Fitex & Awards 2019

Aaron is a Scottish born NZ registered Physiotherapist and REPs NZ registered Exercise Specialist who works both as a Physiotherapist and Trainer in the Nelson/Tasman Region of New Zealand. He has professional memberships with Physiotherapy New Zealand, Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy NZ, Occupational Health Physiotherapy Group and The New Zealand Pain Society.

As a Physiotherapist, he works in;
Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy - which focuses on exercise rehabilitation, strength & conditioning, as well as gym & sports-specific rehabilitation programmes.
Musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation and Chronic pain management.

The personal training work he is involved with is predominantly with special populations, from the elderly, those with obesity/diabetes or chronic medical conditions, to high-level athletes looking for progress with strength, power and speed.

He is the Director of PhysEx Rehabilitation & Performance Ltd, and provides mentorship to trainers and other health professionals in ethical and best practice health business approaches. PhysEx Rehab is also the primary agency in a large multidisciplinary collaborative project (working heavily with personal trainers) looking to bring more affordable rehabilitation services to at risk populations in New Zealand.

His passion is for empowering people to achieve their health, life & sports goals through evidence-based approaches. He feels that, with true collaboration between the Health and Fitness sectors, health and quality of life could be improved for all New Zealanders.

Growing up passionate and immersed in everything dance, Abby completed all of her Ballet and Jazz exams, performing and competing in competition work while dreaming of an international performance career.

After training full time in Musical Theatre and Dance Teaching, the 5 years that followed saw Abby traveling the world as a performer on-board cruise ships and living in Mumbai, India appearing in 13 Bollywood films.

After settling back home in New Zealand in 2016, with newly acquired fitness qualifications gained while traveling abroad, Abby began building her Personal Training business in the safe hands of Les Mills.

2 years on, opportunity arose and Abby chose to spread her wings, allowing what she had envisioned for her brand to become take flight.
A special new space to offer all of her passions under 1 roof saw that Studio Glow was born - a dance, fitness and beauty boutique with goals focused on offering services to women and aspiring dancers after a unique experience while they achieve their ‘glow’.

In 2018, Studio Glow was named winner of 'Studio of the Year' at the NZ Exercise Industry Awards.
According to the awards panel, the environment boasted “a strong personal values base and an attention to detail, in the environment and with client care” and “a space that is uniquely designed to reflect the needs of its market and the owner’s personality.”

In order to expand her career and share her knowledge and experience, Abby always aims to broaden her horizons, learn, surround herself and work alongside as many inspired professionals as possible.
Abby will continue to travel and aims to remain current and credible in her chosen areas of work, determined to keep her passion for performing and the fitness industry alive for many years to come.

As a fitness leader, I believe we need to develop, present and engage fitness actions that are safe, attainable but challenge the body and mind. Music is the point of difference with exercise in Group Fitness. The music MUST incite feelings, passion and fun while also developing fitness, movement and form.

I have instructed Group Fitness for 26 years.

I have been a previous winner of Group Fitness Instructor of the Year for NZ (2014) and regionally when teaching for the Christchurch City Council. (2011)

My instruction experience crosses the boundary of engagement and communication where I have previously been and current are a specialist educator in NZ for learners who are blind/low vision and deaf/hearing impaired.

My enthusiasm and passion for positive engagement transcends both presentation models, with education or fitness.

With over 14 years of industry experience across a range of hands-on training, development and leadership roles, Alisha is not your average fitness educator and practitioner. For over a decade Alisha held the role of Learning and Development Manager at Australian Fitness Network, where she was responsible for the curriculum development and delivery, and conference programming that has qualified or up-skilled many thousands of new and existing fitness professionals.

Alisha is also co-Director of Integral, a ground-breaking movement studio that is at the forefront of aerial instruction in Australia, where she leads a team of superstar movement educators.

As evidenced in her work as an Animal Flow Master Instructor, Alisha’s love of sharing intelligent movement, bodyweight exploration, and skill acquisition with kids and adults of all ages and experience levels underpins her dynamic, articulate and encouraging teaching style.

An accomplished writer, presenter and mover, Alisha also brings an astute, humorous and authentic approach to her mentoring and speaking work.

With over a decade of fitness industry experience to draw on, Chaddy is an NLP Practitioner, PTA Global Faculty Member, TRX and Trigger Point Performance Senior Master Instructor, Senior SandBell, Kettlebell and Battling Ropes, instructor. He is also now proudly associated with the body weight movement program Animal Flow as a Master Instructor. His time in the Australian army led him through some physical pain and then on a journey to discover its cause. That then led him to health and fitness where he has been able to help himself and others through movement coaching. He was eventually able to return to his sporting passion, Australian Rules Football, as a player and coach. He is now studying martial arts and finds it a fantastic way to learn and observe movement. Chaddy can apply science and intuition to movement and make it fun and through this earned the 2017 Network FILEX Presenter of the year. His driving passion is now to create health for others, by helping them generate energy and longevity through coaching, play and movement.

