Dunedin gym named New Zealand's studio facility of the year

Dunedin’s #TeamTash Training has been named studio facility of the year at the 2022 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.

Judges for the annual ExerciseNZ awards noted that the business' thorough strategic planning as being key to the gym's recognition as evidenced through its meetings, training and culture.

#TeamTash Training says the little things they do in business has a big impact and the business’s team philosophy exemplifies this. 

From a commercial perspective, the increase in member yield is more impressive from the judge’s perspective than the growth they have achieved.

Each #TeamTash session is personally designed by women for women. they keep class sizes small and personal to make sure we bring the best out in you every session. They are obsessed with seeing women support, encourage and empower each other. 

The awards event also saw Auckland’s Christie Houghton named New Zealand’s personal trainer of the year.

With 12 years in the industry, Houghton, who works predominantly with women, says her biggest challenge as a fitness adviser is educating women around the understanding of their bodies, their physiology and training them to help them train better.

Houghton connects and collaborates with allied health professionals to find clarity around client needs to work towards results that are best for the client.

She uses a thorough pre-exercise screening, takes a stepping stone approach in early stages of client journey and offers her new clients the ability to begin training without overwhelming them.

Houghton says she starts with new clients honouring the space they are within now. This is done through a traffic light system of adjustment and pivoting around that space for training is critical. 

Other award winners:

Education, Support & Programme 
Educator of the Year 
David Liow - Sunshine Coast, Australia

Programme Excellence Award
She Moves Fitness Collective - Morrinsville

Community Award
Access and Inclusion Programme at Franklin Pool and Leisure, Auckland 

Outstanding Support Award
Craig Coote - Cromwell

Industry Awards
Te Mahi Ako - Manukura Award
Tony McMahon - Invercargill

Ta Mahi Ako – Te Iti Kahurangi Award
CLM Richmond Aquatic Centre - Richmond, Nelson

REPs Award
Alan Reynolds - Wellington

ExerciseNZ Award
Himan Patel - Auckland

Group Exercise Instructor of the Year
Ivan Ho - Auckland

Yoga Teacher of the Year
Pooja Maddela - Auckland 

Group Trainer of the Year
Kaori Hughes - Christchurch

Student of the Year 
Corbin Hall - Wintec, Hamilton

Up and Coming Personal Trainer of the Year 
Hannah Worth - Auckland

Franchise Facility of the Year
Flex Fitness Howick - Auckland 
 
Independent Facility of the Year
IHF Health Club - Christchurch

Chain Facility of the Year
Tepid Baths - Auckland

Supreme Facility of the Year
#TeamTash Training - Dunedin 

Image: #Team Tash owner Tash Columbus.