After 20 years in a very sedentary role (largely sitting in front of a computer, and with little other physical activity), I became obese, lethargic and had little flexibility or stamina. When the Blood Bank sent me away due to high blood pressure, I had to act.
I thought the program would be too testing but going at my pace helped me fit in. I got coaching from Trainers as needed during the sessions. Session leaders and Trainers are motivational and I got a buzz out of being part of a group of people going through the same experience.
I’ve been a “Heavy Hauler” for 3 years and the results are fantastic : I have energy and flexibility; I’m also 30kgs leaner, although that continues to be a work in progress.
Measurements after each 4-week program monitors the impacts of my exercise work effort and eating practices on my goals. Feedback refines eating and exercising for the next program.
I achieved an 8kg reduction in the last 5 months including the celebrations through Christmas 2010 and the New Year with guidance from Hauler's Nutrition Coach Linda Magennis.
Linda coached me in food values, portion sizes, daily intake balance, energy for Hauler days and calories, carbs and fats to avoid. She also shared great tactics when entertaining or eating out.
With Haulers I enjoy the exercise variety, Trainer presence and help; and the enthusiasm is infectious and motivating.
I'm 63 and still getting PBs as I continue to get fitter, gain strength and stamina and get lighter.
Blood pressure is now absolutely normal.
I have regained my life.
Geoff, aged 63
January 2011
Having not done any group training before, I was a little anxious turning up to my first Haulers session. However, once I arrived, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it was impossible not to feel relaxed about it all.
That morning when I was shown all my exercises for that day, I did wonder if I could do it all, but …. I now find myself being totally addicted to this unique training program and have achieved some fantastic results. It is these results that have kept me motivated and given me so much more confidence than I’ve ever had. Not only do I look forward to each session and enjoy the variety of exercises, I have met some really wonderful people throughout the program.
All the training staff are friendly and encouraging and I cannot thank Craig and the Heavy Haulers staff enough for all their support, encouragement and motivation. They are never too busy to answer my questions and offer advice. I’m so glad I made the decision to give this program a go and recommend it to everyone – it’s awesome.
When I was invited to ‘come and try’ Heavy Haulers’ by my sister and a close friend recently, not only was I nervous in anticipation, but eager at the same time. I had heard great stories and feedback from numerous people about this ‘new’ form of fitness, but really wanted to try it out and see for myself. And now, I must say, that I totally agree with their comments.
At first I was a little afraid on that early morning back in September 2008 when I noticed an array of tyres, ropes, sandbags and wheelbarrows set up in the undercover carpark and questioned whether this was a really good idea or not. Once the session was over, all those worries seemed to disappear.
At that moment I knew that this was something that I was going to keep at, work hard at and most of all enjoy at the same time. I am just so focused, that during the one hour classes, I just think about nothing but myself and my training and pb’s.
One of the awesome things about Heavy Haulers is that it is all about the individual and achieving personal results. The pre and post measurements keep you educated of your progress and seem to give you that extra bit of inspiration to continue to do better as each programme goes by.
I must also say that with Craig & his fantastic staff, HH wouldn’t be what it is. They are incredible trainers and are so dedicated and passionate at what they do, it shows in the motivational talks and words of encouragement they give to the group during each class. It makes the training environment unlike no other.
I have attended many gyms and Pilates classes in the past, but have never done anything like Heavy Haulers and more importantly love that it is a form of exercise that just focuses on you- no body else, which is very satisfying. I do highly recommend it to anyone- regardless of personal fitness level, age or gender.
It’s the best thing that I have done for myself fitness and health wise and I am sure I will continue training with HH for a long while yet.
I went along to do my first Heavy Haulers session and was not quite sure what to expect, I knew it was something different from the norm and that is why I wanted to give it a go. I have been involved in a lot of training regimes over the years through my involvement with football and was keen to see what this was like. To my surprise when I got there at 5.30am the underground car park was full of people ready to partake in this new concept that had grabbed my attention. We started with a warm up and stretch and as I was limbering up I noticed car and truck tyres with handles and chains on them, wheel barrows, ropes, medicine balls and all kinds of apparatuses neatly assembled at various stations around the area. I must admit I started to get a little concerned as it looked like something out of a medieval torture chamber. My nerves disappeared after I got started, The class instructors were fantastic, very motivating and extremely helpful all the while encouraging us to work to our optimal effort. I found it to be very challenging because it gave me the opportunity to compete against myself and continue to beat my previous efforts, at the end of the session I felt fatigued and yet very rewarded at the same time. It was unlike anything I have done before and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to gain strength and fitness and is sick of conventional methods.
While continuing to train in the Heavy Haulers program and still enjoying some great results, I have also tried out the Heavy Hitters and Time Chasers programs. So when the new program, Ground and Pound came along, of course I was really keen to try this one as well.
WOW - after only doing the first couple of sessions, I knew I was hooked on this one too! It’s an amazing program, it’s intense, it’s aggressive and is so different to anything I’ve done before. It’s a great stress reliever, a lot of fun and has helped improved my overall strength – both physically and mentally.
The trainers that run the sessions are great. They are always enthusiastic and full of encouragement and support! And they always takes the time to make sure our technique is spot on so we get the most out of each exercise!
After being part of the Heavy Haulers program for nearly two years and now Ground and Pound, this training has just become part of my life – a part of which I am really proud of. I couldn’t live without it, or the many wonderful people I have met through it!
