LOSE WEIGHT, GET STRONGER, JOIN A FUN FITNESS COMMUNITY

AM I FIT was founded on a lifelong passion for fitness and a strong desire to help others unlock their potential. The journey began when our founder, even as a senior student, couldn’t resist the urge to lead. Obsessed with movement and challenge, he would ask his PE teacher every day to let him take charge of the junior students’ gym sessions. From organizing obstacle courses during lunch breaks to creating impromptu fitness challenges, it became clear early on that guiding others through physical fitness was a calling.

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After joining the New Zealand Defence Force in 1997, our founder served for 13 years, primarily as a recruit instructor. The role involved leading new recruits through intense physical and mental challenges, helping them achieve things they never thought possible. Those years forged a powerful foundation of discipline, leadership, and an understanding of how to get the best out of people in high-pressure environments. This experience still defines AM I FIT’s philosophy today.

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In 2006, after taking a posting in Dunedin, he found himself with some extra time. Rather than slow down, he decided to channel his energy and passion for fitness into something new: AM I FIT Group Fitness. What started as a small side project soon became a full-fledged business, driven by a desire to get people moving and active, regardless of their starting point. Health and fitness had always been non-negotiable, especially in a family where obesity was a common issue. The goal was simple: help others make fitness a part of their daily life, no excuses.

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AM I FIT started humbly—sessions were bootcamp-style, held outdoors, using makeshift equipment like Kmart basketballs filled with sand from St Clair Beach. We improvised and innovated, turning the most basic gear into effective tools. From those early days, we’ve grown in size, reputation, and vision. We moved from outdoor boot camps to a Sea Scout Hall, then to an underground hotel carpark, and finally to an industrial warehouse. Now, we proudly operate from a 1000m² custom-built training shed, located next to sports fields and the stunning Dunedin Town Belt. Our space is massive, with artificial grass, top-of-the-line equipment, and the freedom to run classes both indoors and outdoors.

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The last 18 months have been the toughest in our 17-year history. With two young daughters joining the family, priorities naturally shifted, and with that came a deliberate transformation of the business. AM I FIT evolved to focus on aging with strength, mobility, positivity, and vitality. The fitness industry often overlooks the importance of training for longevity, but that’s where we now lead the charge. Our core focus is on strength, mobility, and cardiovascular endurance, all aimed at helping people maintain their physical and mental resilience as they age.

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We cater primarily to people aged 35-60, with an 80/20 split between males and females. Our members know they are joining something unique: not just a gym, but a community where support and accountability go hand in hand. At AM I FIT, you’re not just training for yourself—you’re part of a team that encourages and challenges one another to be the best versions of themselves. Everyone has their own fitness journey, and our members understand and respect that. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete, you'll be supported, respected, and encouraged by those around you.

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Our approach to fitness is tough but rewarding. We push hard, training relentlessly to reach new levels of strength and endurance. But it’s not just about physical gains—it’s about building the mental toughness and resilience that come from consistent effort. This is not a gym for the faint-hearted, but it’s also not a place to fear. It’s a place where you can find your limits, and then break through them, all while being backed by a supportive community of like-minded people. We believe in leading by example, and our founder continues to train hard every day, showing that with discipline and consistency, extraordinary results are achievable.

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With our membership cap set at 80, we ensure every person receives the attention and support they deserve. To create even stronger bonds within the gym, we’ve divided members into four fitness houses—Thorne, Cooper, Prior, and Rabbidge. These houses compete in friendly games, events, and fitness challenges, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. This structure also allows us to build a close-knit community, where everyone knows each other and can rely on one another for motivation and accountability.

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We’ve built AM I FIT on a foundation of professionalism, discipline, and performance. For us, fitness isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. We believe our muscles are our medicine, and that training is a critical investment in our future health and well-being. We don’t just want to live longer; we want to live better, stronger, and more capable lives. While our approach is tough, it’s designed to deliver real results that last.

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At AM I FIT, we’re not trying to change the lives of thousands—we’re focused on helping a small group of dedicated individuals make meaningful changes to their health and fitness. Whether you’re joining us for our 42-day body transformations or becoming a long-term member, we’re here to help you reach your potential. Together, through relentless effort, discipline, and a positive outlook, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible.