News
17/02/2012 - A couple of very big announcements.....
Very shortly, the Club will be going to a 24/7 format. Staffed hours will remain the same, but those who want to be able to use the Club outside of normal hours will be able to do so. It's been in the works for a year or so, but a lot of technical and physical issues needed to be addressed. The reception area has been moved allowing it to be shut off from the main gym area with the side benefit of creating some more much needed space on the main floor. The Club has been fitted out with CCTV cameras, allowing for remote monitoring. Entry will be via the back door (with cameras covering the rear carpark). Some very clever technology has also been installed from Infranet Systems which will handle arming and disarming the alarm, turning lights on and off and panic buttons. The owner of Infranet, Bretten Holland together with our website developer Eric Bergquist of Behind the Web have overcome a number of technical challenges to make it all happen. Both are highly recommended!
You might ask who is going to want to use the Club at 3am, not many probably. But based on the feedback we've received from current members there are plenty who would use the Club at 3pm on a Sunday, or 8:30pm once the kids are in bed, or shift workers before or after work.
The other big story is dealing with a side of business I have always struggled with, namely gym contracts. It's the one area of the business that the general public have real misgivings about. There are to many horror stories of high pressure sales tactics resulting in people signing long contracts with to much fine print to digest. From a industry perspective, we reward customers who sign long contracts with a lower price, which is fine for those who make use of the Club throughout the term of their contract. But who knows what your situation will be 6 months from now let alone 2 or 3 years from now. But the bottom line from my perspective is that contracts are a bone of contention for many and make it very difficult for people to commit to a gym, as they can't afford a short term membership but can't or don't want to commit to a long contract. So if it's wrong then it needs to be fixed. So we're fixing it. Starting from the 27th of February we will be switching to a no contract format. New members will only need to give one months notice to cancel their membership. There will be some cash up front options for those who prefer it or who have a poor credit rating (to reduce our overheads of chasing people for missed payments). For current members on a contract you will be able to switch over once your minimum term has been completed. If you have already completed your minimum term then you are already on a no contract basis and need only look at switching contracts if the new rates are cheaper (and for many they'll be better of just continuing on their current membership plan).
Counties Fitness has always prided itself on being the most innovative Club in Franklin and we will continue to bring the very best in equipment, group fitness and service to our members.
16/02/2012 - Open day timetable
Brand new Les Mills releases are coming on March the 3rd and 4th. As usual this is an Open day so all are welcome.
Timetable as follows:
Saturday the 3rd of March
8:15am BodyPump
9:30am CxWorx
10:00am BodyStep
11:00am CxWorx
11:45am RPM
Sunday the 4th of March
9:00am BodyCombat
10:00am CxWorx
10:30am BodyAttack
11:30am BodyBalance
10/02/2012 - 12 Week Challenge
All 30 spaces have been taken and there's a few people that have missed out, so the moral of the story is to get in quick and not leave it to the last minute! The first of the mini challenges starts this Monday with the teams competing to do as many group fitness classes in a month as they can manage.
This means classes are going to be busier than usual, we're adding an additional BodyPump class on Friday mornings (6am). We will add more classes should the need arise. The group fitness studio will be expanding in the near future to accommodate 80 participants, which will take the pressure off for future challenges and cater for the continuing popularity of the Les Mills programmes.
Good luck to everyone, if past challenges are anything to go by there's going to be some happy but tired participants in 12 weeks time!
17/01/2012 - Update
The boxing area is now up and running. Still waiting for the Aussies to supply the two speed bag platforms. Also had a couple of hiccups with the bags falling out of the ceiling! Now sorted out with some heavy duty mounting points.
With regard to the rest of the building..... No progress grrrrr. Reason being the council has asked for an emergency lighting system be included and the man responsible is on holiday. Once we have the necessary council approvals things should happen fairly quickly. The RPM studio will move downstairs and the void will be filled in to increase the group fitness studio capacity. For the RPM fans out there you'll be pleased to hear all the bikes will be replaced with more Bodybikes. The new ones have stainless steel everything which means no corrosion, which in turns means no problems adjusting the seat and handle bar post height. Also they'll come equipped with kevlar brake-pads which require no lubrication meaning no change in the resistance. Unlike the current leather brake-pads which require frequent oiling which in turn changes the resistance. Look for a February date for the install.
