Have you ever been turned down or maybe not been able to access some exercise equipment or service usually reserved for the elite of sport but you feel could make a difference to you? I have. Both as an age group & elite athlete. It’s not a good feeling.

Because of this I always harboured a strong vision that one day, I would have a system of products and services easily accessible to EVERYONE who is willing and motivated enough to make changes. This could be someone wanting to fast track the return from injury, improve fitness or simply try a different innovative approach to new fitness.

In 2013 I set up the NZ altitude training studio

Many thought I was nuts, not quite understanding what I was trying to achieve. In the studio over the past 4 years, I built up a number of high-powered altitude (hypoxicator machines) Watt Bikes, stairclimber and treadmills. Since 2013 the community of people coming to access the equipment has grown to climbers wanting to reach new summits, Waka Ama (Outrigger) athletes, paddle boarders, cyclists, triathletes and even racing car drivers. A few months ago, I even had one of the World’s best MMA fighters come in for some training sessions while in the country.

Building success through hard work

As an athlete, I was never talented. I just worked hard enough both physically and mentally pulling success towards me the harder I worked AND thought about what I wanted. Along the way, I accululated two national long course elite titles and over 50 race wins. Add to that a World age group title in my later years. Building the bespoke NZ altitude training studio, I have taken the same hard working approach as I did in my sport and continue to chase my dream of giving those interested the access to a system of products and services that make a difference with the right support and knowledge behind them.

New Addition to the altitude studio and Go2max endurance coaching

The latest addition to the Go2max endurance coaching project and the NZ Altitude Training studio is the high performance Endless Pool with underwater treadmill. All going well, this new addition will be available to those wanting access early December 2017.

Although for many the main purpose of an endless pool is for concentrated swim coaching or key training sessions. My main focus is around injury rehabilitation and low impact training.

Injuries can be the undoing of so many athletes. Speeding up the process and breaking down the barriers to higher levels of fitness is the key. The buoyancy of the water decreases stress on the joints, the viscosity provides resistance for strength training and the hydrostatic pressure helps support the body providing a safe workout environment.

Since underwater treadmills mimic on-land running and provide comparable cardiovascular benefits, runners can avoid losing too much fitness while rehabbing. Running through water forces your muscles to work harder than air does, so you can get in a solid workout without running as fast or as far as you normally would outside.

You don't have to be injured to reap the underwater treadmills benefits.

An underwater treadmill is a great option if you are looking to add extra mileage in without the extra wear and tear on your legs or if you want to bounce back more quickly after harder workouts. Athletes can also supplement their weekly mileage and recover from their road work.

Chest-height water creates close to a 75-percent weight reduction. This lowers the impact forces on an existing injury so you can begin the rehab sooner while retaining muscle strength and conditioning.

What are examples of injuries that can be used for rehabilitation with an underwater treadmill?

Injuries that can be treated with an underwater treadmill, include archilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, illiotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and generic knee pain. The system can also help rehab injuries like ankle sprains, fractures, and ACL reconstruction. Although the treadmill will not cure an injury, it does provide a means to maintain fitness and rebuild muscle strength, which can speed recovery.