Entry Categories

The Exercise Industry Awards have a number of categories, for individuals and facilities that operate in and around the exercise industry. Winners in the past have come from a range of backgrounds, from all over Aotearoa and each define excellence and success in their own unique way- we invite you to enter yourself or nominate a business or professional you think are contributing in valuable ways.

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, processes and criteria 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 – Open to any chain or group facility with central ownership, and support from a head office

Franchise – Open to any facility part of a franchised group operating in NZ. Eg. Management and control is independent but has the support/runs under guidance from a national/head office.

Independent – Open to stand alone businesses, where all systems come from within the facility with no external support

Studio – Open to independent or stand-alone businesses, not operating as part of a chain/ franchise or supported externally.  This category may include PT Studios, Mindbody Studios, Allied health, also yoga, and pilates studios.  Note there is a membership based cap of 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 Award

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 12 months at time of entry.  This award can only be won once – Groups can not enter different branches with the same programme in the future.

Individual Categories

Personal Trainer – Open to any personal trainer working as either a contractor or an employee.

Up and Coming PT – Open to any personal trainer working 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 where the trainer gives instructions, not training alongside the group. Suitable for larger groups if ratios are well managed.

Leadership* – Open for anyone in the exercise industry showing leadership and driving growth through professional development, education, or industry support. Ideal for team leaders or those behind impactful projects improving lives 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 (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.  A mat or reformer only session will be accepted for this category.

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.  Applicants must submit a mixed equipment session to showcase their abilities as a comprehensive Pilates teacher.

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 – for contribution to the exercise 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 – for contribution to education and standards.

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

Te Piki Oranga Award – recognising individuals, organisations, or facilities that successfully integrate kaupapa Māori to create inclusive, culturally rich, and engaging training environments for all.