Mad Mel Movement

Anyone who wants to get fitter, stronger and healthier, no matter what condition they may be in at the moment, will find a ready welcome at a new gym in Warkworth called Mad Mel Movement.

Already well established in Wellsford, gym owner and trainer Mel Colthurst promises a fitness programme to suit everyone, no matter where they might be on their health journey.

“Just come as you are and we will support you to get to where you want to be,” she says.

The gym offers nine programmes catering for a range of ages and fitness goals. Classes are limited to 10, with up to six classes a day starting at 5am. There are no upfront joining fees and a person’s first class is free.

“There’s a very social element to the gym, as class participants get to know one another, which in turn builds a supportive community.”

Mel’s working life started a long way from boot camps and CrossFitness. After leaving high school at Otamatea, she graduated from Waikato University with a BA in screen and media and communications, and then spent many years working in business development in the construction and infrastructure sectors, both in Auckland and London.

“I started training and competing in CrossFit events about 10 years ago and then qualified as a personal trainer while still working for Wharehine. I was running boot camps for women on weekends when covid struck, so took the training online with a daily workout.

“One of the women who did those workouts suggested I look at a space that might be suitable for a gym. It sort of snowballed from there.”

Mel describes navigating covid lockdowns with a new business as “a bit of a rollercoaster ride”, but feels that it taught her valuable lessons on how to navigate through adversity.

An open day will be held at the gym at 4/37 Woodcocks Road on Saturday, July 6, from 9am to 11am. All welcome.