Rotorua trainer picks up top national award

FITNESS by KATIE FARMAN
Ensuring people achieve their health and fitness goals is a key philosophy for Rotorua personal trainer Derrin Tuckey.
And it's a philosophy that has earned her further national honours amongst the country's burgeoning fitness industry.
Following the National Fitness, Personal Trainer and Active Living Convention in Auckland, Tuckey was presented with the 2005 Netfit Fitness Professional of the Year award, which recognises a fitness professional's commitment and dedication to the industry.
The accolade comes months after Tuckey was awarded both the North Island Progym Personal Trainer and the prestigious New Zealand Personal Trainer of the Year award.
"I'm really happy, really pleased. It's nice to be recognised by your peers for your commitment and contribution to the industry," a delighted Tuckey told the Daily Post.
Tuckey has been a registered professional trainer since 1994 and now boasts a client list that covers special needs clients, elite athletes, body-shapers, health management consultants, heads of state and international celebrities.
She has also reached beyond the parameters of the gym, to assist competitive athletes and developed a training scheme for the New Zealand Fire Service.
"Whoever the client is, the philosophy is the same - it's about getting results," said Tuckey.
"At the end of the day, that's what a personal trainer is for - to get results for the client.
"It's important to listen to their needs and help them achieve their goals."
During her years of experience Tuckey, who is based at Lifestyle 2000 Health Centre, said the biggest change she has noticed is the public's growing appetite for health related programs.
"Now it's not just about cosmetic fitness, there's more people looking to improve their health and that's why a balanced training regime focusing on fitness, mind and nutrition is important," she said.
While Tuckey predicts the industry as a whole will grow as people become further educated about the benefits of regular exercise, she said her own business has noticeably picked up this year due to her national awards.