Annemarie Quill embarks on a six-week training programme at new health centre.
'The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you'll need tomorrow."
This is the mantra of personal trainer Louise Dumee, one of the trainers at Aspire Health and Sports, which opens today.
I will be needing some of that strength because for six weeks from Monday Louise will be putting me through the paces to see what we can achieve together.
A Tri NZ certified coach, Louise has her own triathlon coaching business specialising in triathlons, marathons, swim and cycle events.
I feel daunted but Louise immediately puts me at ease - she is a down to earth mother of two and I feel she has a lot of empathy. But I don't think she will spare me any pain.
I won't be alone in the six-week challenge. Will Johnston from The Hits is doing his own six-week programme at Aspire with trainer Ben Spenceley, who has come all the way from the UK to work at the gym.
His motto is: "Do, or do not, there is no try". Will and I immediately see that our trainers are already seeing this as a challenge, with us as their pawns.
Aspire's official opening makes a welcome addition to the Bay health and fitness scene. It is both a luxury club - with pool, sauna, plunge pool and an array of fitness classes with everything from Zumba to pump to spinning. I ask if there are straighteners in the ladies' changing rooms and Will and his trainer laugh - they can see where my fitness priorities are. (By the way, there are).
For the more seriously sporty, there's a high-performance centre which All Blacks' strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill will operate, using the Ludus Magnus school of training that focuses on strength and conditioning. Manager Stacey Pearce says it will allow people to "unleash their inner gladiator" and includes classes such as "Tiger Beer" which is "nothing to do with alcohol but way more fun".
Aspire health centre. Fitness challenge, the competitors (l-r) Louise Dumee, Annemarie Quill, Will Johnston and Ben Spenceley.
Puzzled? There will be demonstrations of Ludus Magnus today. Plus, if you fancy trying your hand at fitness classes - including pump and Zumba - these will be running free all day so bring your gear if you want to try. Or take a tour of this mega health club which has state-of-the-art training and gym facilities.
There is a health food cafe where you will be able to sample goodies such as high protein smoothies and raw food desserts, mini sliders and salmon rolls.
Silver Fern Laura Langman will be there from 1-2.30pm with signed gear to give away.
INFO: What: Aspire Health and Fitness Grand Opening When: Saturday July 18, 10am to 4pm Where: SH2 Bethlehem www.clubaspire.co.nz Below is the FREE group fitness time table that will be running on opening day 10.30-11 Body Step (in the Studio) 11-11.30 Body Pump (Studio) 11.30-12 CXWORX (Studio) 12.00-12.50 LUDUS MAGNUS (in the High Performance Centre) 1.00-1.30 Body Combat (Studio) 1.35-2.05 RPM (Spin Studio) 2.15-2.45 Body Balance (Studio) 3.00-3.50 LUDUS MAGNUS (High Performance Centre) 3-3.30 Zumba (Studio) 3.30-4 Bokwa (Studio)
Annemarie Quill tries the stretch area. Photo/John Borren
