Written by Rachel Debling, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra
It’s hard to argue for a better location to fulfill your fitness destiny than the sandy beaches of Hawaii. So try to contain your jealousy when you learn that Jackie Cox, owner of Level up Maui, a gym located on its namesake island, calls The Aloha State home.
Of course, her success hasn’t been achieved overnight. Jackie has been a mainstay in the fitness industry since she fell in love with group fitness almost 20 years ago while in college, a discovery that inspired her to pursue her kinesiology degree.
Now, decades after first bringing fitness to the forefront of her life, Jackie has a new objective. When she’s not sweating up a storm training for and competing in Spartan and HYROX races, she’s redefining what it means to be a woman in perimenopause who lifts. She says she achieves this by empowering her clients with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health.
“My mission is to ensure women don’t just endure this phase of life but truly thrive,” says Jackie. “Through education, I help them recognize symptoms, understand their bodies, and implement effective solutions for long-term vitality. By shifting the narrative around perimenopause and aging, I’m helping women reclaim their power, build confidence, and embrace this stage of life with strength and purpose.” With this approach, she helps her clients come to their own personal “a-ha” moment where everything clicks for them, mentally and physically.
"My goal is simple: I want you to thrive, not just get by. You deserve to feel your best, and I’m here to make sure you have the tools, knowledge, and encouragement to make that happen."
Whether speaking about her own fitness journey or the programs she provides the women she trains, Jackie doesn’t compromise. “My approach to a healthy lifestyle is built on science-backed principles that challenge outdated fitness norms,” she explains. “I encourage women to fuel their bodies properly—eating enough protein and calories to support energy, metabolism, and muscle retention. And I emphasize the importance of lifting heavy weights to maintain strength, bone density, and overall resilience.” She says she also places a large emphasis on recovery and well-being, plus techniques that have been shown to optimize hormonal levels.
Fitness hasn’t just helped Jackie in her professional life. Exercise was the bond that first brought her and her husband together, and they now are proud co-owners of Level Up Maui. Also on the horizon for Jackie is a to-be-announced project that will equip women in perimenopause with all the tools they need to see and feel results.
Jackie places a huge emphasis on recognizing wins, whether it’s reaching a new personal best or simply making a healthy decision at mealtime. It’s an attitude that has kept her going, through good times and bad.
“I’m here to support, inspire, and celebrate you every step of the way,” she says of her relationship with her clients. “As your biggest cheerleader, I’ll acknowledge every win—big or small—because progress matters. I lead with passion, bringing energy and dedication to help you feel strong, confident, and in control of your health.”
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