Search Results

We have some exciting updates coming to our strength-based group fitness classes in the new year. Les Mills is globally evolving their programming, to move away from strict weekly progressions and offer more flexible, evidence-based training, formats. What’s Changing? As part of that evolution, two of our current classes, Strength Development and Functional Strength are blending into one refreshed, upgraded, strength-training experience. You will notice the classes will feel a little different than before, and that’s by design. These changes have been introduced by Les Mills International to better align with current training science and global trends. The New Strength Development: You can expect workouts with a more functional feel Training will sit largely in the hypertrophy strength  space, designed to help you build strength and lean muscle Each class will stand alone, meaning you can jump into any release at any time Just like our other Les Mills programs, this class will now have new releases every quarter, refreshing the content and keeping your training experience varied, exciting and effective. Introducing BODYPUMP Heavy To add to our strength-training options, we’ll be trialing all new BODYPUMP Heavy  (more info to come in the new year)! This is a more traditional, pure strength format class that we are excited to unleash on you. We’ll use your feedback to decide if it will be a permanently fixture on our timetable. Our instructors will guide you through these changes, answer your questions, and help you get the most out of the new programme when they go live. As always, your training experience is our priority, and we’re excited for you to try what’s coming. FAQ's 1. Why are Strength Development and Functional Strength combining? Les Mills is evolving their programs globally to reflect current training science. Combining these two classes creates one streamlined, functional, hypertrophy-focused strength training option that’s easier to follow and more flexible for all levels. 2. What will the new class feel like? Expect a more functional strength feel, with workouts designed to build strength and muscle using hypertrophy-based movements. Classes won’t follow strict periodisation anymore (e.g., hypertrophy → strength → power cycles), but will still be challenging, effective, and coached by your favourite instructors. 3. Will I still see progress if the classes aren’t sequential? Yes! Quarterly releases allow more flexibility for instructors to choose sessions that suit the group while still delivering a high-quality training stimulus. Members can continue progressing with consistency and good effort, just as in other Les Mills programs. 4. Why are releases moving to quarterly? This update aligns the program with the global Les Mills release schedule. Quarterly releases allow: · More structured refreshes · Better long-term content quality · Easier class planning for both members and instructors 5. I liked the previous Strength Development progression—why change it? The shift is happening worldwide, not just at Northern Arena. Les Mills is moving away from strict week-to-week progressions and toward flexible, modern strength formats that better fit today’s training trends and member expectations. 6. Will my favourite instructors still teach these classes? Yes! Your current instructors will continue teaching the updated program and are being supported through the transition. 7. What is BODYPUMP Heavy? BODYPUMP Heavy is a pure strength-training format using heavier loads and fewer repetitions. We will trial pop-up and taster sessions through January and February. Your feedback will guide whether it becomes a regular timetable class. 8. I’m worried the class will feel too different—what should I expect at first? It may feel slightly different initially, but still very familiar in structure and coaching style. You’ll get: · Strength-focused training · Functional movement patterns · A supportive, coached experience · Music-led sessions with the same Les Mills quality Your instructor will guide you through any changes in the workout style. 9. Does this affect LES MILLS Shapes? Yes, it will also be affecting LES MILLS Shapes as it is also moving to a quarterly release model. This is part of the wider global update to simplify and modernise program delivery. 10. Who can I talk to if I have questions? Chat with any of our instructors or our Group Fitness team. We’re here to help you feel confident and excited about the new program!

