Welcome to Richie’s Blog

26/1/2012

Happy New Year! I hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and that you’re raring to go to make 2012 a good one! I’ve got some exiciting news for you about the RPM Studio and some new multi-week fitness programmes we’ve got coming up for both adults and overweight kids aged 11-15. So read on!

ACTIVATE - Starts Monday 30 January
If you need a little help to kick those fitness resolutions, check out our new ACTIVATE programme – it’s a six week health & finess overhaul that starts on Monday 30 January and it includes the following:

• Two personal training sessions a week
• Regular group training sessions
• Nutritional support including a nutrition & training log book
• Six weeks of unlimited gym & pool access
• Current Gym Members: $399 or $69/week direct debit
• Non-Gym Members: $499 or $89/week direct debit

To register, call 03 450 9117, email fitness@lakesleisure.co.nz or drop by!

STEP UP FOR KIDS – Starts Tuesday 7 February
We’ve just launched an exciting new health & fitness programme especially for the kids! If your child is aged between 11 and 15, overweight and in need of a little help to change their outlook towards a healthy lifestyle, then we would love the opportunity to be that helping hand.

Lakes Leisure in association with NZSki and a host of other respected Queenstown health professionals are offering the opportunity for 10 local kids to take part in a fully sponsored fitness, health and educational programme to give them a positive step up for 2012 and beyond. 

If you’re interested, email me via richie@lakesleisure.co.nz and tell us why your child should be a part of this exciting new programme. As a parent your support and involvement is essential throughout this community project programme. Project kicks off Tuesday 7 February

RPM STUDIO UPDATE
We are very excited to announce that construction has now begun on the new RPM studio! Below is a description of what’s happening and you can also see some visual concept designs here.

• It will be built as a second floor above the free weights area at the gym’s far end and construction time should be 10-12 weeks - so ideally it will be completed by Easter (early April)
• It will be fitted out in a tiered movie theatre style, have space for up to 33 bikes and have an RPM specific sound system & light show!
• It will be accessed through the gym entrance so RPM tags will collected from the gym reception
• A new separate RPM Studio timetable will be created and classes will still be free with your gym membership
• A new Group Fitness Studio timetable will also be created to offer greater variety of your favourite group fitness classes

Thanks for your patience & apologies for any inconvenience – we’re trying to keep it to a minimum!

Well that’s it from me for now – see you soon!

Richie Heap & the Alpine crew

21/12/2011

Hello Gym Junkies!

Just a few more days until Christmas and I hope you’re getting excited – I know I am! I’ve got a few things to fill you in on before I head away for the holidays…

REVIVE – A WINNING FORMULA
Congratulations to our 48 Revivers who recently finished their 12-week challenge! The efforts put in by everyone were just fantastic and it really paid off with most people losing between 8-12kg over 12 weeks with some losing as many as 17 kilograms (wow!), greatly increasing their fitness and improving their nutrition. But for some it provided the motivation for a complete, fundamental lifestyle change which is fantastic!

Alex Musgrave (pictured, far left) was chosen as the overall winner of REVIVE and was awarded a $1,500 prize package thanks to Sofitel Hotel, Hush Spa and The Shoe Clinic. Alex lost 17.4kg, 14% body fat and reduce her dimensions by 55cm; gained muscle tone and strength;but more importantly for her complete dedication to change including a physical, mental and social reinvention. Orla Fitzgerald, Malcolm Salter and Julie Bell were all awarded Alpine Health & Fitness memberships for significant achievements. Orla lost 33kg over eight months at Lakes Leisure - 20kg in the Bog Bods programme and 12kg in the REVIVE programme. Julie Bell, Orla Fitzpatrick and Malcolm Salter (pictured right of Alex) were all awarded Alpine Health & Fitness memberships for significant REVIVE achievements – special mention must go to Orla who has lost 33kg this year at Lakes Leisure - 20kg in the Bog Bods programme and 12kg in the REVIVE programme.

Everyone who completed the REVIVE programme deserves to be rewarded for their efforts towards learning new exercise and nutrition patterns and for implementing these changes across every aspect of their family, social and professional lives. Well done all! If you’d like to read our full press release click here and for more details on REVIVE click here.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS – Timetables, Tips & Vouchers
We all know how the holiday season can be a bit of a challenge to our fitness or weight loss regime! So if you’d like some great ideas on how to prevent everything going a bit pear-shaped have a read of this great article, How To Avoid the Holiday Food Traps. Speaking of holidays, our Group Fitness holiday timetables are on the website and are available from the gym. Each week is a little different which is why we’ve had to do it this way but I’m sure you understand – the main thing to remember is that we’re open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s so there’s no excuses now! Oh and if you need a last minute present for someone don’t forget we’ve got still got gift vouchers available too – just ask one of my great crew for assistance.

