MARK - Owner

Mark has owned and grown Suburban Fitness since 2016, and from the beginning the idea has been pretty simple — create the sort of gym that people who don’t particularly like gyms can actually feel comfortable walking into.

Suburban has never been about posing, mirrors or seeing who can lift the heaviest thing in the room. It’s about normal people, at all different ages and stages, being able to train without feeling judged or intimidated. That’s where our unofficial description as the “gym for non-gymmers” really comes from.

Over the years Suburban has grown from a local gym and Group-Fit community into something much broader, with 24/7 gym access, Group-Fit, Reformer Pilates, Yoga, Mat Pilates and a range of different ways to train. What hasn’t changed is the reason behind it — keeping fitness approachable, adaptable and, wherever possible, actually enjoyable.

Our trainers work with everyone from complete beginners through to experienced members, and our classes are designed so exercises can be adapted to suit the person in front of us. Nobody should feel they need to “get fit before joining the gym”.

We’ve also always tried to keep Suburban affordable. We’re not interested in charging premium-studio prices simply because group training or Reformer Pilates happens to be fashionable. The aim is to offer good coaching, plenty of choice and a genuinely welcoming environment at a price that allows people to keep coming back.

We also believe people should have a choice in how they join. Our Open memberships provide greater flexibility, while our Saver memberships offer a lower weekly rate in return for a fixed-term commitment. Whichever option you choose, we try to keep everything straightforward, clearly explained and without the usual gym nonsense hidden in the small print.

At the end of the day, Suburban Fitness has always been more about the people inside it than the equipment. We want you to know the trainers, have a laugh, feel comfortable being yourself and hopefully leave feeling a little better than when you walked in.

DANIEL - Group Fitness Coach

Daniel has been a big part of Suburban Fitness for a number of years and, alongside continuing to coach Group-Fit sessions, now takes the lead on the day-to-day operational side of the gym.

That includes helping coordinate class cover, equipment and maintenance, access, supplies and generally making sure the practical side of Suburban keeps ticking along. He also continues to drive our 8-week challenges and bring new training ideas into the gym.

Originally from the small village of Alltwen in South Wales, Daniel’s own fitness journey began after moving to New Zealand in 2014. Having experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to get started, he brings a grounded, supportive approach to coaching and has a particular love of circuit and high-intensity training.

His sessions are challenging, supportive and usually come with a fair amount of banter — although members regularly remind him that his idea of “not too bad today” should probably be treated with suspicion.

Operational / Gym Enquiries – Dan: 0275359320

PENNY - Pilates Instructor

Penny is our amazing Pilates instructor, and her journey with Suburban Fitness began just like many of our members — as a keen group fitness regular who loved the buzz of a great workout. Over time, she found herself increasingly drawn to Pilates, often swapping out her usual moves for Pilates-based exercises. That growing passion led her to upskill and become a certified Mat Pilates instructor, and she has since gone on to complete further training in Reformer Pilates through the esteemed Tiaki Pilates Institute in Wellington.

Penny now leads classes in our brand-new Reformer Pilates studio — a purpose-built space designed to support all levels, from beginners to more advanced movers. Her sessions combine the classical principles of Pilates with contemporary modifications, helping members build strength, control, and confidence in a supportive and energising environment.

She brings the same member-first mindset — a core value shared by all our trainers — into every class she teaches. With a background in education and a deep love for movement, Penny is passionate about helping people feel confident, capable, and strong in their own bodies. Her teaching style is adaptable and empowering, ensuring every session is enjoyable, inclusive, and tailored to the individual.

Whether you're new to Pilates or a seasoned mover, Penny’s warm and encouraging approach will help you move better, feel better, and truly enjoy the journey.