Fitness experts in New Zealand emphasize a growing shift in exercise culture from aesthetic goals to functional health, promoting movement practices that enhance strength, mobility, balance, and overall well-being for the long term. Interviewed by health industry professionals, several prominent fitness figures shared insights into the types of exercise they recommend, highlighting the importance of enjoyment, consistency, and community.
Nikki Ralston, founder of The Ralston Method in Auckland, integrates yoga, strength training, and core restoration techniques to support women’s health throughout different life stages. She notes that public perceptions of yoga often discourage beginners due to stereotypes about flexibility, age, and appearance. However, she stresses yoga’s true value lies in cultivating body awareness, stress regulation, and mindful movement that extend beyond physical poses. “These skills don’t just stay on the mat,” Ralston says, “they become tools we can draw on in everyday life.”
Barre instructor Cat Fawcett-Cornes, who trained in ballet and performing arts, champions the barre workout for its combination of strength, endurance, balance, and mobility achieved through small, controlled movements. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages, barre classes offer a low-impact workout with modifiable exercises and an energizing atmosphere supported by upbeat music. She highlights barre as accessible to anyone, not just dancers, emphasizing the sense of connection it brings to the body.
Phil Kingi, national personal training specialist for Les Mills, advocates a hybrid approach to fitness that blends strength training with cardiovascular conditioning, a method common among athletes for decades. He has been instrumental in launching Les Mills’ Ceremony Hyrox, a 45-minute coach-led functional circuit that recreates the camaraderie and accountability found in team sports. Kingi advises that workouts do not need maximum intensity each session; rather, consistent moderate training combined with occasional intensity spikes yields the best results. He encourages newcomers to focus on regular participation rather than comparison with others.
Annika Willette, founder of Cadence in Auckland, describes rhythm cycling as a dynamic indoor spin experience that combines resistance training with upbeat music, creating a full-body workout that also engages the mind. Willette’s background in psychology and education informs her understanding of the mental and physical benefits of synchronized movement and music. Her classes are designed to be inclusive, requiring no prior cycling ability or rhythm, and emphasize enjoyment and participation over perfection. The immersive environment helps participants lose track of time and build confidence.
Kirsty Gregg, Charles Poliquin-certified trainer and head of fitness at Re:ab in Auckland, highlights the diverse motivations driving people to exercise. While fitness, strength, and weight goals remain common, Gregg observes a rising focus on long-term resilience and functional strength. She notes that strength training provides unique health benefits that no medication can replicate, aiding individuals in maintaining independence and confidence throughout life. Gregg trains clients with varied objectives, from preparing for endurance feats to improving daily functionality, always aiming to support their life needs. She also underscores the importance of finding a supportive fitness community, noting that friendships formed through shared activity often extend beyond exercise settings.
Together, these fitness professionals reinforce a holistic vision of movement as a sustainable, enjoyable, and empowering practice, moving beyond surface-level targets to prioritize health, self-awareness, and connection.