TRIATHLON NEWS
If you’re around on Tuesday 27 December, the Lake Hayes Triathlon is on again – it consists of a 750 metre swim (or 4km paddle), 20km bike, 5km off-road run, situated in and around the beautiful Lake Hayes. If you’re not so keen on the water it can also be done as a duathlon with a 1.km run 20km bike, 5km run.This year the event is being run by Adrian Bailey of Active QT and the Front Runner Series. Congratulations to the following members who won our Indoor Tri Challenge consisting of a 1500m row, 5km bike and 3km run all in the comfort of our gym. These people have all won a one month extension to their gym memberships – way to go guys! We’ve got many more challenges planned for you all in 2012 so watch this space!
Junior: George Bellamy & Alex Hall
Open: Tim Ceci & Carly Tyler
Master: Jonny Stevenson & Ange Murray
Veteran: Leone Schoenbaechler & Mary Strachan 

PERSONAL TRAINERS – Sarah Cole & Richie Lambert of Funktional Fitness
Last blog I mentioned that I was going to introduce you to each of our awesome personal trainers until you’ve met them all. This time around it’s Sarah & Richie of Funktional Fitness – their philosophy is “motivating you to add life to your time” and it couldn’t be more true!

As personal trainers Sarah and Richie are motivators, educators and role models. They have a passion for enhancing the lives of others, and believe that exercise and nourishment is paramount to healthy living. Sarah and Richie guide their clients and assist them in setting and achieving realistic goals for their personal training be it, to complete a triathlon or simply keep up with the kids! “We are only given one body... let us remind you how to look after it” Sarah and Richie say.

Funktional Fitness has a great Facebook page so follow them on facebook to see what they and their clients have been up to – perhaps you could be doing it too! Many of their clients have been completing a 12-week “Du It” training programme with the goal of completing the December 27 Lake Hayes Duathlon so best of luck there!

SPONSORED ATHLETE NEWS – Thijs Hubber & Duncan Campbell
We’d like to welcome Thijs Hubber (pronounced Tice like rice, pictured right) aboard as one of our sponsored athletes. Thijs has just finished university and is now training towards the ITU World Championships being held in Auckland in October 2012. He’s off to a good start placing 2nd in his age group at the Tri Auckland 2011 Qualification Race and placing 1st twice in the 10km Jacks Point Frontrunner Series 10km event this winter. Go hard Thijs! We recently heard that Duncan Campbell has been selected for the new Snowboarding NZ Youth Team for 2011/12 which is great – well done Duncan!

Finally, I’d like to say that I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas & New Year. If you eat heaps, know that we’ll be here to sort you out in the New Year. As always thanks for being such fantastic supporters of Alpine Health & Fitness…

Richie and the Alpine Crew

18/11/2011

Hey Fitness Freaks,

First up, don’t forget about tonight’s Trail Blazer event at 6pm! This mini-adventure 7.5k run/walk or 15k mountain bike starts at Jack’s Point Clubhouse and finishes at Jardine Park, Kelvin Heights with a BBQ. It’s a great event as it goes across private land which you can’t normally access (it’s not the usual Jack’s Point Trail) and the $20 entry fee goes to The Queenstown Trail, a 90km trail linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston. A bunch of the Lakes Leisure crew are doing it so come keep them company!

Secondly, I hope you all had good times at our Retro 2nd Birthday Party last Saturday – we all did! Congrats to those who won the best dressed retro competition prizes – Carly Tyler won the 3 month pass and Kathy Gaze & Cath Gilmour won the 10 visit passes. Here’s Carly and I in the gym, mid way through her personal training session with Steve Orr – hard core! In case you didn’t make it click here to see a few a few shots of me and the crew making fools of ourselves in our retro outfits.

NEW OUTDOOR FITNESS CIRCUIT – Free to the community!
Tomorrow at 10am we’re officially opening our new free outdoor fitness circuit with Mayor Vanessa Van Uden and you’re all invited! The two circuits have about twenty different station dotted around the course, and each course is about a kilometre long. It takes about 30 minutes to complete a circuit - but of course you can do more than just one lap! It’s a great way to get your weight training in but still get into the great outdoors and work on your tan – and your mates can come too! On Saturday the gym crew and I will be there to show you how all the machines work. Here’s a few shots of some stations so you can see what I mean & a wee trail map to help orientate you. A few of the office girls also tried it out recently (in their workout gear, not!) and we chucked a little video together of them. Worth a watch for a bit of a laugh! For a full map of the circuits, click here.