Angela Lee Jenkins, a Holistic Health Expert is also a Mum, Business Owner, International Presenter, Educator, Mentor and founder of the charity movement #104Will.

Angela has a particular interest in lifestyle and functional medicine and takes a personalised holistic approach to wellness.

She is highly committed to personal development and growth and has undergone programs by some of the world’s best mentors.

Her other passion is for mentoring health professionals who are now operating at a level beyond what they thought possible.

With over 20yrs experience Angela has coached leaders around the world and has co-developed a team of Kaizen Advanced Health Coaches and Health Practitioners in Australia, NZ and Asia (including award winning trainers)

Angela’s mission is to inspire you to discover your reason for being and “Will to Liv” your most fulfilling life.#lifeisshortwhatspossible

Benjamin Siong is the Founder of Australian Strength Performance - ASP, Australia’s premiere strength and conditioning brand focused on athletic performance, physique transformations, sports psychology and optimal nutrition. Having graduated with an honours degree in psychology, Ben is also a level 5 Poliquin Strength Coach, ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist and a highly sought after international presenter.

His expertise in program design, specifically combining training protocols with optimal nutrition, has seen him produce top ranked athletes in over 16 sports as well as champion bodybuilders, fitness models and pageant queens, including Miss Australia 2011 and Miss Malaysia 2012.

More recently, Ben developed and launched a range of training courses covering topics from hypertrophy, fat loss, nutrition and coaching. Each course is aimed at translating high-level theory into practical and applicable information that is 100% results driven. Having these courses now taught in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, he has created ASP Education International, the education sector of the brand. www.trainasp.com.au

Dr Bill Sukala is a Sydney-based health science communicator, writer, speaker, media spokesperson, and digital consultant to health organizations. He holds a doctorate in exercise science with a research focus on type 2 diabetes and obesity, a master’s in clinical exercise physiology, and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Bill has nearly three decades of experience in the health field, including work as a personal trainer, clinical exercise physiologist in a hospital cardiac rehab program, and university lecturer and researcher. He has authored articles for large publications in multiple countries and given invited presentations across five continents. He is frequently sought out by the media for comment on the latest health trends and fads. In 2012, his exposé on the Ab Circle Pro was picked up by the media and contributed to the company getting slapped with a $25 million fine for making false claims, eventually forcing them out of business. Bill also a tech geek with over a decade of web programming and search engine optimization experience, and has leveraged this to create high ranking health content on his website which has garnered millions of page views. Blending his health science background and digital skills, Bill helps health organizations and health professionals communicate more effectively to reach a larger online audience.

Bowie Stover (They/Them) is a Fitness Coach and RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certified) Instructor with over 6 years experience in the health and fitness industry.

Their experience lies in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community to become physically active and lead healthier and happier lives with a particular focus on Trans and Gender Diverse health and fitness.

Bowie is co founder of Fearless Movement Collective (FMC), an online Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset Social Enterprise that supports LGTQIA+ community members.

FMC specialises in supporting trans and gender diverse people to pursue holistic transitioning pathways that support them in connecting their hearts, minds and bodies.

Bowie is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is crazy about kettlebells and enjoys skateboarding and snowboarding in their free time.

Dr Cam has spent the last decade furthering his knowledge and skills so as to promote health in a way that makes it easy and obvious for clients. Dr Cam blends his background as a dietitian, exercise physiologist, with his long-standing personal interest in health, and his passion for understanding the latest research in genetics and environmental influence on health.

He takes this passion to both the general community, however he has a large focus on improving the education of health professionals in the space of personalised health. He currently spends the majority of his time educating Medical practitioners through to Massage therapists in the application of personalisation, and how it can be readily used to dramatically improve outcomes for their clients.

Carl is the founder of BestMe Radio in which he interviews experts and researchers throughout the world in all areas of wellness. He is also a founder and the Academic Director of Wellingtons fully integrate gym HealthFit Collective.

He presents throughout the country and internationally on a wide range of wellness subjects.

Carol has worked in Fitness for 31 years, as a Group Fitness Instructor/Manager and PT. Her love is Group Fitness, she has a passion to create programs that are inclusive. Carol has combined her fitness knowledge with her desire to create accessible fitness programs as she believes fitness is for everyone. Carols daughter and sister both live with an intellectual disability. She is an advocate for inclusion, her passion is to improve all aspects of life for people living with disability. Her role as Program Coordinator at a large council facility in Melbourne allows her to manage and create programs that cater for Active adults, children and people with a disability.

Caitlin is 24 and lives with an intellectual disability. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion and is overcoming barriers and breaking down stereotypes. She is currently employed at YMCA in Dandenong, and Department of Premier and Cabinet, Melbourne. Caitlin is keen to share her real-life story to help improve life for people living with disability.

