 |
|
Shaheen Ahamat |
RiDE Instructor
It's an amazing feeling teaching at Lifestyle because of the crew that have helped us build a motivational and positive environment and the fantastic members that come and share their energy with us in our classes. It's a huge thrill seeing our members improve from week to week and also seeing them happy about the results they have received over a short period of time. I have made many great friendships at Lifestyle. I always look forward to the rush and energy in our RiDE classes and all our group exercise classes across the board.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Kelly Alkema |
Thai Fit, Step and Total Impact Instructor
I've been teaching Group Exercise at Lifestyle since 2002. I teach Total Impact, Thai Fit, Step, and Box Fit classes. As well as working at the gym, I am a HR Manager at Kiwibank. It's great to be in a position where I really enjoy my work - both at the gym and at Kiwibank. The best thing about working at the gym is getting to know some great people and keeping fit, while motivating others to push themselves hard and enjoy the classes.
Outside the gym my partner and I, Al, are also kept really busy with our two young boys - Brodee and Kobe. With our influence they are destined to be regulars at the gym, or even instructors, in years to come.
So, life at the moment is pretty full on but when I do have spare time, I like to catch up with family and friends, going on holiday, shopping, playing touch rugby, and relaxing with a good latte!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Peter Anderson |
RiDE Instructor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Sha Bannister |
RiDE, Thai Fit and Muscle Express Instructor
I have been with Lifestyle Health & Fitness since 2005. I am a Personal Trainer, and Group Exercise Instructor specialising in Muscle Express, Thai Fit and RiDE. I love teaching classes; the whole gym environment is worth leaping out of bed for in the mornings. What I love the most about teaching is the high energy, the challenge and the excitement, the sense of achievement and the feeling of satisfaction. To see change in people’s lives and to help members reach their fitness goals is the most encouraging.
I have represented New Zealand in the Open Mixed Touch Team since 1997. My passions are RiDE, touch rugby, and my family – daughter Tyla, son Levi and Dad Stacy. The gym has been a vital part of my life – I don’t think I could live without it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Michelle Childs |
Muscle Express Instructor
Hi, I recently joined the group exercise team at Lifestyle as a muscle express instructor. I have been attending group exercise classes for the past 20 years, so it's safe to say I've just about tried them all and I love them!
It's very rewarding to see the results such as improved strength, tone, and fitness that people achieve from these classes. I strive to provide a great workout in a fun, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere.
When I'm away from the gym I'm kept busy with my family and my position as a dental practice manager. Those of you that already know me will know that I love to chat! So please don't hesitate to stop and say hi if you see me around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tyag Fenton |
Yoga Instructor
Hi, I'm Tyag and I've been teaching Yoga at Lifestyle since the start of 2008.
Having spent 3 years training in India, I graduated from the first Yoga University in the world with a PG Diploma in Yoga Psychology. The style I teach is called Satyananda Yoga, a very integrated approach which sees each class go through physical poses, breath awareness and culminate with relaxation/meditation.
I love teaching Yoga as its such a vast and complete system covering the spectrum from the gross to the subtle. There is always more to learn and more to teach!
In my free time I like playing guitar, playing harmonium, going for bike rides, gardening and studying Jungian Psychology.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Chris Frith |
|
Thai Fit, Muscle Express, and Step Instructor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Bill Graham |
RiDE Instructor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tracy Heron |
RiDE, Muscle Express, Ever Active, Box Fit, Pilates, and Yoga Instructor
I began teaching classes in 1989 after I was approached during an aerobics class at the YMCA. I thought, why not? I went from just having a go to learn more by doing a Group Fitness qualification and then over the years a Personal Training Certificate followed by a Diploma in Sport Studies at Otago University. Over 20 years later I am still teaching classes and still have the passion I had when I started.