A beach day in New Zealand is a special kind of magic. Bare feet on warm sand, chilly bins packed tight, kids racing the waves and adults pretending they will only go in up to their knees. Our coastline is woven into family life, especially around Auckland, and summer memories are often made right at the water’s edge. But here is the quiet truth that sits underneath all that fun. The more confident a family is in the water, the more freedom and enjoyment everyone feels at the beach. "Learning to swim does not take the fun out of beach days. It unlocks it." Confidence Changes Everything When children can swim, something shifts. They move differently near the water. They understand their bodies, they know how to float, kick, breathe and recover if a wave knocks them sideways. That confidence turns hesitation into joy. Instead of constant calls of “stay there” or “don’t go too far”, parents can enjoy the supervision. Kids can explore the shallows, chase waves and play longer, because they have real skills and confidence backing them up. The beach becomes more of a place of adventure. Confidence also means kids are more likely to try new water activities as they grow. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, nippers surf life saving, kayaking or just swimming out to the pontoon all become possibilities rather than worries. Safer Skills Lead to Better Play New Zealand beaches are beautiful, but they are also powerful. Waves, currents and changing conditions are part of the landscape. Learning to swim gives children the tools to handle those moments when play turns unpredictable. No body is ever safe in the water, but strong swimming skills teach children how to stay calm, how to float on their back, how to move with water rather than fight it. These skills matter whether you are at a patrolled beach or a quiet family spot. At Northern Arena, we see this every day. Children who learn to swim properly are not just ticking off distances in a pool. They are learning control, awareness and respect for water. Those lessons travel with them straight to the beach. More Fun for the Whole Family A confident swimmer is a happy swimmer. And happy swimmers make beach days better for everyone. Parents spend less time hovering and more time enjoying the moment. Siblings can play together without constant interruption. Family games like body surfing, swimming races or floating beyond the first break become shared experiences, not stressful ones. Swimming skills also reduce fatigue. When kids know how to move efficiently in water, they last longer and enjoy more. Less exhaustion means fewer meltdowns and more smiles when it is time for fish and chips on the way home. Learning in the Pool, Using It at the Beach Pools are where swimming skills are built safely and consistently. Beaches are where those skills come alive. Learning to swim in a structured environment gives children muscle memory and confidence before they ever face waves or currents. That combination of skill and experience is what keeps beach days fun instead of frightening. Northern Arena families often tell us they notice the difference straight away. Children who once clung to the shoreline start wading deeper. Parents feel the shift from constant vigilance to calm enjoyment. That is the power of learning to swim properly. A Summer Built on Skills Every great beach memory rests on a foundation of confidence and capability. Learning to swim is not about fear or limits. It is about freedom, enjoyment and making the most of the incredible water lifestyle we have here in New Zealand. When kids can swim, beaches become bigger playgrounds. When parents trust their children’s skills, summer feels lighter. And when families invest in learning to swim, every beach trip becomes safer and more fun. At Northern Arena in Silverdale, we are proud to help local families build those skills for life, so the best days of summer can be spent where they belong, in the water, together.

Starting a new fitness journey can feel overwhelming when you are unsure where to begin. The good news is that your first workout does not need to be perfect. It just needs to match your goals and your comfort level. If you want more energy Start with a simple cardio based group fitness session. A quick row, a gentle bike ride, or a group class with upbeat music can lift your mood and wake up your body. If you want to feel stronger Begin with basic strength movements. Bodyweight exercises, light weights, or an introductory F2 class will help you build technique and confidence. If you want to feel more relaxed Try a mobility, Les Mills Shapes, Body Balance or Yoga class. Slower sessions help your body unwind, improve your posture, and reduce daily tension. If you want a bit of everything Choose a class that mixes cardio and strength. These sessions offer structure, guidance, and a friendly team environment. Listen to your body There is no wrong choice for a first workout. Choose what feels right today, not what you think you should do. You can explore other styles once you feel comfortable. The takeaway Whatever your goals, your first workout is simply the beginning. Pick something that feels doable, enjoyable, and honest to where you are right now.

A simple story about confidence, routine, and showing up Bec's never saw herself as a gym person. She was not chasing personal bests or extreme challenges. She simply wanted to feel better in her body, move a little more, and have something that was hers during a busy week. Like many women juggling work, family and everything else, she kept telling herself she would start when life settled down. But life never really settled. Weeks passed. Then months. The idea of walking into the gym after so long became its own hurdle. The turning point One day, after another long stretch of “I’ll go next week,” she decided to book a single visit. Not a full plan. Not a long session. Just one visit. She told herself she would turn up, do something simple and then see how she felt. She walked in nervous but was met with a friendly hello, a short tour and a space that felt calmer than she expected. No pressure. No judgement. Just normal people doing their thing. The moment everything shifted After twenty minutes of gentle movement, something changed. She felt her shoulders drop. Her mind quieten. Her breath slow down. It was not about being fit. It was about feeling like herself again. Leaving that day, she thought, “I can do this.” Not perfectly. Not every day. But two to three times a week felt doable. And that was enough. What happened next Bec's came back the next week. Then the week after. The routine built itself slowly. Some weeks she made all three sessions. Some weeks she managed one. But she kept going because it made her feel good, not because she felt forced. She did not become a hard out gym regular. She became a consistent one. Someone who moves for her sanity as much as her strength. Why her story matters Starting does not require bravery or high motivation. It requires one visit. One moment where you show up, move a little, and realise it is not nearly as intimidating as it feels in your head. Rebecca's story is the story of so many women. Life gets full. Confidence dips. Routine slips. But the gym can be the place where you find your rhythm again. Quietly. Gently. One visit at a time.