DR. CHERYE ROCHE - Doctor of Chiropractic
* Registered Chiropractic Doctor in NZ, Aus, UK, USA
* Sports Chiropractor - spinal and extremity injury care
* Exercise physiologist - Univ. of Washington - USA
* Biomechanist - linking the kinetic chain to injury prevention
* Clinic Director - Pure Healthcare multidisciplinary clinic
* Founder - The Gait Doctor - Provision of custom orthotics
* International speaker on clinical biomechanics

In my 20+ years of clinical practice, academic inquiry, and provision of healthcare products, I have come to understand that muscles do not simply become weak for no reason. Muscle imbalance is secondary to either biomechanical or neruological imbalance. Identifying that this is the case is not a complicated as you think. Simple observation and common sense will lead any health professional to see the need to bring balance to the body biomechanically first, and then to rehabilitate the weak or contractured tissues. Come to my talks to learn more about how to better serve your clients. I am excited to see you at the FitEx event.

Known as the “weirdo” at the gym, Dan is obsessed with human movement, play and how the body and mind operates. A Personal Trainer of 10 years Dan coaches humans from the age of 9 to 80+ to move better and play more using simple tools (tennis balls, sticks and the floor). Dan’s passion for self development has led him to explore aspects of philosophy, gymnastics, dance, juggling, trail running, yoga, meditation, sleep and many other genres. Dan encourages education over information and practical experimentation over stereotypical conversation, i.e. let's get moving first and talk about the weather later!

Dave is an exercise physiologist specialising in holistic health and exercise. He is the founder of the Holistic Movement Coach Programme and the co-owner of the Kaizen Exercise Physiologists in Australia.

Dave has a long history as an elite high-performance sport conditioning coach. He currently presents and mentors internationally to fitness professionals on integrating a holistic approach to health and fitness. Over the last 25 years of practice he has a developed a niche in working with clients with chronic pain and injuries.

Liz Dene is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition for Torrens University, a highly acclaimed international presenter, corporate wellness consultant and one of Australia's most experienced wellness, pregnancy and exercise specialists. Liz is a regular presenter on Australian TV networks, was the former Flexibility Coach for the Australian Rugby Union Wallabies, was the Head of Education at the Australian Fitness Network and has consulted to brands such as Westpac, Channel 7, Lend Lease, LuLuLemon, Byron Yoga, ChiBall International and more. Liz has been instrumental in shaping and developing the Australian fitness industry through her involvement in curriculum development and has held positions of many boards.

Erin is known for her ability to deliver effective and inspiring choreography, whilst connecting with members to create energetic and inclusive classes. An award-winning instructor based in Auckland, Erin is a club manager at AUT Gym. She has been teaching and managing in the fitness industry for 15 years, and has presented both nationally and internationally.

Gareth has worked for over 10 years in the health and fitness industry with a focus on movement, biomechanics and scientific evidence to help enhance client outcomes. Practical solutions are vital for our industry so Gareth uses his passions for science and exercise to help marry the two into effective techniques that he uses daily with his clients.

My Dad was an instructor in the army for several years, I think that’s where it all started, his approach to fitness, to be fit and to stay fit really set the tone for me.

My story with fitness truly begun at the age of 10 when my parents took me to the local swimming club. Getting up five times a week at 4:30 AM to pack my bag and jog to the swimming pool put my mindset into “no-good-thing-comes-easy” mode really quick.

After a few years competitive swimming I turned to Martial Arts and found my inner peace in Jiu Jitsu. It’s been more than 25 years I’m practicing; I can’t imagine my life without it. Ran seminars for the police, special forces of the government and worked as a close combat instructor in the army.

Fun Fact: in 2000 I hurt my back really badly during a fight, doctors’ said I‘m not going to be able to lift or exercise anymore. I remembered that in 2002 standing on top of the podium.

Now we run an amazing outdoor fitness company called Boot It Taranaki. Combination of the army physical training, team building and some HIIT madness. Rain or shine, you’ll find us outside. Love doing it. We also run a free community session every Saturday for those who can’t afford it.

Born and raised in Hungary –under the Soviet occupation, grew up with Kettlebells. Swinging them longer than I can remember. An amazing tool to support so many different goals, there is no other equipment like that. Teaching group classes several times a week, but using it with my corporate clients or youth as well as my elite athlete cage fighters.

I’m a qualified, registered PT, ambassador of the PT Council of New Zealand.

Gilly gained her Hons in physiotherapy from the University of Brighton, (UK). She worked as a neurological physiotherapist both publicly and privately in the UK and Auckland before completing her Post Grad certificate at AUT. She then spent 3 years as clinical educator and senior therapist at one of Australia’s leading neurological physiotherapy providers, the Advance Rehab Centre in Sydney. In 2014 she launched Connect Neuro Physiotherapy which delivers cutting edge evidence based approaches to Parkinson’s and MS treatment. She is the recipient of the Australian Physiotherapy Association IPSEN 2015 Award for Special Commendation for Achievement in Neurological Physiotherapy.

