Christchurch on top at New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards

The 2021 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards have seen a majority of its honours secured by Christchurch-based individuals and businesses.

Christchurch won accolades for the group instructors of the year, group trainer of the year, studio of the year, top franchise facility, independent facility of the year, supreme facility and the special award.

Christchurch’s Richard Beddie was presented with a special award for his contribution to the industry for his efforts in guiding the country’s exercise facilities and people involved through COVID-19 pandemic issues.

Advising that Beddie’s guidance provided unparalleled during the arduous, challenging, difficult year in the history of the nation’s exercise industry, Exercise New Zealand Chair, Mid Thomas-Savelio stated “he has navigated and guided our industry through significantly extended lockdowns, extreme levels of uncertainty, mentally and emotionally exhausting periods for our country, for our people.

“Through an unwavering sense of urgency, he has led his team to respond immediately to the woes that our people have experienced over the last 12 months.

“Ever present, engaged and always with the single thought of getting clubs open and keeping the Aotearoa exercise industry strong.

“He has enabled the exercise industry to truly come together as one, building great relationships he had forged over the many years as he has contributed to our industry on so many different levels.”

The awards also saw Christchurch facility, IHF Health Club, won the independent and supreme facility awards, their venue seen as “being the pinnacle of high end facilities”.

Located in the heart of the city, the IHF Health Club offers a premium experience with weights, coaching, cardio, classes, saunas, plunge pools and a members lounge.

With a floor space of over 1200 metre², all members enjoy 24/7 access to all club facilities, including the gym, group fitness and yoga classes, saunas, plunge pools and complimentary snacks and beverages, towels and toiletries.

ExerciseNZ has 500,000 members and the industry has 750,000 participants. The exercise workforce has 5000 exercise professionals and almost as many more staff in non-exercise roles.

Image: IHF Health Club.