After playing football at the elite level for 13yrs, I have been exposed to many different forms of training. Heavy Haulers is like nothing I have experienced previously. It ticks all the boxes and is suitable for any body type, fitness level, age bracket or gender. I am proud to be involved in the Heavy Haulers program.
I have now completed in excess of 15 programs, many of which have been Heavy Hitters. I feel FANTASTIC! Without wanting to sound cliché, I believe the Heavy Hitters program is bringing positive change to every facet of my life. I have dropped so much bodyfat and my body shape has changed significantly. I have a lot more confidence and – apart from the aesthetic benefits – my state of mind, energy level and general sense of well-being have improved dramatically. I was never one for rigorous exercise or endless hours in a gym, and the Heavy Hitters program offers variety and session flexibility that allows me to work at my own pace, compete only against myself through my recording of each session’s results and, because of the smaller intimate class size, allows our trainers to spend a little more concentrated time with each of us as if it’s our own personal training session. Without the price tag! With a busy career and social life, I find the most astonishing thing for me is that I get up 5am, three mornings a week, for Heavy Hitters and love it!
At the age of 63, I have more energy, flexibility and I feel ready to tackle anything.
I became a founding member of Haulers 3 years ago and would not have believed the enormous satisfaction I have experienced during this time.
Results are measurable; the program is for all ages and fitness levels as you go at your own pace and you are really only competing with yourself.
There are several different types of programs to train in. Everyone has their favourites. I have tried most of them and love them all!
I recently had surgery and attribute my quick recovery to fitness and good health. I have just returned to the 2011 program and love the warm and friendly environment that the trainers have created. They helped to ease me back into the program by modifying exercises for me.
Whilst not training I wanted to keep weight off, so I worked with Linda Magennis the Nutrition Coach with Heavy Haulers. I lost 8.5 kg over 5 months and my fat loss was 46.25%. Linda's help was invaluable!
Apart from the weight and fat reductions, I am educated for life about food values, portion sizes and getting the right balance for everyday living.
The atmosphere is amazing. High fives, hugs and a sense of belonging are just some of the great feelings that are associated with people who all have a common goal of health, fitness and just a general feeling of well being.
I am a ‘Hauler for life'
Kaye, aged 63
January 2011
Hi my name is Veanne and for the past few months I have been participating in the Heavy Hitters program at Northland. From day 1 of the program I started seeing results, apart from being very sore due to using muscles I had never used before my arms and legs have more muscle definition and tone. I feel I have more energy during the day.
For me each Heavy Hitters session is around 50 minutes of non stop boxing excitement, punching, kicking, kneeing, elbowing just to name a few, all of the trainers are very professional and motivational encouraging and pushing you each round to better your previous score while making sure you have the correct technique.
Heavy Hitters and Heavy Haulers are the programs of choice for me, and I am totally hooked!
The key element I love about the Heavy Haulers program is its measurability. Unlike other programs on offer, Heavy Haulers can demonstrate exactly to participants that they are getting stronger, fitter and leaner by recording individuals results and personal statistics. By recording my body measurements pre & post program and my exercise results each session I completed during the 4 week program, they could show me my individual improvement. It is very motivating.
This program's method of self competition means everyone can see they are measured only against their OWN results. Individuals can train along side each other without fear of comparison. It's a very positive and successful formula. It is an addictive form of training that is easy on my joints with very little running. However each session was as intense as I wanted to make it whilst providing an excellent all over body workout.
Heavy Hitters & Heavy Haulers have been the most motivational & energetic exercise programs that I have been involved in. It has also been a great social outlet, where like-minded people of all age groups & backgrounds have come together in a friendly environment. Previous exercise programs I was involved with were not very stimulating & were often intimidating & after a few months, I lost interest. But thanks to the easy-going, yet focussed & inspiring nature of Craig & all of the Hitters/Haulers trainers, I have become addicted to exercise & have now been a member since they started in late 2007!
Keep up the great work!
Hitters is a great workout and the results are fantastic. I am fitter, healthier and stronger than ever. The workouts are so diverse and great fun. I really look forward to the regular training sessions each week. The trainers are fantastic, good fun and very encouraging and are constantly striving to help you achieve your personal best.
Heavy Hitters gives you a full body workout that involves both cardio and strength. You work hard without even realising it, and at your own pace. The program is also heaps of fun. Craig's knowledge, professionalism, and energy is second to none and makes your own personal goals and results more achievable. So if you, your family and friends want to get into great shape with energetic, professional, and friendly people, get involved in Heavy Hitters, you won't regret it. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!!
I've never been sport minded, I've never enjoyed the gym and yet I have now completed over 2 years of the Hitters program and I love it - it's sneakily addictive and it's fun! The exercises are all do-able and the 2 minutes on, 90 seconds off for the hour make it intense but not overwhelming. At the end of each exercise I record my results so that I can see my progress, the only competition though, is with myself. I'm surprised by how much I can do and how much I'll push myself to achieve a personal best each time I do an exercise. This spills out into other areas of my life - my confidence levels have increased, I'm feeling lighter, I'm much stronger both physically and mentally, my energy levels have soared and my clothes are feeling much looser! The Hitter environment is safe, enjoyable, positive, nurturing and encouraging and this is mirrored by the wonderful trainers . Having always felt out of place with any kind of sport and especially the gym - here, I feel as though I belong. I love being a Hitter (I'm also a Hauler); I haven't missed a session and I can't imagine my week without them