Ian O’Dwyer (OD), director of OD on Movement and Co-Founder of SOMA, is a Movement Coach, Mentor, Author and Presenter of over 600 workshops. OD has a unique ability to observe movement and create instant change through innovative and practical techniques but best of all he makes it FUN.

OD is a common sense, positive guy who has worked with and learnt from some of the world’s best to become an effective and successful coach.

Jeff Willoughby owns Studio41 in Wellington, New Zealand. Since 2005, Jeff has been designing fitness courses for health and fitness centers and lecturing internationally on the topics of training and nutrition. Jeff earned a degree in physical education from Otago University and has continued to broaden his knowledge by obtaining nutritional qualifications, such as through the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and completing training in functional diagnostic nutrition.

Jen Dugard is on a mission to redefine how mums are educated and cared for after entering motherhood. She is bringing back communities through exercise; building support networks for mums and linking them with educated personal trainers and health professionals.

Her award winning business Body Beyond Baby, founded over ten years ago has recently evolved from “Group Exercise with onsite childcare” to the Body Beyond Baby Affiliate Team which brings together mum-focused fitness businesses from around Australia and New Zealand to work in collaboration to raise the standard of the way women are looked after once they become mothers.

She is the author of the book “How to Love your Body as much as your Baby” creator of accredited Personal Trainer education program “Safe Return to Exercise”

Put simply, Jen Dugard is leading the way in training mums and provides profound insights that are changing the ways that hundreds of women are viewing their life as a mother.

JP is a specialist in integrated myofascial movement, play and enjoyment in exercise; one of a handful in Australia and New Zealand. Taking account of connective tissues in addition to the muscles means a more complete understanding of the human body and the way it is designed to move, meaning JP’s knowledge is sought after at major conferences across the region. He has presented every year since 2011 at the main events held in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. In addition he has conducted teaching tours for the last two years and in 2018 was selected as the only featured presenter for the Exercise New Zealand Roadshow, covering eight cities across the country.

JP’s knowledge and ability with communication has led to roles as master instructor for some global brands of exercise equipment, both teaching instructors and writing content for those companies. He also writes and creates video content on effective movement for national and global companies.

JP also runs his own education and mentorship program, called ‘The Next Level’ for those wanting to start learning his skills in myofascial appraisal and prescription in movement. People from a range of fields from exercise, to physiotherapy, to manual therapy and Eastern medicine have so far learnt from him.

JP has a reputation as an early adopter of the latest effective practices in movement and health. Whether that be using a fascial understanding of movement, genetic assessment for personal health outcomes or using play as a form of high intensity exercise, he brings a progressive outlook to everything he does. Whatever project he tackles, it is viewed as a unique challenge, with unique requirements, requiring unique practices. JP’s ability to adapt his knowledge and skills is well known and he’s one of the few people excited by varied and different challenges outside of the norm.

He loves teaching, has a sharp sense of humour and always endeavours to make each session an experience, rather than just a workshop.

Jono is the co founder and director at Fitness Education Online, an organization which specialises in providing professional development for Personal Trainers in the Bootcamp, Functional Training and Social Media space. Fitness Education Online’s courses are internationally recognized across Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Jono is a qualified Exercise Physiologist, published author (The Bootcamp Blueprint), International Speaker (FILEX and FITEX), host of the most successful Fitness Bootcamp Business podcast “The Bootcamp Blueprint” and owner of the popular Facebook Group “Fitness Education Online Community Group” which has over 10 000 members all of which are Fitness Professionals. Most importantly, he is also a huge Game of Thrones fan.

June Stevenson has worked in the Health and Fitness Industry for 32 years, as a Personal and Group Exercise Trainer. During this time she also ran a Sports and Medical Massage Practice for 19 years. She discovered Nordic Walking in 2004 and became an instant convert. Her passion for this activity has seen June become a pioneer in introducing the activity throughout New Zealand. She has sought coaching from international Nordic Walking coaches, and has travelled overseas to ensure that the authentic teaching method is reproduced. In 2009, June attained the National Coaching Level, as determined by the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA). June is authorised to ‘Train the Trainer’ and is regularly teaching Health and Fitness Professionals to become instructors. In 2013, she was invited to train instructors in Singapore.

To date, June has taught Nordic Walking to hundreds of people, ranging in ages from 8 to 91 years old! Her extensive background as a health and fitness consultant, gives her an in-depth understanding of the barriers and concerns exercise has for many people. June specialises in teaching endurance walking, movement correction and has developed exercises to assist people suffering from neurological conditions to successfully Nordic Walk. She has seen how Nordic Walking is attracting a large percentage of the population who are generally not catered for in the sport and fitness arenas.