NEW SPARTAN CROSS TRAINING CLASS – Free to members!
Every Wednesday 6pm from now on we’ll be running a new outdoor fitness class that’s free for all members. Based upon our Spartan Cross Training Bootcamp, this class will be all about outdoor fitness and strength training. It will be run by crew member and personal trainer Stephen Orr so come along and give it a go – it’s going to be awesome! Meet at the gym reception just before 6pm, then we’ll head outside to flip some tyres and throw some strength bags around. It’s suitable for all fitness levels - just something a bit different and in the great outdoors too.

REVIVE NUTRITION
The Revive crew are marching on with their training and nutrition, with just under a month to go! It’s always good to remember that nutrition is just an important as exercise when it comes to successful weight loss - one without the other makes it difficult to get results. If you’re keen to get more great nutrition tips, follow us on Facebook for links to great articles & recipes like today’s Grilled Salmon & Asparagus recipe – yum! Healthy eating was the focus at the Team Blue get together at Haylee Robert’s place the other night - I was sad to miss it but Hayley sent me a few snaps so I could see what went on. Aren’t they all looking great!? Revivers - I hope you’re all looking forward to your group training day this coming Saturday – we’re hitting the new Outdoor Fitness Circuit and it’s going to be awesome!

THEM BONES, THEM BONES
Don’t forget that the Bone Density Clinic is here next week on Thursday 24 November. Early detection, from 25 years, of bone density loss is the key to prevention of suffering later from osteoporosis and fractures – and it doesn’t just affect older women! If you think you might be short on calcium come get a quick, painless heel scan done to see how your bones are looking. Appointments can be made by calling 03 450 9117 and the consultation and scan costs just $55 - takes about 20 minutes max.

PERSONAL TRAINERS – Karl Dennis
Last blog I talked a little about online training tools that I like to use and got heaps of great feedback on them so I’ll be sure to send more stuff like that your way in future. While these tools are great for some people, especially motivated ones, they just don’t work for others, especially if you’re a little lacking in get up and go. If you struggle to get yourself to the gym, or to push yourself once you’re there, you might want to think about enlisting the help of one of our awesome personal trainers – not only do they design fantastic programmes tailored especially for you, they can make you do them too! (Richie Lambert even cracks a virtual whip at people - check it out here) We have eight different trainers working with us here; all of whom offer different products, services and personality to ensure that there’s sure to be someone that’s a good “fit” for you. For the next wee while I’m going to introduce you to a different trainer until you’ve met them all!

Karl Dennis of Platinum Training has been working at Alpine Health & Fitness since we opened two years ago. Karl has over 13 years of extensive experience working within luxury and boutique health club environment. Karl takes a holistic lifestyle approach to personal training which means that he looks at more than just your exercise regime. Through his advice and support he can help you find greater control in your lifestyle, achieve your goals and feel rejuvenated. Take your personal training experience to the next level - the Platinum level!

SPONSORED ATHLETES
We’re very proud to sponsor local athletes, supporting them in their efforts to attain their international sporting goals. Congratulations to the following sponsored Wakatipu High School students for their Blues Sporting Awards:
- Callum Burns & Max Macharg for their achievement in ice hockey award
- Luke Pickering & Connor Harrison for their achievement in ice hockey & service to ice hockey awards
- Mitchell Frear for his leadership in ice hockey and most outstanding ice hockey awards
- Harrison Steedman for his greatest contribution to skiing award

Alec Savery is our newest sponsored athlete – he’s a freeskier and currently in Year 11 at Wakatipu High School. He has been skiing at a National Junior level for the past three years, splitting his time between Queenstown and Breckenridge, Colorado, USA. He’s been representing the NZ youth development team for the past two years and has recently gained a spot on the NZ Youth Olympic development team. In 2011 alone he got first place in both the U16 Junior Slopestyle and U18 Junior Rail Jam at Snow Park. Competing at an international level is his long term goal, and he hopes to one day represent New Zealand skiing in the Olympics and the Aspen X Games. Welcome aboard Alec!

CLASS ADDITIONS/CANCELLATIONS
The following classes are going to be cancelled in the coming weeks:
Leisurelys Tai Chi – Tuesday @ 11.00am – cancelled on 22 November
Arrowtown Zumba – switching to Tuesday @ 6.30pm for 22 November due to London Calling Musical
Spartan Cross Train – starting Wednesday 23 November at 6pm!

