I can not believe I had not been to the leisure centre sooner. Honestly its got alot going on in…read morethere. There is a Les Mills Gym, a large swimming pool, a spa pool, some saunas, and even a dive pool with diving boards. I had a visit during the week, before lunch time, so the toddlers pool was booked out with a swim group, so we were offered the fun section of the big pool we just had to share it with some swimmers, which was not a problem at all. The water was a lot cooler than the toddlers pool would have been but my little guy is obsessed with water so that was not a problem. There were a few lifeguards on duty, who were looking after us all, and although a large amount of little seven year old's did show up for weekly sports class, we seemed to all just co exist in the space happily. I am yet to enquire about the gym on site which I think would be so convenient for mums with little children as they have a creche that is connected to the whole complex, talk about convenience. Car park space outside is close to the leisure centre and is also all free to park in if you are using the facilities. The changing rooms, are big enough to have a quick change and the showers were clean, although I think jandals should always be essential in public showers, just a tip. I will be back for sure, as I love the fact that I get to relax and enjoy a swim with my child and we both benefit from it.

Went to use the pools today...Haven't been to this place for about 10 years. I guess that's why its…read more$6.70 for a swim and no longer $2.50. Anyway, its exactly how I remember it. Nothing has changed much. There are slides, diving boards, steam rooms, saunas, pools with lanes and a kiddie pool. I love how you no longer have to pay to use the lockers.... You just need to bring your own lock and key. They probably change this because things use to get stolen all the times. So make sure you bring a lock! Another thing that has changed is that It seems like this place has become the ultimate hang out for old asian people during the working week. I am quite shy with walking around naked in the change rooms, but the old asian ladies are not, just a warning!

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!

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!

I've been at spartafit for 9 months now and have been so pleased with my decision to join their…read moregym. The effort that all the coaches put into cultivating such an incredible gym culture is so evident - it's what gets me up at 6 am each day to head to a class. Knowing that I will be challenged but so well supported and encouraged by EVERYONE is such a nice feeling. Truly the best gym community I have been a part of. And if that's not enough, you WILL get the results you want to see in your body and your daily habits and mental health. The holistic support you will find at Sparta rivals any other.

From the owner: Priorityfitness is the fittest gym in Northcote. No swipe cards, no crowded machines, no unfriendly…read morefaces, just lots of fun and sweat. Priorityfitness has the best bootcamp in town and the best kids martial art club- Little Ninja. Personal training, Olympic lifting, strength and conditioning just to name a few, get in touch today to find out what we can do together!

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.

I decided to take my one year old to my local swimming pools called Osborne Pools within the North…read moreShore Leisure centre in Birkenhead. I paid my fee to the ticket office at the adjoining indoor rock climbing centre, turned out to be about four dollars and twenty cents admission, I could enter free as my toddlers caregiver. You can also pay direct at the pools ticket office, as a first timer I found this out after. The pools have an outdoor pool which is around thirty metres long, perfect for doing laps, or having a casual swim with family or friends. It was the school holidays so the pool was packed, felt assured of everyone's safety by the four onsite lifeguards working. The indoor pool is also heated to about thirty degrees and is perfect for teaching the young to swim, there is paddling boards, and lots of water play toys for the kids to enjoy. After two hours in the pool you can reward yourself with a refreshing warm or cold rinse off in the bathroom facilities, which also has a baby change table. A cool way to spend a summers day with the kid.

The big pool is outdoor wich is cold in winters. indoor pool is ok but a bit small…read more but whole facility is in good condition and very handy for birkenhead residences.

The notion of 24 hour gyms has caome about in New Zealand rather recently in comparison to how long…read moregyms have actually been around. Les Mills still dominates in terms of numbers in Aucklnad, but I think the 24 hour idea will continue to become more popular. With most gyms closing around 9pm most nights, a lot of people cant make it there in time. Sure, there are early mornings but leaving bed to exercise isn't the most appealing thing to most people, especially with winter around the corner. I used to go to Les Mills but eventually found it too expensive and got over the showyness of it all. No doubt they have the best classes, but after 7 years at the same gym, I needed a change. I have been studying and my hours are all over the show, so the idea of a 24 hour a day gym was really appealing. The sign up process was really quick and simple and it only cost me $12.90 a week. Plus, I didn't have to sign up for a year, I think it was just a months notice before you want to quit. They have all the gear you could want and the running machines have little tvs, which always helps me pass the time. It is a little bit scary going in there on your own late at night, but you can only get in by swiping your card, and they do have a panic button sort of thing. Don't let this scare you though, it is really nice being at a gym when it's super quiet, it's almost relaxing. The one thing i'd advise is that they don't always have someone on duty, so check their website or set up an appointment to make sure you don't turn up to sign up and no one's there.

From the owner: BK 24 Hour Gym, and home of the BK 6 Week Transformation, BK 4 Week Shred and BK 4 Week Hypertrophy…read moreprogrammes. Join BK Gym for $20 per week with full 24 hour access and group fitness classes, or get free gym membership on any of our Bobby Kazemi Transformation Programmes for quick fat loss, muscle gain, and overall fitness and strength. Great location on the North Shore at 11 Barrys Pt Road opposite Countdown Takapuna, purpose built for strength training, functional cardiovascular training, conditioning and general all around fitness. The gym features a large free weight area, cardio section, strength machines, weight lifting platform, boxing bags in the group training studio and a 25 meter sled and jogging track. Everything you need to get a complete workout, whatever your goals, age or experience. Drop into 11 Barrys Pt road during staffed hours for a free first workout on us.

I was encouraged to try out Sandy Leo's Pilates Matwork Class on a monday evening by my partner's…read moreworkmate a few months after giving birth to my son. In need of a good back strengthening, and definitely firming up of the tummy and buns, I was eager to give Pilates a go, as I have only heard rave reviews from friends in the past about it. Sandy is an amazing master of Pilates, she is in the best shape herself, and is super patient with beginners such as myself. The monday night Matwork class lasts for one hour and costs 16 dollars for a casual session, or you can pay for a couple of sessions and receive a card for a discount. All I had to bring to class was my eager attitude, a bottle of water, my yoga mat, and my entrance fee. The class was over before I knew it, and my body surely thanked me for giving it lots of stretches through core strength work. I really am thankful to sandy and her class for proving to me, that I am strong and I can achieve a healthy fit body through dedication.