What do you drive?
A 2008 black Dodge Nitro. It has a tray in the back for my kit, and I can pull my stuff out including dumb bells. It feels safe because it's big. As a trainer, my philosophy is to be practical, logical and keep it real. Choosing the Dodge was influenced by my personal style and preference.
First car?
A Ford Laser Sport when I was at university in Wellington; my parents bought it as a 21st birthday present. I drove a scooter to uni and I worked at hotels and restaurants and I think my parents didn't like me being on a scooter at 2am. I loved that car.
Your dream car
The most ridiculous thing in the world, a Hummer. It is so stupid and crazy and fun. I'd love to own one at least once in my life.
Favourite car colour?
British Racing green. I have no idea why. I think there's something regal about it.
Who taught you to drive?
I grew up on a farm and first I drove a go-kart, then a motorbike and then a tractor. We all needed to contribute on the farm and I was probably too weak to lift hay bales so I got stuck on the tractor.
Manual or automatic?
Definitely a manual. I feel like I have more control when a vehicle is a manual, you can feel it.
Most memorable road trip?
It would have to be the Targa Car Rally as co-driver in a Lotus Esprit. We got to see so much of the country, and we were going only half the speed the racers went but still much faster than as a normal public driver.
How often do you clean your Dodge?
Weekly. The Dodge has alloy spokes and as a cheat, I take it to the valet. A Dodge with alloy spokes looks cool in a nice pristine condition.
What do you listen to when driving?
Just the radio and the station depends on my mood. If I'm in a sports mood, then it's Radio Live; Sunday drive mood, the Breeze ...
What's a great day trip out of Auckland?
I like going out to Muriwai. It's a nice drive ... windy country roads and not too long.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I honestly don't pay any attention. People make choices for all sorts of reasons and I wouldn't know those unless I asked.
As a fitness specialist, do you think Kiwis spend too much time in cars?
I think we spend too much time getting stuff we don't need, and we don't get a chance to relax and unwind. If you enjoy driving, it's good to drive. A lot of health is about managing stress and enjoying life. Exercising more is not always the answer.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
When they pretend not to see you and pull out.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I like public transport. I used to use the train but now I have to be in so many places, university, Ellerslie, the Warriors in Penrose, my office in Westmere, radio in Ponsonby, I have to drive for practical reasons.
Is there room for cyclists and drivers on Auckland roads?
Totally, I think it's all about perception. If I am driving and see a cyclist, I think that one more cyclist on the road means one less car and less congestion.
As told to Donna McIntyre