Last but not least the RPM Studio consent process is going well - slowly, but well. Looks like we’ll probably be starting construction in early January, I reckon. More news to follow as it comes to hand...

Cheers,

Richie

4/11/2011

Hello fitness fans,

Whew! It’s been such a busy few weeks with the Rugby World Cup, Breast Cancer Month, Revive and the RPM Studio I haven’t had time to write this blog, but I thought it was about time I sent you all an update… be warned though, it’s a bit of a biggie!

REVIVE IS HALF WAY!
Congratulations to our 48 Revivers who just passed half way in the their 12-week challenge. Their first inter-team challenge was a week or two ago, completing as many classes as posisble in a week to gain points. Stephen’s Team White totally blew everyone else out of the water and they have Winnie’s Pizza vouchers awaiting at the end of the challenge. Well done guys – awesome effort. Team challenges aside, the trainers overseeing the group tell me that everyone is working really hard… Your motivation might start to wane a bit at this stage, but whatever you, don’t give up and let that hard work go to waste. This quote from the legendary Lance Armstrong might just be the motivation you need… “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If [you] quit, however, it lasts forever.” You can do it guys!

OUR RETRO BIRTHDAY
On Saturday 12 November we’re celebrating turning TWO and throwing a little retro birthday party for you all! We’re inviting everyone to come along in the retro-fitness gear (think fluro leotards, leg warmers, headbands, etc) to one of our free group fitness classes and join in the celebrations. We’re also putting on a free [un]healthy sausage sizzle between 11am and 1pm so be sure to pop by sometime…
9am Retro RPM (bookings required)
10am Retro Pump (bookings required)
11am Retro MANIA – some good old-fashioned aerobics and step classes for you all!
12pm Retro Stretch
1pm Retro Zumba

SPONSORED ATHLETES
We’re very proud to sponsor local athletes, supporting them in their efforts to attain their international sporting goals. The following athletes have recently done really well:
Ice Hockey: Congrats to Connor Harrison for having recently been selected for the 2012 New Zealand Ice Blacks Ice Hockey squad. This is in preparation for the IIHF Man’s Division II Group A Championships in Reykjavik, Iceland April 12th to 18th 2012. Way to go, Connor!
Body Building: Congrats to Bruce and Bex McGregor who recently cleaned up at the NABBA South Island Champs in Dunedin. Bruce won the Masters Athletic category, Bex came second in the Novice Figure Tall category and together they won the Mixed Pairs category. Alpine Health & Fitness also placed as the third best gym in the South Island at the NABBA Champs – gotta be pretty happy with that, us being only two years old!

SUNSHINE & SURVEYS
Thanks to survey feedback about the brightness of the morning sun streaming through our gym windows, we’re in the process of getting blinds made up and they’ll be installed in the next few weeks. The only exception is the free weights area which is going to be closed temporarily while the RPM studio is being completed. Once the studio is completed blinds will be installed in the free weights area too. Speaking of feedback, I know it’s a wee while ago now but I wanted to thank the 200+ people that completed our survey a month or two ago – it’s take me a little while to work my way through all the responses and I’m doing my best to implement some of the great suggestions you came up with, as you’ll see from the sun shades and the RPM studio. One thing I forgot to ask you all was what you liked most about Alpine Health & Fitness! If you’ve got a spare minute I’d love it if you could jot down a few words – just click here.

GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM LATELY?
Bone is a living tissue which continues to be broken down and renewed throughout your life. However, after early adulthood the body starts to withdraw calcium and other minerals faster than it is depositing them, gradually causing your bones to thin. Early detection, from 25 years, is the key to prevention of suffering later from osteoporosis and fractures. It is not just older women that develop thin bones. If you think you might be short on calcium come and get a quick & painless scan of your heel done on at Alpine health & Fitness on Thursday 24 November to see how your bones are looking. The consultation and scan costs just $55 and appointments can be made by calling 03 450 9126 today.

ONLINE TRAINING
Recently, lots of people seem to asking me about what online training logs are out there and what I’d recommend. Active Trainer has some great free online options to choose from (training planners, training reports, shoe trackers etc) and better yet they’re free! If you’ve got a GPS or a fancy phone with a GPS built in you can also use Map My Run (or ride, walk, hike etc) for all the awesome trails we’ve got round here and you can view all sorts of cool stuff like the length, time, elevation, kilojoules etc of your workout. If anyone knows of any other cool online or smart phone programmes let me know and I’ll be sure to pass them on!