Katrina has worked both Nationally throughout Australia and Internationally with elite athletes, sporting teams and special populations over the past 20 years. As the owner and managing director of Sports Training Solutions, Katrina specialises in small group training, athletic performance and special populations. Katrina is a popular International presenter who continually educates and inspires health and fitness professionals around the world with new and innovative training concepts and ideas. Katrina is the General Manager and Leader of the Australian Fitness Network where she influences thousands of Fitness professionals with their continuing education and management throughout not only Australia but also many International Fitness Organisations. Katrina continues to educate, lead and inspire many new and experienced trainers and business owners around the world daily.

Kayla Duke is a Pilates master trainer and group exercise expert with over 14 years’ experience in the international fitness industry and a background in dance. Based in Singapore, she runs her own mobile Pilates, Personal Training & Group Classes business, JK Fitness, with her husband, Junior Goh, working with clients from around the world. She previously spent 9 years as Singapore Group X Country Manager for a chain of mega gyms across Asia, and 3 years working as a freelance instructor and lecturer in Group Exercise and Aqua Aerobics courses in Australia. Her experience in dance performance and teaching, including dancing full-time with The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet breaches 18 years.

Kayla’s passion lies in bringing a sense of achievement, happiness and greater confidence to all who seek an active lifestyle. She believes there is a fitness program to suit everybody and her mission is to guide each of her clients, students and followers to find what is right for them. Experience has reinforced her belief that this is the key to establishing and maintaining an active lifestyle forever.

Kris has over 30 years experience in the fitness industry in both the UK and NZ. Initially she trained at Otago University (Dip PE) and has gained further training through ACSM, FAI (Functional Aging institute) among others.
She has presented at Filex (Australia) IHRSA (US), Business Grow and Fitex (NZ) and UK ACTIVE (UK). Kris has consulted and run in-house workshops and seminars to a variety of organisations including YMCA (Auckland and Christchurch), Active Canterbury Network, Manukau Leisure Services, Anytime Fitness Australia, CLM, Lifestyle Health and Fitness, Otago Poly and Southern Institute of Technology. She has also been involved in steering groups for various projects including accreditation of Green Prescription, Guidelines for Children in Exercise Facilities, and more recently, the NZQA TROQ review for the Fitness sector. Kris has been involved in the PT Council and completed project work for REPs notably in the area of compiling resources for trainers and facilities. She is the author of “The Interactive Instructor” book published in 2010, and has developed a home exercise programme called The Super Senior Programme. She is also a member of the judging panel for the NZ Exercise Awards. Kris’s experience and knowledge of the industry both here and abroad gives her a good perspective to contribute to the continued forward growth of REPs, of which she is now a board member, as the exercise professionals elected representative.

Kyle started in the fitness industry in 2010 with a degree in exercise science and has travelled the world speaking, educating and implementing personalised and holistic health principles with a passion to change the paradigm within the fitness industry. Kyle has had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading experts in the fields of epigenetics and holistic health and has played a role in helping thousands of people improve their health and quality of life in his time working as a personal trainer and lifestyle coach. He has worked with the likes of the Biggest Loser Health Retreat as well as teaching hundreds of health and fitness professionals working alongside the Australian Institute of Fitness and through operating his own professional development in personalised health with ph360. Kyle’s mission is to free human potential through empowering people to take control of their health and happiness.

Mexican born and now based in Christchurch, Maria Teresa has been teaching group fitness (land and water) since 1996. She helped launch the global phenomenon Zumba fitness in New Zealand and Australia in 2009. With her role as a Zumba Education Specialist (ZES) she has trained thousands of instructors worldwide. Fitness Australia Roll of honour 2016 for her contribution to the fitness industry in Australia. Co-founder of My Group Move.

Recently awarded Presenter of the Year 2018 and NZ Educator of the Year 2016, Marietta Mehanni is an multi-award winning Australian presenter with over 29 years of teaching experience in both land and water based group exercise. Marietta is also the World Master Trainer and Education Coordinator for Gymstick International. Co-creator of mSwing and My Group Move, Marietta is passionate about developing fun exercise formats that are suitable for all ages and abilities. She is an advisor to and advocate for Power Music, an exciting platform offering instructors easy access to music and choreography.

Mark is a physiotherapist with an extensive background in the fitness industry. He is a regular presenter at fitness industry events in New Zealand. Mark has been involved in the preparation of thousands of fitness professionals in Australia and internationally. Mark is the co-creator of the popular mSwing program which makes fitness fun and accessible to an incredible range of participants. Mark has over 25 years experience in the fitness industry and has developed effective rehabilitation systems for individuals, sports and industry. He has presented and worked in program development for Australian Fitness Network, The Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine and the Australian Institute of Fitness. He has also lectured in undergraduate exercise science programs. Mark is a former winner of the prestigious Australian Fitness Industry Presenter of the Year award.