The most important thing to me, with classes, is that they are fun and achievable for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tanya Houpt |
RiDE, Zumba Fusion, Pilates and Youthfit Instructor
28 years ago my brother dragged me along to a gym in Thorndon, to a High Impact Aerobic class, where there were 100 people – I was hooked in an instant! An extensive background in dance and gymnastics lead to a part-time job teaching Hi Impact Aerobics (that’s all there was then) and yes we wore lycra, g-strings and leg warmers!!! A passion for Competitive Aerobics and Hip Hop has resulted in me traveling to places such as Morocco, Russia, Finland, Belgium, Serbia and Netherlands as World Head Judge since 2001. I have been on an awesome journey within the fitness industry that has lead to specialising in Children’s fitness and developing School programs and Youthfit as well as instructing and training instructors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Emma Hutchinson |
Total Impact and Fusion Instructor
I am very passionate about fitness and health and, after being a member of Lifestyle Gym for 4 years, I decided to take it to the next level and take part in the Group Fitness Instructor Academy. Even though this took me completely out of my comfort zone, this was one of the best things I have ever done. It has given me great confidence and this is shown in my classes and everyday life. I love working with people and get the best feeling watching people challenging themselves.
My full time roll is a Product Manager & Sales Representative for Mitsubishi Electric. I get to travel a lot around NZ and was lucky enough to travel to Japan last year. My role is very challenging but it only makes me more determined to be the best I can be.
2008 was definitely my year! I was promoted to my current role, traveled around Europe for 8 weeks then came home and purchased my first house.
When I am not at work or at the gym I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, decorating my new home, running/walking on the beach, jet skiing and of course SHOPPING!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Sally Johnson |
Thai Fit and Total Impact Instructor
I’ve been teaching group exercise classes at Lifestyle since 2002 and I currently teach Thai fit and Total Impact. I enjoy the gym environment where you have the opportunity to improve your health and fitness whilst meeting great people. As well as working at the gym I have my own design and project management business. I’m passionate about both. Family and friends play a huge part in my life, other interests are running, gardening and art.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Jennie Mackie |
Ever Active Instructor
I have enjoyed being a Group Fitness Instructor at Lifestyle Health and Fitness Club for twenty years now and have been so lucky in finding employment with amazing like-minded people to work beside.
Through these years I have instructed a range of various classes and am now turning my energies into working with our over fifties population, mainly in our Upper Hutt club.
Exercise is a priority to me and I feel very fortunate in sharing my time with enthusiastic members who know the importance of keeping fit and healthy. I want my classes to be fun but challenging, finding a balance to suit all participants. Come along and try my Ever Active class, meet the team and decide for yourself.
I am also the Artistic Director of an American company called ‘Yarn Sisters‘and a sales distributor for two companies in New Zealand. I am also an artist mainly painting in oils.
I am married to the lovely Neil and have three children and two stepchildren who are amazing. I am enjoying life and all its greatness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Karla Mansfield |
Box Fit, Ever Active Strength, Pilates and Youthfit Instructor
I started at Lifestyle as a member in 2007 after having my second little girl. I saw such a passion with all the group exercise instructors to help motivate the members and maximise their potential that I knew it was my passion and calling to work for Lifestyle. I too could give back to others what I was given as a member.
I have now been working for Lifestyle since the middle of 2008 on reception and as an Instructor. I love seeing the members faces after they have mastered an exercise that they never thought they could do, or after completing a new boxing combination. I love to push members to their limits!
Come and chat to me, you'll see me around the gym either on reception, on the floor as a Fitness Consultant, or on the stage as a Group Exercise Instructor. My moto is "come on in and give it a go, you may just surprise yourself with what you can achieve!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Chris McCulloch |
RiDE Instructor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Craig McCulloch |
RiDE Instructor
Hi, I've just joined Lifestyle as an instructor and have been around the gym scene many years. I enjoy seeing the transformation that happens to people who regularly attend the gym, whether it be weight loss, fitness level, muscle toning, or self confidence. I find exercising really is the best way to kick start a day or erase the frustration at the end of the day and as an instructor I love helping people get what they want from group exercise. I am a keen cyclist, both road riding and mountain biking so enjoy getting members to visualize the ride while in class. I hope to see you in a RiDE class soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Mike Mercer |
Muscle Express Instructor
Hi everyone, I'm Mike. I've been at Lifestyle since 2009, first as a member and then more recently as an instructor for the Muscle Express class. I love it! To have a dedicated group of people coming along to work out in a session together - it's a great environment to immerse yourself in and make the most of the lives we have been given!
