One of my favourite fitness events of the year would have to be FITEX, which is the Fitness NZ convention, taking place November in Auckland each year. Every year it is a little different, but what is consistent is the bonding that happens between the presenters at the event.
Ok, so you are probably think that presenters hang out with each other at all events, but this is not the case.

Often presenters fly in and out and are so focused on delivering great sessions that a form of tunnel vision occurs. The mental focus is on until all the presentations are done and then there is a brief relaxation and then onto the next thing. At FITEX, we are usually staying all together in student accommodation or in very close proximity. Yes – student accommodation and this year it was a holiday camping ground, in which we were staying in units.
It’s not flash, everyone has the same accommodation and there are many moments of hilarity and giggles galore! The bonding that happens organically as we all walk back together and have dinner together is just fantastic. This is so popular with many of the Australian and Kiwi presenters, it is an event that we all look forward to each year.
This year was particularly special for me. My fantastic colleague, friend and personal assistant Christine came with me and we shared our evenings with Mish Wright, Lisa Westlake, Kayla Duke and the fabulous Broni McSweeny. Much laughter, crazy situations (Mish burnt a hole in her suitcase – who puts their suitcase on a stove top?!!), singing “Happy” in the restaurant, the suspected ‘working girl’ situation in one of the units, all just added to a fantastic weekend of presenting to the amazing Kiwi instructors and personal trainers.
For me, it was the unique opportunity to bond with like minded women who are passionate, strong and know who they are. There is this comradery that can only happen when people are spending time together in close quarters and are sharing stories, frustrations, laughter and tears.
I enjoyed that warm fuzzy feeling all the way back from Auckland and well into the following week where facebook posts had me re-living the experience again and again. I can’t wait for next year 🙂