CLASS CANCELLATIONS
The following classes are going to be cancelled in the coming weeks:
Leisurelys Balance –
Thursday @ 2.30pm - cancelled on 10 & 17 November
Leisurelys Tai Chi –
Tuesday @ 11.00am – cancelled on 15 & 22 November
Arrowtown Zumba –
switching to Tuesday @ 6.30pm for 15 & 22 November due to London Calling

BREAST CANCER
As you know, October was Breast Cancer Action month and the results of all our fundraising efforts are now in - together we managed to raise over $5,500 for the NZ Cancer Society for those in the Wakatipu effected by cancer through class donations, afternoon tea tickets, pink product purchases and bikes bids – one bike was bought for an astounding $500! It was so encouraging to see so many people get behind the cause and feel the amazing vibe in the air at each of our events. Numerous people also donated their through delicious home baking and enthusiastic ukulele playing, not to mention all the hard work that was done behind the scenes by Maria and her team. I would also like to thank the many local businesses who generously donated over fifty fabulous prizes – I’ve put a little photo collage and the details of all our sponsors below - this event wouldn’t have been the success it was without you all. I am quite simply blown away by such a magnificent response – thank you.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OUR PINK BREAST CANCER SPONSORS…

AJ Hackett – Nevis Swing Amisfield Vineyard – Gift Voucher Body Mechanics – Massage Voucher Bombay Palace – 3 x $25 Gift Voucher Botswana Butchery - $100 dinner voucher & luxury transfer British Lolly Shop – $70 Gift Basket Claire Bloom – Clothing Crisp and Vale - $35 Family Meal Voucher Cup and Cake – 2 x $30 boxes of freshly made pink cupcakes DECODE - $150 Gift Voucher For My Earth – 2 x Reusable Sandwich Wraps

Fab Flowers – Flowers for 3 Months Iconic Adventures – Motatapu Race Entry Keepsake Photography – Gift Voucher Lululemon Queenstown – Yoga mat, Water Bottle and Strap Majestic Beauty – Gift Voucher Mediterranean Market - Gift Basket Melt Candles – 2 x $30 handmade scented soy candles Mt Edward – Magnum of Pinot Noir Opal Centre – Jewellery Wilkinson's Pharmacy - Gift Basket

Queenstown Health – 1 x Chiropractic Assessment & Treatments, 1 x Massage Voucher, 1 x Physio Treatment Rachelle May Beauty - 3 hour mobile $180 beauty package (massage, manicure or pedicure, eyebrow shape, lash tint and brow tint) Renee Little - Spray Tan & Make Up Lesson Rosana Jadue - Massage Voucher R&R Sports – Gift Voucher Smoko Run - Gift Voucher Vudu Larder – Morning Tea Shout x 2

Lastly I’d like to thank you all for making an effort to remember to bring your membership cards – the new system is working really well and our reception check-in efficiency has improved ten-fold!

Have a good weekend all…

Cheers,

Richie Heap

6/10/2011

Hello fitness fans!

Got a few updates for you on our Breast Cancer Action events, a new gym entry process, some changes to Body Balance & Zumba and the upcoming Touch Rugby season. Read on!

BREAST CANCER ACTION EVENTS
We’re very excited to be hosting our Breast Cancer Action events this Friday and Saturday. First up is our Pink Afternoon Tea on Friday at 2.30pm, upstairs at the Queenstown Events Centre. This is aimed at older members of the community with a home baked afternoon tea and the Queenstown Primary Ukelele Group for entertainment. Tickets are $5 per person and everyone is welcome to come along.

Our main event for the fitness fanatics is the Bid for Your Bike RPM Session which is being held on Saturday 8 October at 12.30pm. We’re pretty stoked as nearly 30 people have already bought their bikes at $100 a pop which means we’ve already raised almost $3,000 bucks! But we’ve still got 20 bikes up for grabs so get your bids in now so you don’t miss out – remember, the minimum bid is just $20. As an added incentive check out the amazing list of prizes that are up for grabs in our RPM bike draw!

Thanks must go to both our incredibly generous donors and to Maria and her team for their huge efforts in getting these prizes together. All other classes this Saturday morning will be by gold coin donation – don’t forget that these classes are open to anyone, not just Alpine Health & Fitness members, so if you’ve got a friend that wants to give our RPM, Stretch or Pump classes a go let them know... Last but not least, we’ve got Pink Zumba at Queenstown Memorial Hall on Tuesday 18 October at 6.30pm with all proceeds from the $5 entry fee going to Breast Cancer NZ and again everyone is welcome at this class. You know how much I love Zumba!