As a Regional Director of Fitness for CityFitness, Mark actively changes the lives of members and personal trainers on a large scale. He is heavily involved in Personal Training Academies, NASM Practical Workshop Facilitation, Skills Active Qualification Assessment and Head Trainer Development. With over 15 years industry experience, Mark comes to Fitex with an infectious enthusiasm for teaching, that is sure to create great growth in those who attend his sessions

Most recently, Mark won the Educator of the Year at the New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards. The Judges’ comments were that ‘Mark not only engages his students within their sessions and development into personal trainers but also has an understanding of the bigger picture supporting standards and growth across the industry’.

As a first-time presenter at Fitex, Mark is sure to create an emotional experience in his sessions, that his audience will be eager to pass on to anyone who is willing to listen.

Matt is an experienced facilitator and programme developer who has spent thousands of hours training a wide variety of groups and individuals from all walks of life. Since graduating as a teacher (BTcLn) in 2004, Matt has worked for a variety of both public and private organisations. Much of his work has involved training people within social service and criminal justice sectors about how to motivate themselves and others, with the ultimate goal being positive change.

Matt is also the creator of exercisechange.co.nz, a website aimed at helping people understand and increase their motivation to exercise, and the author of Exercise Change: Build, Strengthen and Maintain Motivation to Exercise.

Above all Matt takes pride in his work and is passionate about adding value to people’s lives.

Incorporating an in depth knowledge of motivation and change with a dynamic and energetic style of presentation, Matt aims to make most of every training opportunity by encouraging people to get the most out of themselves and others.

A former World Class BMX bicycle racer, Meghan came to Australia to play professional basketball and ended up staying as a lead lecturer at the Australian Institute of Fitness. She most recently appeared as a ‘Ninja’ on Channel Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior. Currently she is the Precor, CrankIt and Altitude Training National Master Coach making her an authority on peak performance. She is an international speaker who speaks at the largest fitness conferences in the world such as Filex and CanFit Pro. Her experiences as an athlete, her educational portfolio (Sports Scientist, Kinesiologist and Masters of Coaching), her entrepreneurial ventures, and her enthusiastic character have shaped her as a formidable leader in fitness and international speaker. Meghan’s passion for fitness is complimented by her role as Founder and CEO of Buzvil, a digital platform creating a gateway to complete holistic health, by combining mental and fitness freedom.

- Personal Trainer Tier 2 - FitforYou, based at Cityfitness CBD, Nelson for 2 years.
- Practicing Taijiquan as a martial art for 42 years, Teaching weekly Taijiquan classes for 32 years in Nelson, NZ Aotearoa
- Teaching Contact Improvisation Dance for 20 years - Directed and Danced in own CI Dance company for 10 years
- Sponsored Team Bodysurfer for Seventhwave Wetsuits NZ and Slyde Handboards USA - Represented NZ at 21st World Bodysurfing Championships, California, USA in 2015
- Swim/Surf Coach for 38 years
- Certified Myo-fascial Release Therapy Masseur - 1 year
- Senior Lecturer in Degree in Visual and Performing Arts at NMIT in Nelson for 27 years
- Support Worker for Youth in Mental Health for 6 years

Michael Cunico is the National Fitness Manager for Fitness First Australia. He is responsible for driving the strategic direction of both the personal training and group exercise departments for the organization, overseeing a department that includes 2,500 fitness professionals. Michael has spent the majority of his career working directly with trainers and instructors to maximize their performance and to positively impact members. He has delivered training to thousands of trainers and instructors globally.

Neil's passion for health and fitness is as strong as his passion for running. Having spent over 23 years in the health and fitness industry helping a variety of clients in sport, gym, corporate and clinical settings Neil is fully committed to getting his clients to run further and faster with less pain and injuries. As a personal trainer, running and health coach, Neil understands how difficult it is to maintain a regular health, fitness and running routine and what it really takes to make a permanent change and achieve the goals you dream of.

Neil is also an ultra runner himself. He has completed 100km around Lake Taupo, a handful 50km events, many marathons, half marathons, 10km and 5km events.

Neil owns Peak Fitness and Health in Havelock North, New Zealand with his wife Sam and Running Hot Coaching with his mate and business partner Lisa Tamati.

After many years as an Educator, Presenter and Fitness Enthusiast, Raewyn completed her Personal Training Qualifications at the age of 51. She is the founder of ‘GetSet Training’, a private Studio for middle aged clients, where she passes on her enthusiasm for “aging with strength and a smile.” Raewyn is passionate about helping others to bend the aging curve and thrive in the middle years. She was a finalist for Up & Coming PT of the Year in 2016, and has presented at FitEx NZ 2016-17. But she judges her success by the fact that her clients keep on returning. Indeed, GETSET Training has a waiting list of clients and Raewyn regularly has young PTs coming to her for mentoring. Her advice to other Trainers is based on real, PERSONAL experience, considerable research and a good dose of common sense.

