Fitness targets flexibility and mimics wild animals

Mania Fitness member Crystal Rhodes does the bear crawl during a Zuu component of a fitness class.

Mania Fitness is a business spoilt by its own success - the gym is in the enviable position of having to turn away customers.

Owner-operator Steve Kirby recently attended a course for Zuu instructors in Auckland, and since he introduced the programme as part of Boxfit sessions at the gym its popularity has skyrocketed and he is regularly having to ask people to come for the next class.

"But if I can't fit them in I give them a free gym session - it's all about looking after people."

The gym can accommodate about 30 people for group fitness sessions.

Zuu moves imitate animal motions - such as the bear crawl, frog and caterpillar - and is aimed at developing suppleness and flexibility.

Mr Kirby said the technique was proving wildly popular across the country.

Mania Fitness runs four Boxfit sessions a week and a bootcamp called "Six Weeks to Awesome", also four times a week.

As well as running the gym with the help of his wife Lynfa Harris, who does the accounts as well acts as a motivator, Mr Kirby has a day job as a factory manager for Foreno Tapware.

"But the gym is my love - I love fitness and I think that leads to a long and healthy life.

"Obviously the gym is a business and it pays the bills - but it's not going to make a huge amount of money.

"I'm trying to make people aware of the advantages of a fit and healthy lifestyle." As well as fitness, Mr Kirby offers dietary advice for people wanting to get fit and eat healthy.

"It usually involves cutting out sugar and trans and saturated fats - in chips and cakes - and drinking lots of water and less alcohol."

He acknowledges that "having the occasional glass of wine is not too bad, but I encourage moderation".

The gym has about 120 members and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mr Kirby is looking to run more classes.