I have reached the stage in my life where in order to push myself to the limit physically I need to…read morebe watched like a rebellious teenager. That is why Les Mills is so great. Not only do they have super knowledgeable P.Ts, but for those on a budget, their group fitness classes and instructors are brilliant. From Body Balance (tai chi, pilates and yoga) to Body Jam (dance workout), they literally have something for everyone. On the topic of classes, new and noteworthy is their GRIT Series, a 30 minute workout that is based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The series is made up of three different workouts: strength, plyo and cardio. What is it like? Well, a friend recently described GRIT as 'Body Pump on steroids' and I would have to agree. You will not find a more effective way to work out and get in shape in 30 minutes. Doooo it! On top of their world-renowned group fitness classes, Les Mills Takapuna has a large weights area, a cardio room and bathroom and shower facilities. Hot tip: when you sign up to one location you can use any of the four Auckland locations at no additional charge. What are you waiting for? In short, I love Les Mills and the only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars is that they don't provide sweat towels for members. Oh, and they don't have an app. Heck, they don't even have a mobile browser!

Oh how I love Les Mills. That might sound weird, but it is true, and I am sure there are plenty of…read moreworse things to be addicted to than a bit of cross-training. Let me clarify, I am not an excersize addict. I do not wake up, wherever I am in the world, and decide I need to go for a run. In fact while living overseas for four years, I struggled to make it to the gym at all. But Les Mills gyms, and particularly the Takapuna branch, must put something in the air conditioning as from the moment I walk in I'm amped for a workout. It's probably just some simple psychology; the brightly coloured walls, upbeat music, machines all lined up to a movie screen in the cardio theatre or the view of Rangitoto from the RPM room. Whatever it is I'm hooked!

Fantastic views from the step machine, and the treadmills always shoot way up on the like list…read morewhilst shedding those calories at the gym. Your spoilt with a beautiful picture perfect reality at this local gym. I love the organisation,and vibrancy here, all the trainers and staff are happy and its contagious. Maybe that's all gym fanatics in general however I do enjoy my time spent at Club Physical Birkenhead. A large space to do weights in, a private room for women to do weights also, a big class room for all the different workout sessions on the timetable, and even a sauna in the women's bathroom to unwind after a work out. Lots of choice on protein powders and merchandise as well. An all round great gym.

Absolutely perfect setup! From the weights area, tennis courts to the pool…read more The staff are always very helpful and friendly. The cleanliness and support are second to none. Thanks heaps for everything you do.

This place is my personal sanctuary. I don't think I've ever looked forward to working out so much,…read morethan I do now that I have started my membership at 151. It's a calm oasis in there, with the most amazing air con and facilities you have seen in a gym. In fact I think gym is too much of a dirty word to associate with this pristine place. Because they keep a cap on membership, there is never a line for the equipment, the instructors are always on hand to dole out helpful advice and they even email to check up on you when you haven't been in for a few days. The facilities available to all members and casual members include a swimming pool, sauna room,a tennis court and a great range of weights/ exercise bikes and heaps of other exercise equipment. There are classes available too, a favourite of mine being tennis fit! And don't even get my started on the bathrooms, and the straighteners available, the shampoo/ conditioner\ bathrobes. They really have thought of everything. Why just the other day I got offered a free hour long facial and massage just for being a member. Have I tempted you yet?

Great pool and gym with childcare on site. Reasonable sized parking lot although it is usually 90%…read morefull. Large clean change rooms with a seperate caregiver changeroom that has private shower rooms equipped with change tables! Staff are always friendly and helpful. Call beforehand to check if the pools are prebooked for swimming lessons.

I have only visited Takapuna North Shore Leisure once with the little one, and his play friend for…read morea swim. I liked that there was lots of space in the car park for us to find a spot, and that this came free with the use of the centre. Also opposite the entrance is a child care should you need some help whilst using the pools. On this day however I was there for the boy, so I was happy not to use this pay service. The fee to use the pools for a mother and child is only a few dollars, and the staff were happy to give me the rundown of the pools (a pool for the little kids, and one for swimming laps) and also the location of the changing rooms, etc. I do prefer the little kid's pool at Birkenhead a little bit more as it seems a lot bigger with more space for all the little swimmers to enjoy. There is even a hot pool spa outside in the sun which I thought would be perfect next visit.

I have been to SO many physios in my lifetime. Being a dancer means your body will probably hate…read moreyou and try to break as many times as possible. When I first came to Flexa I was expecting a lot as it had come with an amazing recommendation. I made an appointment to see Murray and I was impressed. Murray is an extremely charismatic man and because of this every appointment with him was rather amusing. He is also a fantastic physio and is in very high demand. A session with Murray costs more than a session with any other physio at Flexa but it is worth it. He really takes the time to focus on your injury or problem and figure out a way to fix it. The other physios at Flexa are also very good. All of them know exactly what they're talking about and make you feel very comfortable. If you're like me and like your massages firm you may need to speak up about pressure at times but this is definitely the case with any physiotherapist. I have also had experience with the podiatry department at Flexa Clinic and all I can say is that it went very well! Very long story... but in the end I got exactly what I needed from Justin and I feel like he really took every possible action to help me out.

