ABOUT US | WellyFit

Meet your WELLYFIT Instructor...

Hi, my name is Alison Childs . I have been involved in the fitness industry since 2009 and prior to that enjoyed dancing, weight training and running. I'm the Zumba® Instructor for Zumba® Fitness in Wellington with Alison & Aqua Fitness Instructor at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre in Kilbirnie.

I'm a qualified Fitness Trainer, Podiatrist and Biomedical Scientist. I love move and dance, especially Latin and Belly Dance I love music and rhythm and formerly play percussion with Wellington Batucada (a Brazilian inspired Samba band). Combining my love of music and dance with my knowledge of biomechanics ensures that you have a fun and effective fitness experience whether it be Zumba® Fitness or Aqua Fitness classes.

Due to an arthritic condition I acquired in 2005, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would end up as a full time Zumba ® Instructor. Until my mid 30s I had always been active and weight was never an issue, but eventually stress, illness and life caught up with me. Over a period of time I went from 65kg to 103kg.

Although my health improved again I found that I had no energy, my joints hurt and I never felt like doing anything and never wanted to go out socially because of my weight. I knew all the ‘right’ things to do to change myself but I found that I needed help so I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting and started exercising again.

Due to my arthritis, initially I was only able to walk slowly for about 10 minutes. By establishing good eating and exercise habits I was able to lose nearly 40kg, and keep it off. As I lost weight, I gained a lot more energy, started to enjoy moving again and am now passionate about Zumba® Fitness.

I never thought I would be able to do any high impact activity or dance again. My first Zumba fitness class was my Instructor training as there were no Zumba ® classes in Wellington at the time. Originally I planned doing a low impact version at home on my own but ended running classes at a gym. Through that I found my fitness, flexibility and ability of my joints to do higher impact exercise improved.

I am currently at a healthy weight. I feel great, have lots more energy, sleep better and now I focus on fun and active things. I still have to manage my illness but to be able to dance and jump around is such a great feeling. The more I do the better I feel and on those lower energy days I follow the advice I give my students - listen to your body and do what feels right.

My Journey... ALISON CHILDS

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Lao-tzu (604 BC - 531 BC) The Way of Lao-tzu Chinese philosopher

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

FITNESS

In 2009 I began work as a Fitness Consultant, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor at Configure Express on the Kapiti Coast. While there I taught Swiss Ball, Toning classes, Ab Classes and Zumba Fitness, I also set up my Zumba Fitness classes in Wellington.

I have and continue to attend various fitness training courses. (details to be added here soon)

SCIENCE

I have a degree in Biomedical Science from Victoria University Wellington. This has given me a good basic background in cell biology, metabolism, genetics, immunology.

I also gained a masters in Geomicrobiology. This lead to working at GNS Science on the "X-philes" researching microbes that like in the extreme environments of our beautiful volcanic regions.

PODIATRY

Due to my interest in Sports Medicine I originally trained as a Podiatrist at the New Zealand School of Podiatry. I set up private practice in central Wellington.

(further details to be added soon)

ABSTRACT

Article in the Dominion Post Health Section by Dr Cathy Stephenson.
Photo used with permission of Fairfax Media NZ.