has two fitness instructors, Alefaio Te’o, 28 of Tanugamanono and Sam Kalolo, 25 of Vaimoso, who shared their appreciation for the work they do, and opportunity to help people who want good health.

Both agreed that they have witnessed the importance of their work for the people of Samoa, after several health challenges they have been a part of. 

Starting from the age of 15 up to people in their 70s, a growing segment of Samoa's society are taking the responsibility of their health and well being seriously. 

They learn that it’s not about running a marathon, but doing the basic things right and honestly, to be fit and lose some weight.