I'm passionate about all my sports and my major code is Fencing which I compete internationally. I am around the gym a fair bit - mainly Upper Hutt, so if you see me come up and introduce yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Ben Montague |
Muscle Express, Box Fit, and Ever Active Instructor
I’ve been teaching Group Exercise since 1995 and have really seen it evolve. I’ve instructed different class types over the years but the recently added Muscle Express class would be my all time favourite, not only is it a great work-out but I’ve really got a kick out of seeing the progress some of the members have made by participating regularly.
In my spare time I enjoy playing or watching sport, listening to music and spending time with my family – wife Neralee and kids Josh and Caleb.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Yvette Potts |
RiDE and Muscle Express Instructor
I have been a Group Exercise Instructor since 2006. As an instructor, I love the intensity of my classes that I take - both RiDE and MX. I am addicted to helping others achieve their personal goals, and helping them strive to improve on each class that they attend, as well as always pushing individuals to step out of their comfort zone whilst having fun doing so.
Originally from South Africa, I moved to New Zealand in 2004. I have represented South Africa in both Softball and Karate. I enjoy various types of sport, and am currently attempting to better myself at golf when I am not at the gym or at work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Jo-Ann Saffioti |
|
Zumba Fusion, Thai Fit, Muscle Express, Pilates, Ever Active, Box Fit and Youthfit Instructor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Amy Sammut |
Pilates and Yoga Instructor
Hi, I'm Amy and I started teaching at Lifestyle in 2009. I completed a Diploma in Yoga in 2006 with the IYTA (NZ) and have studied posture and core training extensively over the past ten years. I have recently completed an Exercise Consultant Certificate with NZIHF.
I find it so rewarding to help people gain strength in their bodies and relieve injuries and weaknesses through exercise. Lifestyle has a great atmosphere and I am enjoying being part of the team.
My other passions are film making, traveling and snowboarding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Susan Searle |
Muscle Express Instructor
Hi, my name is Susan. I grew up in Perth, Australia and have been in NZ since 1999. I have been a group exercise instructor since 2002 and have been at Lifestyle since 2006 as a muscle express instructor. What I love most about muscle express is the pride in people's faces when they push themselves and realise they can do more than they thought.
Outside of the gym I work part time at PetVet Animal Hospital in Lower Hutt and my husband and I run a children's sports business, based mainly around summer soccer and school holiday programmes. We are also the proud parents of 3 young girls who always keep us on our toes. My eldest daughter and I volunteer together at the Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society. Feel free to come and have a chat, I'm always happy for 5 minutes down-time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Bernie Semau |
Box Fit Instructor
I've been with Lifestyle since 2006 and along the way have become a Results Based Trainer, Group Exercise instructor (Box Fit), Youth Fit instructor (Strike 1 and 2) and a Team Training instructor (Box Squad).
Obviously I have a keen interest in martial arts/boxing and enjoy seeing members get the same kick out of the training as I do. I believe it is an empowering type of training and you can see the sense of achievement in peoples faces once they finish a class.
It's great to see people from all walks of life come together for one common goal. A lot of the time participants build friendships with other people in the class and there's a real feel of team work within the group.
When I'm not helping out other people with their training, I enjoy fitting in a few exercise sessions of my own. Like most of us, friends and family top my list of priorities outside of the gym. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Fati Tagoai |
|
RiDE Instructor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Terry Tata |
Box Fit Instructor
I am a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor and both of these roles give me the opportunity and pleasure in helping my clients and members achieve their health and fitness goals.
