AUT Millennium

We are so lucky in Auckland to have such a world class venue in The Millennium Institute, its a shame for me its on the shore.  Expanding at the moment when it finished in 2012 it will also have a 50m Olympic swimming small. Its a great training ground for our sports professionals,  sports health professionals, support staff and coaches.  The Millenium Lodge is great for visiting schools and clubs in need of overnight accommodation as its handy to the Institute

For over a decade I have been involved in sport ranging from social to national level. One constant in this length of time is training and the hours upon hours that go into it. Throughout this almost perpetual training I have been myriad a gym – whether it be a large corporate chain (different centres throughout the country), privately owned gyms, CrossFit boxes and personally set up gyms.   It has become increasingly harder to wade through the throngs of poorly managed gyms and new fad 24 hour fitness centres, so the gym I pick to be the crème de la crème in Auckland is the Millenium Institute of Sport and Health. Now all of the aforementioned styles of fitness centres have their positives and negatives and the Millenium Institue of Sport and Health (MISH) does the best job of producing more of the positives and less of the negatives. To me when I’m looking at a gym these things come into my thought process, range of equipment, facilities, general atmosphere, expertise of staff, extra amenities (physiotherapist and nutritionist), cost and accessibility. First off I’ve worked towards different goals in regards to my physical well being. From extreme cardio vascular fitness, to putting on muscle, cutting fat or doing a little bit of both at the same time I have developed a huge knowledge base on what works and what doesn’t. And the expertise that MISH provides to help you personally towards your goals is really a given when you think about it, MISH is the training centre for myriad Olympians and if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for you. An added bonus is also when you sign up you get five free sessions with a PT and nutritional advice. Facility wise MISH is next to none with full gym, 50m Olympic swimming pool, outdoor athletics track, climbing wall and usual sauna and toilet facilities expected of a world class training centre. This once again is why there are many top athletes training day in day out at MISH and there is something for everyone and allows you to keep a varied (interesting) training regime, that isn’t possible anywhere else in Auckland. The overall quality of training equipment is in the top echelon of gyms in Auckland. From free weights, aerobic machines to unique training equipment, MISH has it all. Of special note also is that MISH is one of the few places to offer bumper plates (Olympic style weight plates) and to me personally this is a massive draw card especially factoring in how affordable memberships are. Something that is probably worth a mention but may not be a huge factor is the welcoming atmosphere at MISH. I know when I’ve welcomed into differing training centres I have immediately been put off by certain things, whatever that may be. At MISH I find I am easily able to get someone to help me out whether I’m having trouble with form on something or I just need a spot for a set or two, it is more of a community, than what is presented at other corporate gyms. This is certainly more opinion based than the other parts of this review, so take it how you wish. Another top notch facet of MISH is their very simple contract or lack thereof. They do not have a minimum term contract and only a one month notice period to end your term. I have come and gone several times where I’ve gone to the gym for 3 – 6 months on a stretch and as small amount as only one month. This is really a big bonus when you compare it to gyms such as CityFitness, Health & Fitness and Les Mills, where their minimum contracts are a year long.  Also MISH weekly rates are significantly cheaper as it is not-for-profit training facility, with all money going back into training New Zealand’s elite athletes. Bear in mind that the Millenium Institute of Sport and Health is located just off Constellation Drive on the North Shore of Auckland so it will not really be that suitable for all Aucklanders. But I am aware of people who travel from places such as Warkworth to MISH because of its being such a high calibre gym. When it comes down to it I’ve fought the good fight in the lifelong commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. This has taken me far and wide looking for something where you can enjoy training and get truly authentic results – and it hasn’t just happened for at Millenium Institute of Sport and Health but array of other people who frequent the gym. By taking in all the factors I mentioned from the community atmosphere to the amazing facilities there really aren’t many gyms like MISH in New Zealand, let alone Auckland. If you are looking for a place to really enjoy your training, achieve your goals and have a heap of fun while doing it - MISH is the place for you. By all means take a look yourself, I promise you will not be disappointed.