As an older athlete it’s hard to single out a specific goal aside from wanting to improve my health. But when you go to TGP, you get a lot of benefits that maybe you didn’t plan on. Yes, you get stronger and your flexibility improves, the flab changes into muscles you never even knew existed, your mental health improves, your resilience improves ( if I can do CrossFit at 5am, then everything else is easier that day!). A large part of that is community. A community of ordinary people who show up, do the best they can on that day, who encourage others and congratulate you irrespective weather you succeeded or not. So perhaps that answers both questions a little bit. My goal was to get fit, but I think my goal has become to be part of a community that supports my fitness goal. Keep doing what you guys do, it’s working for us.

The community at The Game Plan Gym has been a huge part of my fitness journey. Having recently moved to Blenheim, I didn’t know many people, and the gym quickly became a place where I could connect with others. Even if I don’t know everyone well, the social interaction has made a big difference, keeping me motivated to return regularly.

One moment that really stood out was after I’d been away for a few weeks—when I walked back in, people were happy to see me back. It was such a great feeling to return to such a welcoming environment! As a 49-year-old female who isn’t the strongest in the gym, it could have been intimidating, but the mix of people and the supportive atmosphere make everyone feel welcome. You keep coming back for the people, and the strength and fitness gains are just a bonus!

I had my second child at 34 (my first child was born when I was 22), and the strain of the pregnancy on my body was so noticeably different the second time round. My joints in particular seemed to really struggle with the growing weight and muscle separation. After having baby #2, my body didn’t quite have the same “snap back” as the first time, and just the simplest tasks (like getting up and down off the floor) tending to my child was so achy and to be honest, quite embarrassing. I knew I had to change my lifestyle, I could no longer rely on the luck had in my youth with a quick metabolism and natural flexibility – it was all dissipating rapidly.

I actually was seeking out a gym that could offer my 11 year old a space to learn about moving in a healthy and safe way, and build strength and fitness for his rugby, and that’s what I found through recommendations with The Game Plan Gym. After observing his class, and noticing the childcare class option available, I thought it would also be a perfect fit for me. And that it has been, I have achieved not only what I set out to with the incredible support of the coaches, I have also reached new levels I never knew I was capable of. I feel so much more energetic and healthy, my body feels 10 years younger again, and i can keep up with my now 2 year old and 13 year old (sometimes even give them a run for their money!). I am on a strong and positive path to even further goal setting and achievements, I feel so at home, and that’s coming from someone who feels very adverse to a typical gym type setting as I find it quite daunting and out of my comfort zone. I’m so grateful and proud to be a part of such an awesome and unique gym.

The most valuable aspect of The Game Plan Gym’s coaching and support has been their personalized approach to training. The coaches take the time to understand my specific goals, strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. This tailored guidance has helped me overcome challenges such as hitting a plateau in my progress, starting with adjusted movements to train my muscles or gain more rotation/movement to be able to do the workout as intended. The support system, which includes regular check-ins while doing a workout, the motivational “you got this Mari” and adjustments to my routine even mid workout has provided not only the motivation to keep pushing forward but also the knowledge to make smarter decisions about my workouts and recovery. Their encouragement has really helped me stay consistent and focused on my long-term goals and even changing some of those goals.

I have never been a ‘fittie’, at school I was always last at everything, and felt it.  As a member of the armed forces, I had to keep fit, and normally worked on my own to do so, particularly as I had knee issues that meant I rarely participated in group activities.  All that changed when I joined the  Game Plan Gym.  While dealing with physical issues and limitations, I am always part of the team, involved, cheered on and it makes me want to do more, achieve more, attend more.. The community supplements the coaches guidance and as a package they’re supporting my fitness journey and encouraging me at all times.  They make sweat and tears worthwhile and I always look forward to being in their company.

One of the goals that I have an achieved so far while being at TGP Gym would be competing in my first CrossFit comp at Tasman Twos last year. With the help of our great coaches I managed to start linking toes to bar the week of the comp.

There is so many Goals I have achieved with the help of TGP Gym. I’ve learnt so much, this place has given me more of a positive approach not only to fitness & health but on life in general for example, when things get hard in a work out, instead of giving up we get taught ways to try keep moving under fatigue. So now for me when life throws a curve ball I catch it & wall ball it away from me nah haha but since being at TGP Gym, it has definitely helped my mental health as well.

CrossFit will be my choice of training for life now! Big Thanks to The Game Plan Gym

The Game Plan routine has been great for my overall well-being with the friendly folks – gym buddies – becoming friends as we work thru the challenges & continual progress. Confidence is the result but then Crossfit always keeps you humble

I joined The Game Plan Gym to keep up with my kids, boost my mental well-being, and build better habits, but it’s given me so much more. It’s built my confidence, resilience, and energy, not just in fitness but in life. Pushing past my limits in the gym has sharpened my mindset, helping me tackle challenges at work, at home, and everywhere in between. The support, coaching, and community make every session something I look forward to. It’s not just a gym. It’s a game-changer!

The Game Plan community is unlike any other gym I have  been to. With being a shift worker, it’s a normal occurrence to juggle my training around work. This means having to book into different classes everyday. I always know whether I go to morning or afternoon classes that I will be met with friendly and eager faces that share similar goals towards our fitness journey. There is always laughter and encouragement within the gym. It replenishes me after a tough day and I always leave with a smile!

Since starting with Game Plan in October 2022 I have been impressed with their whole gym.

The induction was done really well. Not just a goals session but a measurement of my physical abilities and flexibility. This gave a helpful starting point.

I had comments from others that I’d likely get injured often from doing CrossFit. I have found the focus is on technique rather than maximum weight so no injuries for me.

My goal was to get fitter as I had been PT training for over 6 years but wanted to step it up a bit. The choice of various daily session times has mean I can fit training in to a busy life schedule and its worked a treat.

I’m looking forward to my first competition in November. I never thought that would be something I would be up to doing.

Prior to joining , you are always nervous that you won’t be good enough and look silly compared to existing members. 

They all started where you are at some point and the support is amazing . It’s about getting there and getting into it and the enjoyment is infectious. 

On my personal journey I have lost fat , gained muscle , become a guy that gets up at 4.15am , made some new friends and overall sets me up to be more productive for my professional and family life.

Honestly it has been a long journey getting back to doing any mobility and strength work after having to fully stop exercising for a period of time.

The support and the patience from the coaches has been great, the amount of times I have heard you can’t do it … YET! And then somehow you achieve a goal or are able to do something that seemed impossible a few months before. Huge mental boost and that carries through to outside the gym.

My nephew thinks I am really strong because I can pick him up and do front squats with him as my weight and  loves it.

The coaches at The Game Plan are super supportive and always willing to help target/modify to your individual needs. Having dealt with a range of injuries, I know I can always count on personalised exercises to help with recovery and progression.