I'm gagging to tell you all about another big change coming but for commercial reasons I can't just yet - but it will be pretty exciting for some of our members. The move of the reception area has worked out well, with the extra space now devoted to the new boxing area. There will also be a major reorganisation of the ground floor once the top floor is sorted.
The new Les Mills CXWorx class has gone down a storm. It's a 30 minute core workout using for want of a better word 'rubber bands'. 44 of you turned up last Sunday morning, so I strongly encourage our other 1,200 members to give it a go - just not all at once! Les Mills is the worlds most popular group fitness system for a good reason, it's simply the best.
Our Hoist ROC-IT line of pin loaded strength equipment is about to be added to with the addition of a glute machine.
19/12/2011 - Christmas hours
Normal until Friday the 23rd of December. Christmas and New Year timetable available at reception or on our Facebook page.
19/12/2011 - New boxing area
After much deliberation and chatting to members the big new area formerly occupied by reception will be turned into a dedicated boxing area. Most of the new equipment arrived today and will be installed shortly. In keeping with out best in class philosophy all equipment is being supplied by NZBoxer New Zealand's premier boxing equipment supplier.
Couple of height adjustable speed bag platforms.
A number of punch bags.
A couple of floor to ceiling bags.
Two wall punch bags.
One free standing punch bag.
Now this is not to say the Technogym Kinesis system (see previous news item) isn't going to happen, but even if we ordered it today it wouldn't arrive from Europe for around 12- 14 weeks, so we have to do something with the area in the meantime. In addition to make it financially worthwhile we would need to be seeing patient referrals from physiotherapists (it is medically certified), to be worthwhile and changes to ACC mean we won't know if this is possible until March.
Regardless of that the boxing area can be relocated should we proceed with Kinesis. Boxing by the way is a great way of keeping fit, if you don't believe me then just try one of Linda's box and burn classes or book a session with a PT.
07/12/2011 - Your opinion please
All the regulars would have noticed by now that the reception area has now moved into the old entry foyer. There are a couple of reasons for this, only one of which I can reveal at this time. Reason number one is space, our membership has expanded a great deal over the years and I want to keep ahead of the curve and ensure we don't have issues with over crowding. By moving reception I estimate we have freed up 25% more space on the ground floor.
The big picture is all the cardio equipment currently located on the ground floor will move upstairs. Following this will be a major reshuffle of the layout on the ground floor. I've never been happy with the free weights area in particular and this will be sorted out with the extra space created by the removal of the cardio equipment.
As for the former reception area I'm currently exploring a few exciting options. One of which is particularly exciting. European company Technogym produces the Kinesis line of equipment which will add a new dimension for training. Rather than trying to explain it here's a video of it in action with some of the UK's toughest soldiers the Marines.
The possibilities are endless, there are something like 550 different exercises possible. It's medically certified so ideal for injury rehabilitation. A great tool for personal trainers and high performance athletes. There are currently only two in the country one in Les Mills Wellington and another in a Physiotherapist clinic on the North Shore. Why so few? Cost.... But I truly believe it will offer another dimension to training that cannot be replicated. We are already a world class facility and this would represent the icing on the cake. However it is by no means a done deal. I will be canvassing members for their opinion. So members if you are reading this please email me your opinion if I hear nothing then nothing will happen...
06/12/2011 - The group fitness studio is getting...
Bigger! We are now hitting maximum capacity for some classes. As a result the studio is about to get bigger. A lot bigger, current capacity is 55+/-, new capacity will be 80+. The void will be filled in and the studio walls will move back into the current cardio area. The new area won't be a perfect rectangle but will nonetheless be big enough to cope with numbers for the foreseeable future. For a small town we really shouldn't need to expand to a studio this size but clearly the demand is there. Building work will commence shortly and I would hope we're ready to go sometime in February.
