Below are the stories of two members who have shared their fitness journeys and experiences using the Exercise Lab.
Their insights provide a glimpse into how the facility has impacted their well-being and motivated them to stay active.
To learn more and sign up, click here:
Dan Brady
What motivated you to start using the Exercise Lab, and how has it impacted your fitness journey?
I’ve been a big believer in how having a meaningful break in the middle of the day can lift your energy and focus for the rest of the day – Spending 40-45mins in the gym is a great way to re-energise for the second half!
How has the Exercise Lab contributed to your overall physical and mental well-being?
I’m currently training for the World Firefighter champs in Nashville, Tennessee – the Exercise Lab has everything I need as part of my strength programme and was a huge part of my fast recovery when I fully ruptured my bicep tendon a few weeks out from last year’s champs.
What advice would you give someone considering joining the Exercise Lab but feeling hesitant?
This is not Les Mills, F45 or BFT etc, you have control of what you do and when you do it in a small, but comprehensive gym. The ability to do 20mins or 60mins is with you, if you want to lift 10kgs or 100kgs, it’s up to you and your ability – the space is there, just bring your personal goals, start and your motivation will increase with every subsequent workout.
Dave Hicks
What motivated you to start using the Exercise Lab, and how has it impacted your fitness journey?
I joined the Exercise Lab about two and a half years ago when it moved to Building 111. I was motivated because it was cheap and very accessible. I’ve always been ‘fitness aware’ but needed somewhere on campus that was easily accessible to ensure a good routine. I love that I can head to the gym before going home to reset my system, even just 30 minutes at lunch does wonders!
How has the Exercise Lab contributed to your overall physical and mental well-being?
Using the Exercise Lab has provided a space where I have minimal reason to not follow my exercise schedule (I use an app called FitBod). I book in my times at the start of each week and seeing the sessions on my schedule ensures that I’m committed to dropping what I’m doing and investing in my well-being. I find that I’m more productive and creative when my well-being is balanced, and I’m feeling physically healthy. The extra serotonin and dopamine hits are a great pick-me up too! The Exercise Lab is small but has everything you need for a full body workout. I love that it’s quiet and that you don’t have to wait for equipment. It even has a great view of the building site next door!
What advice would you give someone considering joining the Exercise Lab but feeling hesitant?
I would recommend that you just start. Often, our own worst enemy for beginning something is our own mind. We’re really good at convincing ourselves that we’re too busy, that there are more important things to do, that our work is a priority or that my whānau needs me. However, if you can schedule a session a few times a week and stick to your schedule (which means to NOT think about it) then everything else is just better. Your reaction to work pressure is less stressed, creative ideas come more easily and it’s easier to be kind and present with the people you are with. Start small and build up! Research has found that the anterior cingulate cortex (a part of your brain responsible for will power amongst other things) grows stronger when we do things that are new and challenging. The Lab is cheap and super close at Mt Albert Campus (B111) so make use of it!