I love what I do and I know it shows! I so love helping people to physically get to a place they never thought was possible!
I absolutely appreciate the time members take to come to my classes, and I will always make every session FUN! That's what the gym is all about, having fun with a great bunch of people.
Away from the gym I love running, doing half and full marathons, boxing, kickboxing, and I have found a new passion with Zumba Fusion - it's great fun! I love spending time with my son Taine and daughter Ariana - they keep me on my toes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Jacqui Taylor |
|
Yoga Instructor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Shane Taylor |
RiDE Instructor
I have been a Group Exercise RiDE Instructor for 2 years. As a RiDE instructor, I get a huge thrill out of motivating others to work to their potential in order to achieve their goals. It is always great to see a member walk into the class for the first time and walk away from the class with a smile on their face.
I have made many friends at Lifestyle and believe this is through the fun environment that the Group Exercise classes create.
Away from the gym, I enjoy spending time with my young family, socialising with friends, and spending time riding my off road motorbike.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Alan Tetevano |
RiDE and Muscle Express Instructor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Bex (Rebecca) Thomson |
RiDE, Muscle Express and Thai Fit Instructor
I have been working at Lifestyle since 2000. I have been involved in all areas of gym life, as a Fitness Consultant, Results Based Trainer, Receptionist, and Group Exercise Instructor. I currently work part time across both gyms teaching Thai Fit, Muscle Express, and RiDE, whilst studying in my last year of nursing. I love teaching all classes and my main aim is to see a smile on the member’s faces!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Lois Tuarau |
Muscle Express Instructor
Hi, my name's Lois. I've been a Group Fitness Instructor at Lifestyle since the gym first opened in 1989.......and I have the grey hairs to prove it!!
I've taught a wide variety of classes over the past 20 years, but my all-time favourite has to be the Muscle Express class. This class is the 'ultimate workout' in the shortest time possible. I love it! It is so satisfying to see gym members achieve their goals and improve their fitness over the months.
You can find me working-out in the gym 5-6 mornings a week and generally 'rarking' up the Thursday morning RiDE class most weeks! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tarsh (Natarsha) Williams-Nuku |
Zumba, Pilates and Ever Active Instructor
I've been working in the fitness industry since I was a teenager attending Naenae College. I traveled around NZ and parts of the world representing New Zealand for Gymnastics, so it was an awesome transition into the fitness industry.
I have pretty much taught every style of group exercise there is available - yes, I got to wear the yummy G-strings, leg warmers and headbands!
I am super passionate about Pilates. Teaching Classical Pilates here at Lifestyle is rewarding as I get to see improvement in clients' movements, posture, and they are able to use what they have learnt during the classes in their everyday lives. Classical Pilates is a strong workout and caters for all levels and abilities. As you can tell, I think Pilates rocks!
I also teach other group exercise classes at Lifestyle Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt .
When I'm away from the gym, I try to be supermum to my boys Harley and Oscar and superwife to my husband Phily Nuku. I love snowboarding and skiing - there is always a positive to the cold winter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Johanna Winter |
Zumba Fusion and Ever Active Instructor
I'm in my third year instructing at Lifestyle - I completed the Lifestyle Group Exercise Academy in 2007.
I am the Retention Consultant and head of Fitness Consultants at Upper Hutt. I love the atmosphere and energy at Lifestyle - it's easy to become so passionate about your work. Especially instructing, seeing the joy and happiness on the member's faces!
I have an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, which focused on Contemporary, Samoan, Kapa Haka, and Cook Island dance. This has taken me around the world performing at different festivals. So coming from that to instructing has been an exciting time, taking on different challenges. Instructing has been a wonderful progression from dancing.
I am also the proud Mum of two amazing boys, Leroy and Angelo, who obviously keep me busy.
I look forward to seeing you in my classes, come and say hello!
|
|
|
|
|
|