Boutique Fitness Studio Snares Supreme Award Honours

Boutique Fitness Studio Snares Supreme Award Honours Against Industry Giants

Takapuna based Vision Personal Training studio is starting 2016 in great shape having triumphed at the annual NZ Exercise Industry Awards late last year, taking out the coveted Supreme Exercise Facility of the Year Award, the first time a small operator has ever scooped the top honour.

In a reflection of the international trend where the rise of personal training studios is gaining popularity against traditional mega-gyms, Vision Personal Training Takapuna has proven the personal touch can not only drive results for members, but business excellence.

A panel of industry expert judges initially awarded the business Small Exercise Facility of the Year (under 500 members) based on flawless mystery shopper results as well as career pathway development for staff.

Up against finalists from some of New Zealand’s largest and most well known facilities, including Jetts and Auckland’s Northern Arena, in the Supreme category, an unprecedented 100% positive result on an independent Net Promoter Score sealed the victory.

Ben Whittingham, owner of Vision Personal Training Takapuna, said the recognition came as the highest endorsement of a fitness business model that is set to take off.

“Personal Training studios truly represent the evolution of fitness facilities and the uptake by Kiwis towards this new way of working out,” said Mr Whittingham.

“We were absolutely thrilled to win such a prestigous award, especailly when the competition features major brands in this industry. The tide is truly turning in the industry and being at the forefront of that evolution is a real honour.”

ExercizeNZ CEO Richard Beddie says of the win “This is the first time a small facility has won the supreme facility award and clearly shows ‘big isn’t always best’ and that small facilities that focus on looking after clients can, and do, thrive in the New Zealand exercise industry”.

“In the last 24 months, there has been substantial growth of smaller facilities, those under 500 members/clients, who often focus on a more niche market, or deliver specific products or services.”

The New Zealand exercise industry currently has around 600 exercise facilities and collectively over 450,000 members/clients, with an annual turnover of approximately $280 million.

The Vision Personal Training Takapuna studio opened in June 2014 and is the first in the franchise to open in New Zealand. Vision Personal Training Ponsonby opened in October 2014. Throughout Australia and New Zealand the network boasts 50 studios.

ENDS

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