Exercise is one of the simplest tools for supporting mental health. It clears the mind, lowers stress, and helps you feel more balanced in your everyday life. A reset for your mind Movement shakes off the tension that builds up from work, screens, and long days. Even a few minutes of activity can change the tone of your whole day. A natural mood booster Exercise increases endorphins, which lift your mood naturally. You feel more calm, focused, and grounded after moving. Better sleep, better days Regular movement helps your body unwind and improves sleep quality. Waking up rested makes everything else easier. A sense of control Showing up for yourself builds confidence. You feel more capable. More resilient. More ready to face challenges. Your first visit can be your reset You do not need to be fit to feel better. You only need a moment of movement that can improve your mental health. The takeaway Exercise supports your mind as much as your body. It helps you find balance in a busy, pressure filled world.

Many people want to start training but wait for the perfect moment. The perfect week. The perfect schedule. The perfect wave of motivation. The truth is that perfect timing almost never arrives. Life will always be full Work, family, stress, unexpected events. These never fully disappear. Waiting for calm usually leads to long delays and more frustration. Motivation comes after movement Motivation rarely arrives first. It shows up after you start. Once you take that initial step, everything feels easier and more possible. A short session is enough You do not need a long workout to begin. Even ten minutes of movement changes your mindset and builds confidence. Your body responds quickly The first few sessions bring real benefits. Better sleep. A clearer mind. More energy. These early wins keep your momentum going. Progress grows from simple beginnings Start small. Start imperfectly. Start busy. Start tired. You do not need ideal conditions. You only need to begin. The takeaway Stop waiting for perfect timing. Take the step that is possible today.

Staying consistent is easier when you do not do it alone. Accountability turns intentions into actions and helps you stay on track even when motivation dips. Why accountability works Accountability gives your goals a home outside your head. When you share your plan with someone, you create a gentle pressure to follow through. It becomes a commitment, not a wish. Build accountability through people Join a class. Tell a friend your plan. Ask a coach to help you set simple weekly goals. Knowing someone expects you creates a quiet pull toward action. Build accountability through structure Follow a timetable. Book classes ahead of time. Set reminders. Create weekly milestones. Structure builds momentum. When sessions are planned, they feel easier to begin. Choose a community that supports you Training with others creates a sense of belonging. You feel part of something. You share challenges and wins. That connection keeps you coming back, especially on the days you feel tired or stressed. Celebrate progress, even the small wins Progress is not only about heavier weights or longer runs. It is showing up. Feeling clearer. Sleeping better. Moving more often. Acknowledging small steps strengthens your desire to continue. The takeaway Accountability keeps you grounded, consistent, and supported. When your routine is shared instead of carried alone, staying committed becomes far easier.

Feeling nervous about walking into a gym is completely normal. Many people want to get started but feel overwhelmed by the idea of stepping inside for the first time. The good news is that gym anxiety is common, manageable, and temporary. You are not the only one Plenty of people feel unsure during their first visit. Some worry they will not know what to do. Some worry they will stand out. Some think everyone else knows more than they do. The truth is simple. Most people are focused on their own workout and barely notice anyone around them. Choose a calm first experience Visit during a quieter time. Ask for a five minute walkthrough. Try a class for beginners. Pick something structured so you do not need to plan anything yourself. You will feel more comfortable once you understand the space and the flow. Let a coach guide you A coach takes the pressure off. They show you where things are, help you use equipment safely, and walk you through your first steps. When someone friendly welcomes you in, that first moment becomes easier. Start with something familiar If classes feel too big at first, start with a cardio machine, a gentle stretch session, or something simple that lets you ease in gradually. Confidence grows with positive experiences. Celebrate the step, not the performance Your first visit is a win. You showed up. You moved. You made progress. Confidence does not start before you walk in. It starts the moment after you try. The takeaway Gym anxiety fades quickly once you experience a welcoming space and a supportive team. The biggest step is the first one, and you do not have to take it alone.

