Key exercise bodies produce New Zealand's biggest online fitness directory during lockdown

Key exercise bodies produce New Zealand’s biggest online fitness directory during lockdown

April 9, 2020

The Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) and the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) have combined o produce the country’s largest directory of online exercise providers.

REPs has 3500 members and more than 250 facilities, representing about 70% of the workforce of the industry.

Advising that around 80% of trainers and clubs are going online to provide ‘exercise from home’ options and activities for millions of New Zealanders keen to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive, Richard Beddie states “we have seen how quickly trainers have been able to offer online services but we have some concerns when the lockdown ends, there will be major restrictions on gatherings which might affects gyms and exercise providers in the long term. But we will be prepared either way - returning to business as usual or growing our online directory.

“We’ve seen the number of providers on the directory skyrocket in the last fortnight. It’s too soon to tell how many kiwis are staying active while at home, but anecdotal evidence from social media posts is that many are taking it up.

“REPs have online services as a search option, so people can find services locally, online or both, although currently only online services are available. All registered trainers meet strict standards and provide safe and effective advice to the public. REPs is part of an international group - ICREPs, the largest exercise industry organisation in the world.

“All REPs trainers and facilities have been verified to meet strict internationally benchmarked standards. They are mapped to standards underpinned by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority guidelines, which provides safety to those using a REPs trainer or facility.

“The range of their offerings ranges from yoga to bootcamp, from Les Mills on demand classes, to 1:1 personal training coaching sessions. Just like the diversity of exercise providers in the real or pre-COVID-19 world the online options are just as varied

“All New Zealanders have seen messages about the need to stay active at home during lockdown, which is great. The challenge is to ensure that the advice for this is from professionals with recognised qualifications and not social media influencers with six packs, or those with a new wonder product.”

Lower image: Richard Beddie.

3rd April 2020 - Eight out of 10 New Zealand trainers and exercise facilities now operating online

31st March 2020 - With clubs closed fitness providers go online

27th March 2020 - ExerciseNZ disappointed that New Zealand Government allows delivery of alcohol and cigarettes but not exercise equipment

25th March 2020 - Belgravia Group launches online fitness program

7th March 2020 - ExerciseNZ to celebrate role of women in fitness on International Women’s Day

19th February 2020 - NZREPS shares research insights into exercise and fitness trends for 2020

18th February 2020 - ExerciseNZ questions fast food and sugary drinks sponsorship of sporting teams

3rd February 2020 - Government, schools and family groups should help young New Zealanders get fitter

30th January 2020 - ExerciseNZ’s Beddie calls for New Zealanders to be more active in 2020

2nd September 2019 - NZREPs highlights benefits of exercising in water

20th August 2019 - ExerciseNZ’s Beddie highlights ways that activity increases life expectancy

11th June 2019 - NZREPs shares research insights into the value of High Intensity Interval Training

22nd January 2019 - NZREPS reviews the top Exercise and Wellness Trends for 2019

26th March 2017 - NZREPs asks if a Sugar Tax is the Best Solution to Obesity?

25th March 2015 - NZREPS highlights the need to be physically prepared for sport

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.