CONNECTING EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS

Led by volunteer ambassadors representing 8 regions across the country, the Exercise Professionals Network of Aotearoa (EPNA) is about connecting NZ Exercise Professionals.

WHAT WE DO

→ Assistance & support from your local EPNA ambassador

→ Local meet ups

→ Facebook communities/hubs

→ Post about courses you offer

→ Market job vacancies to a great audience

→ Discuss relevant issues/wins you may have in your business

→ Monthly presentations from industry professionals

→ Personal development courses/webinars/presentations

→ Network with like-minded exercise professionals

Our success is measured by the success of our exercise professionals, who engage with the community hubs and utilise our resources

YOUR REGIONAL AMBASSADORS

ABBY Strong

HEAD AMBASSADOR

BAY OF PLENTY

Abby is a REPs Registered Personal Trainer and Studio of the year winner (Studio Glow) at the 2018 ExerciseNZ Awards.

Abby is very enthusiastic about being an Ambassador for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty EPNA to help support brand-new exercise professionals and welcome them into a friendly, encouraging community. She aims to build a strong following and an environment that is exciting to experience and feel part of, allowing a warm and friendly hub of learning and connecting.

GARY SZABO

TARANAKI/MANAWATU

Gary is a REPs registered Personal Trainer and runs a small PT Studio called Boot It Taranaki.

His gym “the hub” is home to high-intensity circuits, mums and bubs, kettlebells, kids after school/holiday programs, and the list goes on.

He is a EPNA Ambassador because he is truly passionate about getting regular people off their couches and getting them fitter than they ever imagined. He believes if exercise professionals all work together, we can make a huge difference in the shape of NZ.

KIRSTYN CAMPBELL

AUCKLAND

Kirstyn is a REPs Registered Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor, Educator, and ExerciseNZ awards finalist in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Kirstyn is very excited about becoming an Ambassador for EPNA to continue to give back to an industry that can feel isolated. She aims to grow awareness of the amazing support and connection that is available.

Hop on to the EPNA Auckland Hub and welcome Kirstyn as one of the newest Ambassadors on the New Zealand Council.

Brooke Sheperd-Wright

WAIKATO

Brooke is a REP’s Registered Personal Trainer and has been immersed in the fitness industry for over 15 years, and running her own Pre & Postnatal Fitness business since 2020.

While having children of her own, Brooke developed a great passion for training pregnant and postnatal women safely and effectively during all stages of motherhood.

Connecting with other health professionals and trainers to collaborate and refer, so that women are looked after and supported throughout their

motherhood journey and beyond.

Brooke is very excited to jump onboard, alongside Abby, as an ambassador for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty EPNA.

She looks forward to connecting with and helping to support new, or seasoned, fitness professionals, whilst building a friendly and encouraging community.

DANIELLE PAKI

HAWKES BAY

Dani has been a REPs Registered Personal Trainer for over 10 years, Level 2 Holistic Movement Coach, Stress and Management Exercise Endorsed Provider, Adaptive and Inclusive Certified Trainer, Certified Pelvic Floor Specialist and Prostate Cancer Exercise Certified.

Danielle Paki – Active Movement Coach stands out in Hawkes Bay as a leading Woman Small Group Trainer in the New Zealand Fitness Industry and was named New Zealand’s 2016 and 2019 Top 5 Finalist for Personal Trainer of Small Group Training.

Adam Topping

CANTERBURY/TASMAN

Adam is a REPs registered personal trainer based in Canterbury.

His passion for exercise and overall health and wellbeing has led him to specialise in areas such as nutrition, goal setting, healthy habits, and exercise prescription within his training.

He strongly believes that moving well is essential, and exercise can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health.

Adam enjoys interacting with like-minded individuals, and as an ambassador, is always available to assist if needed.

Additionally, he has experienced the recovery process from a full ACL reconstruction, which has given him valuable insight into the importance of rehabilitation and mobility.

Liz Thrussel-Henderson

WELLINGTON

Liz has been in the fitness industry for 11 years, both in Middle East and New Zealand.

In her day job, she manages a small Personal Training studio in Wellington City and is an Assessor for Fitness and Recreation.

By night/early morning she teaches Group Fitness classes.

Liz enjoys running trails, gardening and chilling with her husband and Cat Coco.

Ebann Malae

WHANGAREI

Ebann is a REPs Registered Personal Trainer with 8 years of experience in the fitness industry.

He runs his business, ‘Victory Bodies Fitness,’ at City Fitness Whangarei.

Ebann loves helping his clients feel strong and confident by coaching them on nutrition and fitness fundamentals both in and out of the gym.

As an EPNA Ambassador, he is passionate about serving his community and helping local fitness stars up-skill and grow in the industry.

Marja Captijn

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND

Marja has been s a REP’s registered Personal Trainer since 2016. Although she is a newbie to the industry, having a back ground in nursing has helped tremendously in her observation skills, as well as verbal and non-verbal communication with clients.

She is married, has 4 children, and has set up her business in a rural town in West Otago.

Marja’s interests and passion is helping her clients to move and feel better, often doing so in a way that links her nursing background with her current job.

A holistic approach while coaching her clients through their fitness and health journeys doubled with her engagement in her community is what makes her boat float. Marja has also done her

200-hour yoga teacher training which she includes in her PT sessions when needed.

Marja is excited to be onboard the EPNA team and is looking forward to connecting with anyone who needs support, a chat or a friendly face to talk to.