CLASS CHANGES – ZUMBA & BODY BALANCE
First up, our Thursday 6.50pm Body Balance class is going to be switching to a Yoga class until the end of October as our lovely Becky works towards gaining further Yoga qualifications. Now, speaking of Zumba, there’s a few changes in the works at Memorial Hall and Arrowtown Hall – Memorial Hall is having a wee break but it’ll be back next week on Tuesday 11 October @ 6.30pm (previously Thursday at 7.30pm). As of next week Arrowtown Hall is switching nights to Thursday 13 October @ 6.30pm (previously Tuesdays at 6.30pm). As a little thank you for your patience with the recent Zumba changes, the above October 11 & 13 Zumba classes will be FREE! So if you’re yet to give Zumba a go, now is the time. Come on down and join the party as a warm up for the Pink Zumba Class on Tuesday 18 October @ 6.30pm!

MEMBERSHIP CARDS COMPULSORY
From Monday 17 October we’re going to be changing the access system and entry to the gym without a membership card will no longer be allowed. So if you’ve lost your card in the abyss of your laundry basket or something now is the time to get it replaced! Replacement cards cost just $2.50 and can be arranged in just a few minutes at the pool or gym reception desks, ideally during non-peak times if possible. Then, from Monday 17 October onwards those with membership cards will be given priority access. If you forget yours from that day onwards we’ll make you do a bunch of push ups and then issue you a temporary daily card before you can enter the facilities – so to avoid any inconvenience, delays or extra push ups let’s all try and remember our membership cards from now on, eh? Thanks!

TOUCH RUGBY IS BACK!
For those of you that are into your ball sports, the Queenstown Touch Rugby Competition is starting up again at the end of October. This Six A-Side Comp is a great way to keep fit and socialise so get a mixed or male team together and enter! Games are every Monday night between 6pm and 7.30pm, with the first night being on Tuesday 25 October (because of Labour Day). Entry costs just $250 per team, plus a $10 refereeing fee per game per day. Entries close on Wednesday 19 October – to register go to www.touchsouthland.co.nz.

Lastly I’d like to congratulate one of our sponsored athletes Duncan Campbell who recently got a double gold at the 2011 NZ Junior Nationals Freeski and Snowboard Championships at Cardrona last week – way to go Duncan!

Cheers,

Richie Heap
Alpine Health & Fitness

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Happy Friday everyone!

It’s been a wee while since I last wrote my blog but there’s lots going on that I wanted to let you know about, so grab a coffee, low cal beer or whatever takes your fancy and read on...

RUGBY WORLD CUP TRAINING
First of all, in case you haven’t heard, the Irish Rugby Team is training here at Queenstown Events Centre for the next week – pretty exciting stuff for everyone round here! If you’d like to come see them train we’ve got an Open Training Session this Sunday 4 September from 1.15-3.15pm. The main effect of RWC 2011 training will have on members is that the stadium change rooms will be closed most days until 7pm until Wednesday 7 September, so you’ll need to use the Aquatics change rooms instead. For you girls who can’t live without the hair straighteners, we’re in the process of getting a pair which will live at reception when not in use as they can’t withstand the humid environment of the pool long term.

REVIVE – NEW 12 WEEK CHALLENGE
Hopefully you’ve all heard about REVIVE - our new 12 week training, nutrition and weight loss challenge to help you spring into summer. This inspirational new programme will give you the motivation to reach all your fitness goals by giving you complete nutritional guidelines and loads of one-on-one sessions with our awesome trainers. Come along to our information night on Wednesday 7 Sept at 6.30pm, upstairs at Queenstown Events Centre for the chance to win 50% off the REVIVE programme! For further details or to register for the info night click here or talk to one of my awesome team at the gym!

NEW RELEASES FOR THE ALL BLACKS!
This coming Saturday 10 September we’re launching three Les Mills new releases – bring it on! This time we’d like everyone to wear black in honour of our national rubgy team, the All Blacks! Registrations for the classes are now open at the gym reception, so be sure to sign up quickly so you don’t miss out – it’s going to be going off!

09.00am RPM 52
10.00am Body Pump 79
12.00pm CX30 4

LEISURELYS – FIT FOR THE FUTURE
If any of you have any older friends or family, you might like to let them know about our Leisurelys programme designed to help older people active. The Leisurelys programme helps people maintain or improve their physical fitness, strength, flexibility and balance while enhancing independence and helping you get more out of your everyday living and recreation. There’s a joining fee of $30 and then classes cost just $5 per person or $45 for a 10-visit concession card. In return Leisurelys members will receive a one-on-one assessment with a physiotherapist, access to a range of membership benefits and discounted classes.

Have a great weekend all!

Cheers,

Richie

20 June 2011

Hi all, Hope you all had a fitness-filled weekend – or at least a fun one!

