Burn Collective Founder Maria Chase on Her Unique Approach to Fitness

Burn Collective founder Maria Chase has redefined what a fitness space can offer, blending science-backed techniques like red light therapy and infrared heat with a supportive community atmosphere. In this conversation with SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein, Maria shares the experiences that led her to establish Burn Collective, from her early days in bodybuilding to creating a fitness space centered on empowerment, recovery, and connection. Maria’s insights reveal how fitness can build resilience, self-confidence, and holistic well-being. Join Amy and Maria as they discuss the driving principles behind Burn Collective’s success and the future of fitness.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
I am really excited to be here today with Maria Chase, the founder of Burn Collective. I thought hard about how to describe it because I don’t want to just call it a fitness studio or a workout. From what I’ve gathered, you’ve built a fitness community, a space in LA where so many people—especially women—come to strengthen every part of themselves, from the inside out. And to me, that’s a huge part of preventive care, building strength in a way that also fosters community. So, with that, I’m excited to hear about your journey, how Burn started, and where it’s going.

Maria Chase:
Thank you! I love hearing that because that’s exactly the goal behind Burn Collective. I named it Burn Collective with the idea of creating a safe and empowering space through fitness. Our approach is holistic, focusing on different methods like ISO Burn and Burn 45, which target various parts of the body to create a balanced physique. There’s something powerful about moving in unison with a room full of people and your instructor leading the way. It’s like an energy exchange, and I think that’s what makes it impactful. I always wanted a space that made people feel welcomed because fitness can already feel intimidating.

Amy:
So, how did you start your journey in fitness? What led you to eventually create Burn Collective?

Maria:
I have two kids who are now adults, but I started focusing on fitness when my daughter was around three. Like a lot of women, I wanted to get back in shape after pregnancy. One day, I was in my closet, trying on clothes, and I said something like, “I feel so fat.” My daughter was sitting there watching, and it hit me—I didn’t want to pass that mindset onto her. From that moment, I decided to focus on being healthy and strong as an example for her. Over time, I got into weight training and started working with a personal trainer to learn the ropes.

Amy:
What did that look like at the time? Did someone give you a specific program, or did you figure it out?

Maria:
I had a trainer who helped me, and eventually, I met a woman who was a pro bikini athlete. She saw me at the gym one day and asked if I’d ever competed, which I hadn’t even considered. She submitted some photos of me to her coaches, and they signed me. Five weeks later, I did my first competition. It was a really intense process—training, strict nutrition, everything—but I learned so much about discipline, and I realized how valuable weight training and muscle are to the body. I often say, “Muscle is our body’s most valuable asset.”

Amy:
And what was it like being on that stage for the first time?

Maria:
It was completely out of my comfort zone! At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom in Hawaii with two kids, so going from that to standing on stage in a sparkly bikini was a big leap. But I felt empowered in a way I hadn’t before, and it kept me going. Competing showed me how to move the needle with fitness and strength, and it’s something I carried into creating Burn Collective.

Amy:
How did Burn Collective come to life after that?

Maria:
Once I wrapped up my competition days, I knew I wanted to create something more accessible to the average person, so I started teaching classes. That experience helped me develop my own method, and I built a following over time. Eventually, I opened my first studio in Hawaii, which was right before the pandemic hit. We were only open for a month and a half before we had to close, but in that short time, the classes were full, and there was a huge demand.

Amy:
And then you adapted to keep things going during the pandemic?

Maria:
Yes. I started teaching live workouts on Instagram, which built an online community. When we reopened, I trained additional instructors so we could meet the demand, and we’ve grown from there. I incorporated red and blue LED light therapy and infrared heat, which have amazing health benefits and add something unique to the workouts.

Amy:
Tell me more about the red and blue light and the infrared heat—how does that impact the workout?

Maria:
The infrared heat we use is different from regular heat. It’s heating your core temperature, so it’s stimulating the immune system and allowing you to go harder and longer without feeling exhausted. With red light therapy, the focus is on cellular regeneration, which helps with muscle recovery, inflammation, and hormone balance. People don’t always realize it, but the red light can improve sleep and reduce cortisol levels, which makes a difference in overall well-being.

Amy:
That’s amazing! And I imagine it’s especially great for people who work out frequently and need recovery support.

Maria:
Absolutely. I used to cap my weekly classes at six because I’d burn out, but since teaching in red light, I recover so much faster. It’s a big reason why I wanted to integrate it into our workouts. We even hosted a crystal sound bath in red light recently, and it’s incredible how people felt the benefits of stillness under the light.

Amy:
It sounds like you’ve created something really unique, and you’ve even brought some of that aloha spirit from Hawaii into it.

Maria:
Yes, that was important to me. Hawaii has this welcoming energy, and I wanted to bring that vibe to Burn Collective. Our community here in LA has been incredible, and I feel like we’ve created a space that’s really supportive and inclusive.

Amy:
What’s next for Burn Collective?

Maria:
I’d love to expand in LA and then beyond. My goal is to keep building spaces where people can feel empowered through fitness. I truly believe that if you can establish a fitness lifestyle, it impacts every area of your life. It’s not just about working out—it’s about building strength, resilience, and confidence that carry over into everything else.

Amy:
That’s amazing, and it sounds like you’ve created something that’s truly changing lives. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

Maria:
Thank you, Amy. It’s been a pleasure to share, and I’m excited to see where Burn goes next.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.