The RPM studio will be moving downstairs into a couple of vacant shops. Regarding RPM I know all you RPMers have been frustrated a) with the state of the studio and b) with the state of the bikes. a) will be taken care of with the new studio and b) by either getting new RPM bikes or a ground up rebuild of the existing bikes. The biggest problems with the current fleet is the dodgy resistance setting and the difficulty on some bikes of adjusting the seat/handle bar height. The resistance setting problems are caused the leather strap Bodybike use, it needs to be sprayed with oil from time to time and this completely changes the characteristics of the resistance. There is an upgrade from BodyBike which consists of a Kevlar brake which doesn't require lubrication, this is being investigated at the moment. The other issue with the seats/handle bars is also being addressed with a complete strip down repaint and replacement of the plastic sleeves which are the root cause. I would rather go down this root than replace them with a cheaper but inferior spin bike. Until BodyBike release a new version that addresses a couple of other minor issues I'm not prepared to replace them with new BodyBikes that are essentially the same.
01/12/2011 - Changes to the timetable
Some changes to the timetable. CXWORX the new 30min core program from
Les Mills makes it's debut on the timetable on Monday, Wednesday and
Saturday. Judging by reactions so far it's going to be huge!
Also
BodyJam makes way for SH'BAM. Over 40 turned out for its first showing
since open day last week so a great start to a new program. Here's Les
Mills description of what SH'BAM is all about.
"Featuring simple but seriously hot dance moves, SH’BAM™ is the
perfect way to shape up and let out your inner star – even if you’re
dance challenged.
Set to a soundtrack of chart-topping popular
hits, dance music that is heard in the hottest nightclubs around the
world, familiar classics remixed and modernized Latin beats, SH’BAM™ is
the ultimate fun and sociable way to exercise. Each 45-minute SH’BAM™
class is vibrant, unique and varied – and like all the LES MILLS™
programs, a new SH’BAM™ release is produced every three months with new
music and choreography."
19/11/2011 - Open Weekend Timetable
Our next Open Weekend is the 26th and 27th of November. The Club will be
open to all free of charge. This Open Weekend is a bit special for a
couple of reasons. This will be our first Open Weekend to feature our
brand new cardio equipment from American company TRUE Fitness. It
represents a huge leap forward in technology and quality compared to
anything in Franklin or for that matter pretty much any Club in the
country. If you have an iPod or iPhone then plug it in to listen to
music or watch videos on the 15in touchscreen display. In fact you can
control your iPod/iPhone from the touchscreen! Once the new antenna
cabling is installed you'll also be able to watch TV.
In addition we will be introducing two new Les Mills programs. Sh'Bam is
a dance program featuring hot music and easy to learn dance moves. The
other program is CXWORX, this is a short 30min program that focuses on
your core, it's proven to be a huge hit at Les Mills and the feedback
from our members who have participated in our trial classes has been
fantastic - not to be missed!
The timetable is as follows:
Saturday the 26th of November
8.00am RPM
8.00am BodyStep
9.00am CXWORX
9.30am SH'Bam
10.30am BodyAttack
11.30am CXWORX
Sunday the 27th of November
9.00am BodyPump
10.00am CXWORX
10.30am BodyCombat
11.30am BodyBalance
Remember there'll be membership specials on the day, so come down and find out why we're No. 1 in Franklin!
18/10/2011 - New cardio equipment installed
Over the weekend the old cardio equipment went and some of the new TRUE
cardio equipment arrived. In keeping with our philosophy of providing
'best in class' equipment the new cardio equipment features cutting edge
features to keep members motivated and provide a results orientated
workout. All the new equipment feature a 15in touchscreen interface that
is simple to use and packed full of features. Plug in your iPod/iphone
and control it from the touchscreen to watch videos or listen to music.
A built in TV allows you watch what you want instead of being stuck
with the Clubs choice.
The other major improvement are the ease of access to the build in
programs. Within a couple of seconds you will be working out at the
correct intensity for your goals - the heart rate control programs are
particularly good.
TRUE is an American company and a major player in the global fitness
industry. Most New Zealand Clubs opt for cheaper Chinese equipment often
poorly designed and manufactured. The feedback from members has been
great and I can honestly say we are up there with the very best Clubs in New
Zealand.
