Ladies who crunch

If your waistline is getting bigger now that winter has arrived, don't despair. Fitness options for Bay women are also expanding, finds Annemarie Quill.

The Bay of Plenty is the Gold Coast or Miami of New Zealand. The lovely climate and beach lifestyle encourage locals to care about their health and wellness - including how their bodies actually look.
It was a no-brainer to open a gym in this region," says Korey Gibson, New Zealand franchisor for Snap Fitness, which opens in Papamoa in August.
Gibson, a former junior Warrior, has plans to open 50 Snap gyms throughout New Zealand in the next 24 months, including more in the Bay. Snap is the fastest-growing fitness chain in the world, with more than 2000 gyms operating internationally.
Meanwhile, today in downtown Tauranga, an Australian fitness chain is breaking into the local gym scene with the opening of Jetts. Jetts' director Claire Attard already operates 12 gyms in this country and is planning more in the Bay of Plenty.
Snap and Jetts are a new breed of gym for the region. Both offer 24/7 access through a swipe card system. There is no staff at night, but security is provided by 24-hour video surveillance.
Says Daniel Flynn, manager of Jetts Tauranga: "In an age where time is a rare commodity, women will be attracted to Jetts for affordability and flexibility. So far, 60 per cent of members are female."
A range of gym options is already on offer in the Bay - from female-only facilities, to elite gyms with all the bells and whistles, to more affordable options.
John Richardson has operated Tauranga gym Fitco in 13th Ave for 15 years. Says Richardson: "Compared with other regions, Bay people are spoilt with the calibre of gyms on offer. We don't have the extravagance of absolutely stunning Les Mills gyms, but that architecture demands premium membership rates.
"Bay locals prefer a more laid-back setting, but with an expectation of cleanliness, professionalism and variety. There is no room for complacency. Bay gyms keep each other competitive."
Marc Patel, owner of the luxury Oceanblue complex in Papamoa, is sceptical about the new kids on the block. "In tough economic times, everybody wants a good deal, but New Zealanders seek value for money, not cheap."
Richardson agrees: "The 'production line' fitness that these centres offer limits options and is relatively impersonal."
Security is also a concern. Says Patel: "Shift workers may utilise graveyard hours. The majority will be male. Not too many women feel comfortable going to an unsupervised gym in the middle of the night."
Nicki Hale-Short, owner of female-only gym Contours in Fraser Cove, says her members told her they would not come at night even if she extended opening hours.
Fitco's Richardson agrees. "Few people would consistently train after 8.30pm or before 5.30am. We have concerns about members' safety [because of training injuries] and security."
Whereas a traditional gym workout suits some women, others look for something different.
Richardson says classes and group exercise are more popular than ever, as women like a gym with a sense of community - "with great music and routines".
Hale-Short says competitions are motivating, and women want nutrition advice as well as exercise.
Patel says the trend is a focus on "wellness" - fitness for body, mind and soul.
"Women don't want a 'quick in, quick out' workout, but a place to revitalise," he says.
"The club is time out from the kids or work. Classes or saunas and spas are a way to socialise or pamper yourself."
Women also like to supplement gyms with new fitness crazes like Zumba or even pole-dancing. Michelle McCarthy, owner of Pole Fit Studio in Papamoa, says: "Pole fitness is a heart-pumping workout and serious fun. We've got all sizes and ages - from 15 to 63."
Richardson says that for many Bay women, going to the gym is part of their routine and they will ultimately choose a facility that fits with their lifestyle. "Every gym has a culture or feeling. It's not about going to a gym because it's cheap, or the place to be seen.
"We tell everyone - we are full of beautiful people who come in all shapes and sizes."