Just a reminder that our Winter Group timetable is effective from TODAY. So if you haven’t yet picked up a copy, you can download it from here. We’ve got a couple of classes under the spotlight at the moment - RPM Mon 7am & PUMP Wed 9am – just to see if people want them now that Fit in Five is over. If you’re keen on those time slots be sure to let us know by coming along before the end of July.

If you’re yet to make it to a CX-30 class be sure to do so as they’re going off! We’re going to stick with the pre-booking system for now as it’s working well, but if anything changes we’ll be sure to let you know. We’re also getting some more sets of tubing this week so there will soon be enough gear for 50 people per class – wicked.

The Winter Festival Street parade is this coming Saturday 25 June so come check out Lakes Leisure’s Alpine Iceberg float. Camila and her Zumba fans will be strutting their stuff on top of our float - there might be room for a few more so let me know if you’re keen! Otherwise bring the kids (or borrow someone else’s!) and come watch the action...

We’ve also got Thriller in the Chiller out here at the Queenstown Events Centre on Sunday 26 June and the Ladies Fashion Challenge at Queenstown Memorial Hall on Thursday 30 June so be sure to support our brave competitors any way you can!

Have a good week everyone!

Cheers,

Richie

10 June 2011

Happy Friday fitness fanatics!

It’s that time of year again - timetables they are a-changing! First up, we’re extending the Fit in Five timetable until Sunday 12 June to make life easier for all. Then, for the week of June 13-19 we’ll be running a special timetable to launch our new programme, CX-30! Then from Monday 20 June, we’ll settle down into our Winter Timetable. YAY! The winter timetable can now be collected from around Lakes Leisure, but for next week’s timetable please use the link above, the website or the timetables on the gym notice boards – just trying to save a few trees.

CX-30 IS HERE!
You’ve no doubt heard the gossip that CX-30 is on the way. On Tuesday 14 June we’re putting the usual classes on hold for our big launch night when we’ll be holding four CX-30 classes back-to-back so you’ll have a chance to try it. To ensure you don’t miss out on a spot we recommend calling or emailing to make a booking for these four classes: 5.00pm, 5.45pm, 6.20pm & 6.50pm. At this stage we’ll only be taking bookings for the launch night only as we’re going to see how things go after that.

FIT IN FIVE
Congratulations to the 200+ people who attempted Fit in Five during May & June – your efforts were certainly impressive. Of these 200+ there were 86 people who completed 25 classes in 5 weeks and went in the draw to win over THIRTY fabulous prizes from our fabulous sponsors - Remarkables Park Flight Centre, Shoe Clinic, NZ Shred, Heaven and Hush Spa. Alpine Health & Fitness has also thrown in a 3-month membership too! Check the list at the bottom of this blog to see if you’re one of our lucky winners! Your prizes will be ready for collection from the gym reception from Monday 13 June evening onwards.

CAR PARKING
In case you haven’t already noticed the new car park is now complete! The only thing yet to do is to complete the landscaping and resurface the old car park but that’s been deferred to Spring as it’s too cold to plant and re-seal now. So there should be no need to park on grassy verges, pedestrian crossings or state highways any more. Thanks team...

Have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to some snow dances!

Cheers,
Richie

THE FIT IN FIVE WINNERS ARE....

Alpine Health & Fitness 3 Month Membership: Nicky Thompson
Remarkables Park Flight Centre $200 Voucher: Annabel Burdon
Shoe Clinic Shoes: Tristina Campbell-Giles, Becky Nizon
Hush Spa Voucher: Amanda Kirker
Mizuno Socks: Omea Willows
NZ Shred Hoodie: Lisa Commins
NZ Shred T-Shirt: Annie Western & Amina Mather
Shoe Clinic T-Shirts & $10 Voucher: Johanna Edis , Lorraine McGowan, Marie Redin, Mel Webster, Gerri Hezzely, Alistair Nicholson, Simon Haslett
Icebreaker Cap & $10 Voucher: Siobhan Colivet, Fiona McArthyr, Leslie Duygan, Kim Nicholson, Marie Aldridge, Jonny Smillie
Merrel Cap & $10 Voucher: Sarah Norton, Nicky McCrostie, Ann-Louise Riddell, Sheena Lister, Deb Walder
Drink Bottle & $10 Voucher: Georgina Walsh, Louise Mcelrea, Joanne Kirker, Barry Dewson

31 May 2011

Hi folks, It’s been busy times here at Lakes Leisure with Fit in Five, TRENZ and car park upgrades - the lines are being painted on the new car park as we speak - so first up we’d like to thank you for your patience over the past wee while – it’s really appreciated!