But it gets better what is currently installed is less than half of the
order, once the front of the building has been completed the remainder
will be installed. Ten treadmills, ten crosstrainers, eight upright
bikes and two recumbent bikes. This will mean there should never be a
situation where a treadmill, crosstrainer or bike is not available.
01/10/2011 - Speed ball
Not really news I suppose but worth posting nonetheless. The Club has one speed bag platform that I've been hammering away on for a while. It's one of those exercises that if you aren't taught the basics you'll never bother with it as it looks to difficult. I managed to master the basics thanks to watching a few videos on Youtube. Since then I've passed on the knowledge to as many members as I can. Recently I've discovered the true extent of what can be done. Turns out there's a guy in the States by the name of Alan Kahn who is recognised as being the master of the speed bag. I've been in contact with him and a set of his instructional DVD's is winging its way from Texas to Pukekohe. To see Alan working the speed bag is inspirational to say the least. Not only is he a master of the speed bag but a bloody nice guy to boot as he has thrown in a couple of speed bags at no extra cost!
Here's a clip of Alan doing his thing, take a minute or two to watch it he deserves it!
01/10/2011 - Current special
Summer is rapidly approaching and now is the time to take action! We
know cost is important so we're making it easy, join now for 12 months
and we'll give you the first 2 months FREE! Join for six months and your
first month is FREE! This is a limited offer so don't delay.
16/09/2011 - New equipment
Yet another delivery at the beginning of the week. This time it's more Technogym plate loaded strength equipment. Technogym is a world leader and the equipment in the Club is the same as used by olympic athletes at the Beijing Olympic games. To complement the existing incline and decline chest press we have now added a row, shoulder press and leg press.
16/09/2011 - BOX & BURN!
The title say's it all. If you're looking for a class to push you to the edge of your performance envelope and beyond then look no further. Taken by our own pocket rocket Linda this is a high energy class using hanging bags and gloves. If you're a glutton for punishment then this is for you. Numbers are limited and there is a charge of $10, but Linda guarantees you'll get your money's worth!
16/09/2011 - What's happening in your Club (novel).
A ton of updates.
Firstly the builders are on their final push to get the new frontage
finished. But there's plenty more going on. We're in final negotiations
with our gracious landlords to take over the lease for two of the small
shops at the front of the building. These will be combined to give us
the new location for the RPM studio. The old studio will be demolished
to make way for the new cardio area upstairs. This will be by far the
biggest in Franklin, I guarantee you will not have to queue for a piece
of cardio equipment! Sitting in a warehouse not far from the Club right
now are 10 new treadmills, 10 new crosstrainers, 8 upright bikes and 2
recumbent bikes.
In keeping with my philosophy of providing the very best available
equipment these new cardio machines all have build-in touch screen
displays. The displays have build-in TV's and full iPod/iPhone
compatibility. Manufactured by American company TRUE fitness they
represent the cutting edge in QUALITY design, engineering and
functionality. When you step through the door at Counties Fitness you
can be assured you'll be using equipment that meets or better's that
found in top Clubs around the world.
Once the dust has settled I have a couple of other big announcements
pending that will put a simile on a lot of faces. It's hard to believe
how far the Club has come over the past five or so years, our core of
loyal members have been joined by many others over the years and to be
honest it's the positive feedback and interaction with the family that
is Counties Fitness that makes me and the rest of the team look forward
to each and every day. It's been a great journey so far and I look
forward to the years still to come.
What else is happening, Linda Begg an amazing Personal trainer turned up
on our doorstep a few months ago. Formerly with another local Club
their loss has very much been our gain. This woman has more energy than
the space shuttle and has slotted in nicely alongside Nigel, Heidi and
Zara our resident Personal trainers. She has just launched Box &
Burn a group boxing class on every Friday at 6:30pm (see the separate
news item). Welcome Linda!
The xDream mountain bike simulators have proven to be a real hit -
almost to much so with some members addicted to them. They are the only
two in the country and cost the Club some serious dollars (which I guess
why they're the only two in the Country).