Reilly is extremely passionate about helping people succeed in this industry and has been involved in all facets, from Education and Gym management to Group and Advanced Athlete Training. Currently a Regional Manager at Jetts Fitness New Zealand and business owner. Being involved in sport at a high level in New Zealand and South Africa, Reilly brings an amazing amount of energy and passion to everything he says and does.

With over 10 years in the health and fitness industry and the previous 10 running other peoples businesses Richard brings a blend of business and practical health related experience to his clients.

He also enjoys supporting younger PT's in their journey to success in this industry.

This is why he enjoys sharing some of that knowledge at Fitex each year.

I have an extensive background in Digital Marketing and Social Media and have worked in Banking, Finance, Travel, FMCG and Health, and Wellness and Fitness. I am also a Fitness Instructor and worked in the fitness industry for the past 11 years. Over this time I have learned a lot about what works on Social Media and what doesn't. Together with my industry knowledge and knowledge of social media I can guide you and coach you in the right direction to create engaging conversations with your ideal audience.

Shane is a Hamilton based Personal Trainer and Wellbeing Coach. He is also a passionate advocate for the Queer community and fights to normalize and remove stigma from mental health.

Shane built a relationship with physical activity after he discovered the benefits it had on his mental health. After battling severe anxiety and depression for years, he finally found something that helped him to manage it – and that was exercise.

Exercise helped Shane to get his life on track and gave him the motivation and drive to help others do the same. Since then Shane has completed a Certificate in Fitness Industry Training, a certificate in Massage Therapy and a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.

He graduated in 2017 as Class Speaker and was awarded both Personal Trainer of the Year, and the Stuart Mclean Memorial Trophy for Contribution to Wintec.

Shane also won Student of the Year award at the 2016 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards, and last November won the Up and Coming Personal Trainer award at the 2017 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.

Shane is currently a level 3 Personal Trainer at Les Mills Hamilton, Is an Academic Staff Member at the Wintec Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance, teaching on the Certificate and Degree, and is a volunteer for several programme including community Liaison on The Hamilton Pride Committee, a Youth Mentor at Waikato Queer Youth and a Public Speaker for the Waterboy – removing homophobia from sport.

Shane has his own business, Your Way Wellbeing, where he runs his own self-designed movement, mindfulness and meditation programme within the Waikato DHB forensic, rehabilitation, in patient and community based Mental health Services. Part of his business is also organizing and facilitating Seminars and workshops that promote the positive effects of exercise on our mental health.

Shari is a firm believer that fitness should be accessible and fun for everyone. An extensive background in creating and delivering programs for people of all ages and all abilities in gym, pool and group settings has given her a unique perspective on how to work with clients to design suitable, individualised workouts. Shari works in both the fitness and sport sectors, and she enjoys taking the best of both worlds to give her sessions a twist. Having presented in both Australia and New Zealand, Shari wants to help all fitness professionals understand that modifying exercise to accommodate a wide range of participants shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. When she’s not finding new ways to incorporate household objects into her classes, Shari enjoys aerial fitness, baking and indulging her dog!

This is a story of two passions and how they came together...

Steve lives to help others improve their quality of life through exercise. Something his 25 year career in the fitness industry as an instructor, trainer, manager, assessor, presenter and mentor (and participant) can attest to.

As a drummer and member of Tamashii Taiko, Steve has experienced first-hand the health and fitness benefits of drumming. Drumming is fun, can be challenging and develops you – both mentally and physically. Steve loves to drum. He doesn’t stop. He. Can’t. Help. Himself.

He cannot stop moving either and continues to teach fitness classes for everyone – young, ‘old’, healthy and not-so-healthy.

Bringing the two passions together felt like a natural fit.

And Steve has been exploring ways to incorporate drumming into exercise ever since... and will continue to do so until he can no longer hold a drumstick.

Actually, he’ll probably tape them to his hands and keep going.

He’ll never stop banging the drum for health and fitness.

Never.

Suzanne Cox, BHMS
Suzanne is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who has worked with a wide range of clients in both clinical and gym environments. She is the Online Learning Coordinator at the Australian Institute of Fitness in NSW. Suzanne is the founder of Absolute Conditioning, an exercise physiology business that specialises in exercise for special population groups, in particular clients with metabolic diseases, cancer, Parkinsons disease and other neurological conditions. She also has a passion in working with children and adolescents to encourage a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Suzanne presents regularly at conferences and to corporate and community groups.

My passion is to inspire people and give them tools to create their own wellness, and for me to discover and learn new ways to help people do this.

My tai chi & qigong journey began in 1999 for health reasons. My personal journey to wellness inspired me to want to learn, share and help others.

I am an international Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) Master Trainer authorised to train and qualify TCHI instructors for the following programmes: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention (including TCA Part 2), Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis; Tai Chi for Rehabilitation, Tai Chi for Diabetes and Tai Chi for Energy.

Tai Chi for Health programmes are different from other tai chi, as they are scientifically proven to be effective for health and well-being and endorsed by the CDC.