Creating healthy habits does not need to feel overwhelming. Most people imagine change as a huge leap when it actually grows from a few steady steps. You do not need to overhaul your life to start feeling better. You only need one habit you can see yourself repeating. Start smaller than you think Most people fail because they start big. Big goals feel exciting, but they are hard to repeat during busy weeks. A small habit is easier to keep even when life gets messy. Ten minutes of movement. A short walk. A single weekly class. These are habits that survive real life. Consistency matters more than intensity A habit becomes automatic when you do it often, not when you do it perfectly. Your brain learns through repetition. A gentle routine repeated often will always beat a tough workout done once. Anchor habits to real life Attach your new habit to something you already do. A stretch after your morning coffee. A gym session before picking up the kids. A short swim after work. The more natural it feels, the easier it becomes to maintain. Make the first step enjoyable If you enjoy your habit, you repeat it. If you dread it, you avoid it. The key is choosing something that feels good right now. When you enjoy the process, results follow without forcing them. Build accountability through connection Humans follow through when they feel supported. Join a class, find a training buddy, or talk to a coach. Accountability makes the hardest part easier. You show up because someone is waiting for you. The takeaway Start small. Stay consistent. Keep it enjoyable. Healthy habits do not require perfection. They only require a beginning.

Improving fitness isn’t just about going harder. It’s about finding the right class that lifts your heart rate, challenges your body, and keeps you coming back for more. Here are the fitness options at Northern Arena that will help you build stamina, boost energy, and feel fitter from the inside out. Les Mills BodyAttack A full throttle cardio workout built on athletic movements and big energy. You’ll jump, run, push, and power your way through tracks that improve agility, coordination, and total body endurance. Every class leaves you buzzing. Les Mills BodyCombat Inspired by martial arts, driven by music, and packed with intensity. You’ll punch, kick, strike, and move your way through a workout that builds fitness, strength, and serious confidence. No bags. No gloves. Just you and the energy in the room. RPM A cycle workout that builds fitness and endurance without the impact. You control the pace and resistance while the music drives you through climbs, sprints, and steady bursts. Virtual RPM is available outside peak hours, so you can ride anytime. Sprint A high intensity interval training workout on the bike. Short, powerful bursts followed by quick recovery periods help you push harder and get fitter fast. Sprint Virtual is available during off peak hours for maximum convenience. Les Mills Grip Cardio Cardio training done with intention. You’ll move through structured blocks that boost your heart rate, build stamina, and help you feel fitter across your entire week of training. Expect a smart mix of athletic moves, speed, and conditioning. Les Mills Dance A fun, high energy dance workout built to get your heart rate up while you move to great music. You’ll learn simple choreography, loosen up, and burn calories without even realising it. Perfect if you want fitness that feels like fun. F2 Circuit A fast moving, high energy session that blends strength, cardio, and functional training in a circuit style format. You’ll work across stations using a mix of equipment and bodyweight to build fitness and full body stamina. Every round hits differently. Hyrox A powerful mix of running and functional movements. Think sled pushes, burpees, rows, lunges, and walls balls blended with controlled running intervals. Each session boosts your conditioning, power, and total body fitness. Ideal whether you're prepping for an event or just want a challenge. SwimFit Pool based fitness with freedom to set your own pace. Walk, jog, swim, or follow the coach’s training plan. It’s low impact, technique focused, and great for improving heart and lung fitness while building endurance that supports all your training. AquaFit A joint friendly, low impact fitness session done in chest deep water. You’ll train your heart, lungs, and full body strength using water resistance. Great for returning exercisers, injury recovery, or anyone wanting a lighter impact workout. The Trip A 45 minute cycle workout that takes you through epic, digitally created worlds. The visuals, music, and immersive environment make the time fly while your fitness climbs. It’s cardio training that feels like adventure. Every fitness level, every goal, every mood, there’s a class that can help you move better, breathe easier, and feel fitter. Book your next session in the Northern Arena App and start building your next level of fitness. #gettingstarted #gym #fitness #cardio