The other new pieces of equipment that have gone down a storm are the
Absolo machines, last time I heard it was us and one other enlightened
Club that has them. Basically they put a bit of fun into abdominal
exercise and you can read more about them in a previous news post.
The twice yearly 12 Week challenge has kicked off, as usual for this
time of year it's full and the 30 participants are well into their work.
Most Clubs use this type of program as a marketing tool to get new
members but ours is very different in that most who start will finish
and get a great result to boot. Instead of training by yourself you're
placed in a team and have team challenges all the way through to stay
motivated. It's not uncommon to see weight losses of more that 20kg for
some participants. Right now the teams are battling to see who can
complete the most group fitness classes in a month (the record is 93!).
They will then move onto the U.S Army physical fitness test which
involves a lap around the Pukekohe Motorsport circuit.
22/06/2011 - No more Zumba
Yip, just hasn't been the same since Fabio left. When you're used to getting the best, second best isn't good enough. So bye bye Zumba was nice knowing you...
10/06/2011 - AB Solo's are here!
The ABSolo machines are now here. Only ones in the country and they're already proving to be very popular.
10/06/2011 - New inner/outer thigh machines
It's been a good week for new equipment. Our new Hoist ROC-IT inner and outer thigh machines have just arrived. Sure to be popular with the ladies!
24/05/2011 - Open Weekend timetable
As some of you may be aware it's Open weekend this weekend. Free classes and membership specials. The timetable for Saturday and Sunday is as follows:
Saturday
8am BodyPump
9am BodyStep
10am BodyJam
Sunday
9am BodyCombat
9.30am RPM
10am BodyBalance
11am BodyAttack
Remember these are brand spanking new releases, so new music and new moves. See you all there!
17/05/2011 - Sad news
Despite our best efforts Fabio has lost his battle to remain in NZ. A fantastic instructor who will be sorely missed. Many thanks to all those who submitted letters to immigration on his behalf. Over 250 people signed the petition at the Club and more than 600 on the save Fabio Sampaio page on Facebook. It won't be the same without you.
05/05/2011 - New Opening Hours
It's been happening unofficially for a long time but the Club is now officially open from 5.30am Mon - Friday. Weekend hours remain the same.
20/04/2011 - New website!
It's taken a long long time to get it done. But it is an unbelievably big improvement over what was there before! Comments welcome, no doubt there will be some tweaking needed.
20/04/2011 - Easter Hours
Closed Friday
Open Saturday
Closed Sunday
Monday open 1pm - 8.30pm
Classes are as per usual for the times the Club is open.
19/04/2011 - AbSolo ab machines coming soon.
The Club has just bought two abSolo machines. Like the xDream bikes we'll be the first in the country to have them.
Expected to arrive in May, here's a sneak preview.
18/04/2011 - The xDream bikes have returned!
After a 10 day trial in the Club the overwhelming response from our members was - WE WANT THESE BIKES. So they're back and this time to stay. For the time being we're the first Club in the country to have them.
Not a member and wondering what all the fuss is about. Take a look at the video below...
09/08/2010 - New BodyAttack class
Due to demand we've added another BodyAttack class. It's on Saturday at 10am.
05/08/2010 - 12 Week Challenge
Registration is now open for our twice yearly and unique 12 Week Challenge program. Only 30 places are available and 18 are gone already. So grab an information brochure from the Club and kick start your weight loss program.
04/08/2010 - Yummy Mummy class
We've recently launched a brand new class especially for new mums. Do you want a chance to get out of the house, meet other new mums and get some exercise at the same time. Then come along with your baby to our Yummy Mummy class. A highly qualified instructor will help you get your body back into shape with a class specially designed for you. Finish it off with a free cup of coffee and catch up with other mums. The cost is just $5!
03/08/2010 - Autospot machine
Our new and one off autospot machine has just arrived. It allows users to place dumb bells in any position they want prior to beginning their exercise. Perfect for those exercises where you struggle to get dumb bells into the start position.
01/05/2010 - New Website
The new website is about to be launched :)
Updated