I also teach 13 community tai chi classes in Franklin District south of Auckland.

I'm on the Executive Committee for two non-profit organisations; national Tai Chi for Health Community NZ Inc. and Franklin Health Group Inc.

Thea is an energetic and charismatic Counsellor, Personal Trainer and holistic wellness warrior for all things woman. She started her working life in corporate HR, however life changed up dramatically after having children and moving to Australia.

In 2010 Thea expanded her career to focus on the health, fitness and wellbeing for women at all ages and stages of life. She has brought together her knowledge at experience of working with people and organisations and combined it with her passion for women's health to create her business running from a PT Studio and Counselling Practice in Melbourne.

In 2018 she opened a safe and inclusive space to explore health and wellbeing - space.inc where she works collaboratively with other businesswomen to provide holistic care. Within a counselling context, she has specialised in trauma, specifically helping women who have suffered birth-related trauma, family violence or sexual assault.

As Co-founder and Co-Director of internationally recognised CPD provider Fitness Education Online, Travis has been involved in the fitness industry for 15+ years. Starting off as a gymnastics coach he soon transitioned into various other specific sports realms (Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL, & Cricket). This eventually led into work in gyms and also Bootcamps, which has since become the speciality of FEO with co-founder Jonathon Petrohilos.

Vanessa Warren is an exercise industry professional with almost 30 years experience as a personal trainer, small group trainer and wellness coach, and she was a Small Group Trainer Finalist at the 2018 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.

Vanessa specialises in working with special population groups – Obesity – training the bigger client, Bariatrics, Diabetes and Women’s Health – PCOS and Endometriosis. Vanessa is passionate about teaching people they can achieve ‘Health and Fitness at Any Size’, and decreasing the stigma attached to exercise and activity for bigger people.

She is the only bariatric exercise specialist in New Zealand, and created the activity and wellness programs used by bariatric patients through the CDHB and with private clients for the past 12 years. Vanessa is now focused on sharing her vast experience and knowledge with other health and exercise professionals, creating a series of Personal Trainer Manuals dedicated to training the following special population groups – Obesity, Diabetes, Bariatrics and PCOS.

Zay Canters (pronouns They/Them) is a passionate snowboarder, dog lover and chai enthusiast who has been documenting their experiences and challenges in quitting drinking on their blog How I Quit Drinking Alcohol, since 2014.

Since then they have been helping people all around the world to stop drinking and start living life with confidence by sharing their knowledge, wisdom and life experience through their wildly successful Facebook Group “How I Quit Drinking Alcohol”.

Zay is now a qualified Addiction and Mindset Coach who’s mission is to help millions of people gain control back of their lives by quitting drinking alcohol through changing their mindset to make the decision to not drink, easy!

They believe in a world where it’s cool and highly respected to be sober and clear-minded, and where alcohol is out of fashion like cigarettes and Spam.

Zay is also co-founder of Fearless Movement Collective. They help their fellow Queer Community and Trans and Gender Diverse clients to transition holistically with fitness, nutrition and mindset coaching.

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Derek is known as “The Brand Man,” with over 34 years of building brands. From 1985 to 2005 he was the head of Marketing at Gold’s Gym International, helping to build Gold’s Gym into one of the most respected and recognized brands in the fitness industry and become the largest international co-ed gym chain with 600 locations in 43 states and 27 countries. During his tenure, Gold’s Gym received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative marketing, with many ads being reprinted in advertising and educational textbooks. In 2005, marking his 20th year of building and protecting an American icon, Derek and Gold’s Gym were featured in America’s Greatest Brands book. Derek is a much sought-after public speaker on marketing, advertising, branding and customer service. In addition to consulting and speaking around the world, Derek is widely published in periodicals for his marketing and branding expertise.

Lisa is a senior conductive educator – a talented and experienced teacher that specializes in teaching movement strategies and skills to people with motor disorders. She has been working in this field for over 20 years in various group and private rehabilitation settings in countries including NZ, Australia, Norway, Canada, and England. Lisa is also a personal trainer, working exclusively with people with disabilities in clinical and mainstream fitness settings. Lisa is the Head Coach and Founding Director of Counterpunch Parkinson’s, an organization that is bringing boxing-based exercise programs lead by accredited coaches to people living with Parkinson’s all over New Zealand and beyond.
Lisa aspires to help as many people with neurological conditions as possible learn to live better and to move better, to develop community based services that are accessible to people with disabilities and that encourage exercise and mobility over a lifetime, to liaise between health and fitness professionals and people with disabilities. She strives to always be developing and learning so that she remains passionate, relevant, capable, and worthy of serving this amazing group of humans in light of most current research and best practice.

Her specialties / areas of interest include:

• Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Plus conditions
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Ataxia
• Stroke
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Dementia
• Other neurological or neuromotor disorders

www.counterpunchparkinsons.com
www.lisagombinskyroach.com