Entry Categories

The Awards continue to grow each year, just like the industry itself. With an ever-expanding range of entrants and an impressive calibre of winners, the exercise industry is clearly thriving. Many past Awards entrants have shared that the process itself was incredibly valuable, with feedback such as: “Even just completing the application made us reflect on our offering and how we stand out from others.”

As the industry evolves, so do the awards processes. Categories and criteria (more details here) have been refined over time to better represent the diversity of facilities, trainers, and services, both large and small, all across Aotearoa.

Facility Categories

Chain/Group – A Group Chain facility that is part of a chain or group where there is central ownership, and has support from a head office

Franchise – Management and control is independent but has the support/runs under guidance from a national/head office.

Independent – Stand alone businesses where all systems come from within the facility with no external support

Studio – PT studio, Specialist facilities etc – Mindbody – Allied health etc – if membership based cap = 500 customers 

Supreme Club of the Year – Selected from the winners of the 4 facility categories.  Winning a facility category puts you in the running to win supreme club of the year!

Community Awards

Community Award#– Open to organisations/facilities/individuals – emphasis is on exercise participation in a population that would normally find access difficult (may include no/low cost options, service for groups with special requirements or outcomes) must have been in operation for minimum 12mths at time of entry.  This award can only be won once – Groups can not enter different branches with the same programme in the future.

Te Piki Oranga Award – Open to an individual or organisation integrating kaupapa Māori into their places and spaces. Me mahi tahi tātou mō te oranga o te katoa – Let’s work together for the well-being of all.  Entrants will display a uniquely indigenous perspective; which makes, not just Māori, but all cultures feel included while creating an engaging environment to train in.

Individual Categories

Personal Trainer – Open to any personal trainers running a successful PT client base. Open to any personal trainer (working as either as a contractor or as an employee for 2 or more years).

Up and Coming PT – Open to any trainer or personal trainer who has been working/registered as, either a contractor or employee, for less than 2 years at the time of the closing date of Stage 1.

Group Trainer – Open to any trainer providing group training style sessions.  (Group training involves a group following a set series of activities and a structured programme. e.g. ‘boot camp’. Trainers working with larger groups are welcome as long as trainer/ participant ratios are managed).

Leadership* – Open to anyone working in the exercise industry who are going above and beyond, showing leadership and supporting growth through professional development, industry support or education. This category is for you if you lead a team, contribute to industry growth or have been involved in a project that has resulted in significant improvement to the lives of those in Aotearoa..

Group Exercise – Prechoreographed – Open to any group exercise instructor teaching any style of group exercise that is pre-choreographed (i.e. the choreography is pre-set by someone other than the instructor). Eg Les Mills, Mossa etc.

Group Exercise – Own Choreography – Open to any group exercise instructor teaching freestyle group exercise classes based in an exercise business or independently (i.e they are responsible for the structure and choreography of the classes). Includes land and water-based instructors.

Yoga Teacher  – This category acknowledges Yoga Teachers within exercise facilities, studios and independent settings who integrate both body and mind practices into their sessions, offering students a holistic experience of wellness.

Fitness Pilates Instructor Award (New in 2025!) + – Open to instructors delivering Fitness Pilates within gym settings, group exercise environments, or hybrid fitness spaces. This category highlights professionals who blend Pilates principles with contemporary fitness methodologies to enhance functional movement and overall well-being of healthy people.

Pilates Method Teacher + – Open to Pilates Method Teachers who are comprehensively qualified and demonstrate excellence in delivering the Pilates Method. Candidates must currently be working in exercise facilities, studios, or independent settings, and embody a deep understanding of the Pilates principles. 

Educator^ – Open to any person who supports exercise professionals in either a lecturing, training or mentoring role. The role may be at the qualification level or in ongoing education. Includes non-NZ-based entrants but they must be working in New Zealand, and have made an impact on the NZ Exercise Industry.

Student * – This category is by nomination from a REPs registered initial education provider only – Once nominated, students complete the entry process. Eligibility: Students (part or full time) that have been nominated by the REPs registered initial training provider they are currently enrolled with this calendar year.

Special Awards Categories

All Awards below are awarded based on special merit and chosen by the organisations listed. Note: None of these awards have an entry process, although you can always suggest names to organisations giving out the award.

ExerciseNZ Award – chosen by the ExerciseNZ Board for contribution to the industry

Te Mahi Ako: Te Iti Kahurangi & Manukura Awards – chosen by Te Mahi Ako senior management team. 

Yoga New Zealand Award – chosen by YogaNZ Council for outstanding contribution to the Yoga community.

REPs New Zealand Award – chosen by ExerciseNZ Board for contribution to education and standards.

Pilates Aotearoa Award – chosen by Pilates Aotearoa Council for their outstanding contribution to the pilates community.