Building strength should feel empowering, not intimidating. Whether you want to lift smarter, move better, or simply feel stronger in everyday life, there’s a class at Northern Arena that will help you get there. Here’s a look at the strength training options you can jump into right now. The Yard This is outdoor training that hits different. You’ll lift, push, pull, sprint, and grind your way through 35 minutes of full body conditioning. Expect Ski Ergs, sleds, kettlebells, tyres, battle ropes, airbikes and a whole lot of team energy. It’s strength, cardio, and grit all rolled into one session. Les Mills BodyPump The world’s original barbell workout still delivers. BodyPump uses light to moderate weights with high repetitions so you build endurance, strength, and full body tone. It’s a structured, music-driven session that keeps you pushing without burning out. Hustle Fast feet, sharp punches, full body power. Hustle blends boxing-inspired combinations with strength and conditioning so you build stamina, coordination, and confidence. Every session is high energy, technique focused, and a guaranteed mood booster. Les Mills Strength Development Designed to help you lift better, not just heavier. This class focuses on form, tempo, and technique while progressively loading the movements so you can build real-world strength. Perfect if you want to feel confident under the bar and understand the “why” behind the work. Les Mills Functional Strength Functional Strength trains the muscles you use in everyday life: lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, rotating. You’ll move through structured blocks that build power, stability, and athletic strength. It’s practical training that helps your body do more with less strain. F2 True Strength This is where you learn to lift with purpose. True Strength focuses on controlled, foundational strength training that builds confidence and muscle without the guesswork. You’ll follow clear programming that helps you progress safely week by week. F2 Dynamic Strength Add movement, speed, and athleticism to your lifting. Dynamic Strength blends strength training with controlled intensity so you build strong, responsive muscles that move well under pressure. Expect variety, coaching, and a challenge that suits all fitness levels. Hyrox Training Train like an athlete and move like a machine. Hyrox sessions combine running with functional movements like sled pushes, burpees, lunges, rows, and wall balls. Each class builds your strength, stamina, and race-day resilience. Great for anyone wanting a goal to train for—or simply a full body challenge. Les Mills Grit Strength Short, sharp, and seriously effective. GRIT Strength is high intensity training designed to fire up your metabolism, build lean muscle, and challenge every major muscle group. You’ll leave sweaty, strong, and proud of yourself. Les Mills Core A tight, powerful core makes everything easier. This class trains your abdominals, lower back, glutes, and obliques using science-backed movements that improve posture, stability, and everyday strength. It’s functional, fast, and incredibly effective. Strength looks different for everyone, and every one of these classes will help you build it in a way that’s safe, smart, and sustainable. Book your next session in the Northern Arena app and feel stronger from the inside out. #gettingstarted #gym #fitness #strength #tone

Life gets hectic. Bodies get tight. Minds get noisy. Sometimes the best thing you can do is slow everything down and give yourself a proper reset. Our mind and body classes are designed to help you move easier, breathe deeper, and feel more connected to yourself. Whether you want a gentle stretch, a quiet moment, or a full-body flow, there’s a class here that can help you feel grounded again. Les Mills BodyBalance Inspired by yoga, tai chi, and Pilates, this class blends strength and stillness into one smooth session. Expect to move through controlled stretches, lengthening work, and breath-focused flow that leaves you feeling long, strong, and centred. Perfect if you want more flexibility, better posture, and a calmer headspace. Vinyasa Flow Yoga This is your chance to move with intention. Each sequence builds gently into a flowing rhythm that strengthens and shapes the body while supporting your joints. You’ll improve flexibility, mobility, and balance through steady, controlled movement. Great for anyone who needs a little warmth, a little stretch, and a moment to breathe. Yin Yoga Slow. Quiet. Deep. Yin is designed for the days when your body feels stiff and your mind feels full. Long, supported holds release tension from your hips, lower back, and connective tissues. It’s the perfect antidote to running, heavy training, busy schedules, and tired brains. You’ll leave feeling lighter and more open. Les Mills Shapes A sculpting session that builds strength and long-lasting mobility using Pilates-inspired movements. Expect low-impact, high-control exercises that fire up your core, glutes, and posture muscles.If you’re chasing tone, control, and better movement patterns, this class is your new go-to. Les Mills Tone A smart mix of strength, balance, and cardio without the impact. Tone will challenge your body in all the right ways while keeping the movements supportive and accessible. You’ll build coordination, core strength, and functional fitness that helps you move better day to day. Whether you’re new to stretching or returning to movement after a busy season, these classes create space to unwind, reset, and reconnect. Your body will thank you. Your mind will too. Ready to find your flow? Book your next class in the Northern Arena App and feel the difference. #gettingstarted #gym #flexibility