I have reached the stage in my life where in order to push myself to the limit physically I need to…read morebe watched like a rebellious teenager. That is why Les Mills is so great. Not only do they have super knowledgeable P.Ts, but for those on a budget, their group fitness classes and instructors are brilliant. From Body Balance (tai chi, pilates and yoga) to Body Jam (dance workout), they literally have something for everyone. On the topic of classes, new and noteworthy is their GRIT Series, a 30 minute workout that is based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The series is made up of three different workouts: strength, plyo and cardio. What is it like? Well, a friend recently described GRIT as 'Body Pump on steroids' and I would have to agree. You will not find a more effective way to work out and get in shape in 30 minutes. Doooo it! On top of their world-renowned group fitness classes, Les Mills Takapuna has a large weights area, a cardio room and bathroom and shower facilities. Hot tip: when you sign up to one location you can use any of the four Auckland locations at no additional charge. What are you waiting for? In short, I love Les Mills and the only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars is that they don't provide sweat towels for members. Oh, and they don't have an app. Heck, they don't even have a mobile browser!

Oh how I love Les Mills. That might sound weird, but it is true, and I am sure there are plenty of…read moreworse things to be addicted to than a bit of cross-training. Let me clarify, I am not an excersize addict. I do not wake up, wherever I am in the world, and decide I need to go for a run. In fact while living overseas for four years, I struggled to make it to the gym at all. But Les Mills gyms, and particularly the Takapuna branch, must put something in the air conditioning as from the moment I walk in I'm amped for a workout. It's probably just some simple psychology; the brightly coloured walls, upbeat music, machines all lined up to a movie screen in the cardio theatre or the view of Rangitoto from the RPM room. Whatever it is I'm hooked!