As you’ll no doubt notice I haven’t had the chance to blog as much as I would like, but from here on in I’m hoping to now update you weekly on what’s happening with the week ahead. We’ve also started a Lakes Leisure Facebook page to help keep you better informed about what’s going on out here, so click here to view our Lakes Leisure FB page, so I’ll be posting this blog on there as well for all you social media gurus. At the moment anyone who likes Lakes Leisure on Facebook goes in the weekly draw to win tickets to The Gruffalo children’s show on Sunday 12 June so sign up now!

June’s going to be exciting round here too but for different reasons. This week is the final week of Fit in Five and your last chance to clock up your 25 classes so you’ll be in the draw to win some great prizes from our Fit in Five sponsors – Front Runner, Hush Spa, Flight Centre Remarkables Park, Heaven & NZ Shred.

Then this Sunday we’ve got the Queenstown Events Centre Open Day so bring your family and friends along to check out the gym and the pool – all they need is a gold coin! It’s going to be great fun with heaps of activities on for the kids and extra group fitness classes for the adults as well. It’s also Queen’s Birthday holiday this Monday so we’ve reduced the number of classes that day – click here to view the group fitness timetables for both these days.

Then it’s time for a well deserved rest before we launch into the new Group Fitness timetable in mid-June which includes CX30, the exciting new core workout programme from Les Mills. Click on the link if you’d like a taster, but otherwise more on that next time!

Cheers,

Richie

Blog Update 03/03/11

You’re all no doubt aware of the devastating effects of the recent earthquake in Christchurch. Our thoughts are with those with friends and family that have been directly affected by the quake, including some of our Lakes Leisure staff. As a result, we’re holding a Support the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal RPM class this coming Friday 4 March at 6.30pm. Come take part in our 75min RPM class by “buying an RPM bike” for a minimum of $20, although we encourage you to give more if you can afford it. 100% of proceeds will go to the Salvation Army Appeal! Ph 450 9117 to book your bike – places are limited but donations are not!

Lakes Leisure helps out Christchurch Residents
On that note, for those of you who know someone from Christchurch who has temporarily relocated to Queenstown, please spread the word about the deal that Lakes Leisure has arranged for Christchurch residents to make their stay more enjoyable. To use our gym and pool the adult entry fee will be discounted to the beneficiary rate, and seniors and children will enter for free, and all will pay only $2 to use the hydroslide. As long as they have some proof of Christchurch residency this deal will be available to them until the end of March and we welcome them with open them with open arms during this incredibly difficult time for all.

I think Duncan Campbell, one of our sponsored athletes, summed it pretty well when he wrote to us recently,  “Feel a long way away over here with Christchurch happening. 3 gold, 3 silver and a bronze - so ticking along - doesn't really seem important anymore. Missing home big time. Count down on the calendar.”

Thriller in the Chiller
As the first snow dusts the mountains we’re starting to think about winter and the upcoming Thriller in the Chiller event that was such a huge hit at last year’s Winter Festival. This year it’s scheduled for Saturday 26 June at the Queenstown Events Centre. If you think you can make the grade and learn how to dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee, click here to read the contender info pack and complete the online application no later than 5pm on Thursday 10 March 2011. If you make the cut you’ll undergo 16 weeks of boxing training and tuition to get you fit and raring to go. Good luck!

Cheers,

Richie

Blog Update 18/2/11

Hi guys,

Hope you're all having a good summer and making the most of these long days while you can!

Our Back on the Wagon programme started last week. These guys are doing the hard yards for the next 6 weeks with three sessions a week with personal trainer Jen Proctor, as well as nutritional support and six weeks of unlimited gym and pool access. Some have weight loss goals, some are training for events and some are just wanting to get back on the wagon with their fitness. Wish them luck!

Speaking of doing the hard yards, our next Spartan Training starts on Monday 28 February - we've got limited spots available for those that reckon they're tough enough for 5 weeks of the hardest training in the Wakatipu. If you think you are, call 03 450 9117 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 03 450 9117 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email fitness@lakesleisure.co.nz to register. Do it!

Our Indoor Triathlon is on again! Take it to the next level with a 1500m row, 5km bike and 3km run all in the comfort of our gym. Post your times, make it to the top 10 and you’re in the race off! Registration is free so sign up at reception, call on 450 9117 or email fitness@lakesleisure.co.nz.

The new Les Mills releases are out for RPM and Pump - come along this Saturday to be part of the fun! We've also got a few timetable changes coming up in the near future so keep an eye on