Rock Climbing
"Ever since 5th form camp I've been wanting to revisit rock climbing as a way to incorporate an intense yet fun workout into my exercise routine. Rock climbing requires as much mental concentration as it does physical, working out the entire body, so it's a great form of escapism too. I'm mesmerised by the multicoloured rocks at indoor rock climbing facilities and I'm keen to try out some classes at Extreme Edge in Panmure, which is the largest indoor climbing centre in the country. I'm also curious to try some personal training with the team at Boulder Co in Westgate (Boulderco.co.nz)." Dan Ahwa, fashion and creative director
Reformer Pilates
"It has caused quite a buzz in the wellness world of late but, alas, I still have not delved into the fitness phenom that is reformer Pilates. With testimonies vowing the exercise has completely changed people's mindset and appearance, why wouldn't I want to give it a try? There is no shortage of credible outlets to check out either, including popular branches such as Kcore and Core Collective. Usually a 45-minute workout in a group setting, reformer Pilates uses a machine, the reformer, to tone, tighten and sculpt every muscle in the body using different resistance settings and techniques. Classes are designed to reflect abilities, starting from beginner and moving to immediate and advanced." Annabel Dickson, fashion assistant
Tree Climbing
"I've been branching out with a new activity lately, turning my hand (both of them, actually) to recreational tree climbing, a remarkably relaxing activity that also tricks you into doing some exercise. The arborist in my life facilitates this hobby, and we head to the park most weekends picking a tree, rigging the lines, strapping into the harness and then climbing up. Traditional exercise jogs and gyms and the like has been overwhelming for me in Covid times but getting up a tree has proved a great distraction and is helpful for my wellbeing. Focusing your mind on a task and goal has a meditative satisfaction, being in nature is infinitely soothing and climbing is a great workout for the arms, core and thighs. I also love things that require carabiners." Emma Gleason, commercial editor
Boxing
"I'm keen to get into Studio Box's newish inner-city gym on Princes St for one of its 45-minute boxing-meets-strength training sessions. I really enjoy group fitness, having done Drill outdoor bootcamps for almost 10 years, but have felt a bit intimidated by the idea of sparring with a partner in a traditional boxing gym. Studio Box's sessions have you working individually (while still in a group), in the comfort of a state-of-the-art and dimly lit studio, with lighting effects and a great playlist, making it feel like an escape from reality for an hour (kind of like boxing in a nightclub). The workout itself is 10 rounds split into boxing technique, and strength and conditioning. Plus, there's nothing like punching a bag to really help let off some steam." Johanna Thornton, deputy editor
Roller Skating
"During the last lockdown, a few of my girlfriends started dabbling in the world of roller skating. After seeing how much fun they were having learning different moves (and looking cute while doing it), I decided to jump on the bandwagon. I've opted for a pair of quad roller skates over in-line roller blades for some extra stability while I find my feet. Like running, I love that skating is something I can do anywhere and everywhere, with a friend or solo. Getting fit as a result of learning this newfound hobby is purely a bonus." Ashleigh Cometti, beauty editor
Beach Boot Camp
"Get me back to bootcamp. Over lockdown last year, bootcamp on Onetangi Beach was a life saver. Being able to work out, outside, with a group of people satisfied my craving for social interaction and the thought of watching the sunrise over the ocean was enough incentive to get me out of bed. Doing sprints up and down the beach, push-ups in wet sand and running through the water as a team, holding ropes above your head was all joyously mad and freeing and, thanks to trainer Sarah Gloyer of Trail Tribe, bloody hard work. Stripping off at the end of the session and plunging back into those waves was the ultimate reward at the end of each session. Well, that and spotting dolphins." Amanda Linnell, editor
Aerial Yoga
"I tried aerial yoga at Wanderlust a few years ago and have been meaning to get to a class like those at Min Yoga Pilates in Albany ever since. Basically it involves performing asanas within a stretchy hammock so you can add a little Cirque du Soleil-style flair to your practice and experience the feeling of weightlessness. I liked being able to increase flexion in my back and legs with extra support and to enjoy the benefits of inversions without fear of high-kicking fellow yogis … and the sensation of suspense was pure joy." Rebecca Barry Hill, writer
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.Paddleboarding
"This year, I'm determined to be out on the water more, on a board. Paddling across still, glassy water in the early mornings will be perfect, at least for the kind of fitness I've recently found myself drawn to: meditative, gentle, calming. I'll start at my local bays Takapuna, Narrow Neck, Cheltenham before taking it up north on ocean-spent day trips." Julia Gessler, digital/production journalist