This is the best spot on the North Shore if you have any kind of injury or recurring physical…read moreailment. Murray Hing's reputation precedes him; he's really well-known for his physiotherapy work and embraces all sorts of treatments here from massage to acupuncture - he does it all. I used to get a lot of tension headaches from a neck problem and he sorted it right out, such a relief to see someone with so much experience and knowledge that can get straight to the cause of a problem. He's also quite selective with his staff so all the other physios there are really competent - now I only go for maintenance treatment and in my experience it really doesn't matter too much who treats you but it is good to have some continuation. Flexa Clinic might mostly be known for its physiotherapy but it also has a lot of other services. There's a podiatrist, nutritionists, massage therapists and midwives. They have a great ante and post-natal service that helps with all the new stresses on your body when you're pregnant. This compliments the midwifery branch of Flexa quite well. My midwife was one of the team of Hauraki Midwives, based in Flexa, and I found it really helpful to have everything here in one place. In the last couple of years the clinic has expanded to include Flexa Studio - a huge gym with great equipment, classes, and trainers, it's the health and fitness branch of Flexa that totally completes it.

We come to these pools at least once a week, and I probably wouldn't bother going anywhere else…read more It's clean, the changing rooms are nice enough (and there's plenty of hair dryers). I do find the changing room exhibitionists rather intriguing though... There's a huge spa, with an adults section and a kids section. Also a huge lane pool, and a kids pool. Tips: there's a cafe near the spas, and my best tip is for parking - you can get your parking ticket from the Davis Cres carpark validated for cheaper parking (approx half price).

This pool is amazing!! Really!!! I certainly took the pool for granted when I lived in Auckland!…read more I am from New York, but lived in Auckland for two years while getting my Masters degree. In those two years I adopted swimming as my preferred fitness activity. I went to the pool whenever I was stressed or sad or bored, and within minutes of entering the pool, I was as happy as I could ever be. This pool has soooo many things you can't find in New York: - As a student, it only cost me $5 or so to pop by for a swim. Almost every pool (aside from the dingy pools) in New York require membership just to be able to walk into the facility. And even the dingy pools require membership outside of Summer. - It's a 50 meter pool. You would be surprised how rare that is. - It has a kiddie pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, steam room, TWO saunas, a cafe, a gym, fitness classes, SCUBA CLASSES (!!!) an incredible locker room with curtains AND hot water.... really just incredible facilities. Nothing in New York comes close to that. Not even remotely. - The price is absolutely insane. Again, I only paid $5 to swim, and they don't force you to get a membership or anything. The only establishment that I've been to that comes close to this pool is Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. But a day pass is $50 USD (So maybe $60 NZD.... just for the day). Yearly membership for the pool alone is over $600. I would do anything to be able to go back to this pool. Count your lucky stars, Aucklanders!!!! ;)

Recently I decided it was about time I became a regular gym bunny, as its been about two years…read moresince I was. I was happily surprised that this gym was what i was looking for, I think the exterior can give you another story when inside you have a little bitt of everything, and fitness is the priority. This used to be a Northcote plant nursery about four years ago, as I remember it when I first moved to the area. On my first visit I chatted with the friendly trainer on a weekend afternoon as the gym was about to shut. I was welcomed in for a free one week trial where I could try out the three different classes available, and use any of the weights and machines in the gym. I tried out Box fit, which is high intensity boxing class combined with lots of cardio and strength exercises, and also my favourite class the StretchFit which is a combination of Yoga and Pilates. Have to say the seller on my membership was the Stretch fit class because I get such a massive return from it, gives me extra energy and keeps me flexible. The friendly and passionate staff, and top quality fitness gear make this a really great gym. They have competitive prices if you sign up as a couple. I am super happy with the close proximity to where I live as this keeps me regular too.

Always wanted to join a boxing gym but wasn't sure how it would be as someone with no experience…read more I'm very happy with Shane Cameron Fitness. The classes like BoxFit are a nice change of pace from the usual treadmill and weights (which they have there as well). The staff are all friendly and welcoming. The instructors do an excellent job of motivating you to work hard. Highly recommend this place!

The times I have joined, quit and rejoined this gym is too many to count. Each time I quit it is…read morebecause of assignments, other commitments and laziness. Mostly laziness, but each time I rejoined I am welcomed with open arms. I imagine the way I feel kind of compares to the way the prodigal son felt when he returned home to a party. In terms of the location the gym is perfect as it is located at AUT, it is perfect for students and those that work and live in the cbd. The gym is your usual gym: weights, cardio, circuit and stretching area. Classes such as circuit training, yoga and zumba are also offered. The best thing about the gym is the student price, $7 per week. No excuse not to exercise, right?!