About Anthony Fong Fitness
Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand I have always been passionate about health and fitness. While playing various sports such as Soccer, Tennis and Cricket has led me to understand the importance of exercise through the different stages of life.
My own fitness journey started when being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis , a form of Arthritis while at University. This really restricted my movement which was frustrating as I was active playing lots of sports at the time. I was searching for answers and started to go to physiotherapy and tried swimming and yoga to improve my flexibility. This further enhanced my motivation to “keep on moving” and to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
To learn more about the role of exercise, I had the privilege to study for a Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science at the University of Liverpool in England. The experience was exciting and stimulating as I learnt more about the human body, injuries and performance.
Since 1999, Anthony Fong Fitness was formed, providing exercise services for a broad range of clients ranging from corporate weekend warriors to elite sports individuals and teams. I have a special interest in working with clients who have special conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis. Through my own experiences with Arthritis, this has given with an empathetic approach to my exercise therapy when I have worked with other clients who have had other conditions such as Leukemia, Brain Damage and Prostate Cancer to name a few.
Gaining knowledge and passing it onto others over the years has given me great satisfaction in seeing how even a small change in a client's fitness level can make the world of difference to their outlook on life.
Originally based at the YMCA Fitness Centre and the Northern Club Fitness Centre for 10 years, Anthony Fong Fitness has transitioned to providing Mobile Fitness Services and Workshops in more recent times.
At a glance::
Anthony Fong Fitness has worked with:
Special Populations – Arthritis NZ, Private Clients with Leukemia, Prostate Cancer, Heart Conditions and Brain Damage.
Sports – NZ Rugby League - Under 16, Under 18 and NZ Residents Teams
-Newcastle Knights Rugby League Club – Under 20 and Senior NRL Teams
-Shortlisted for NZ Paralympic Medical Team for Beijing Paralympic Games 2008
-YMCA Marathon Club - Auckland and Rotorua Marathons
Corporate – NZ Sugar, ASB Bank, Property Institute, NZ Defence Force, Northern Club, YMCA
Lecturing – Unitec (Exercise Prescription), AUT (Sports Massage) and Exercise NZ (Guest Presenter at NZ Fitness Conference)
On a personal level, Anthony has been involved with various community groups:
Arthritis NZ, Auckland – Founder of Ank Spon Supports Group, Executive Board, Regional Distinguished Service Award
Auckland Zhong Shan Clan – Current Committee Member
Auckland Sue Yuen Tong Society - Committee Member
Cornwall Park District School – Current member of Board of Trustees
Ellerslie Soccer Club – Junior Soccer Coach
Education:
Master of Science Degree (Exercise and Nutrition)
Bachelor of Business Degree (Property)
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
Certificates in Massage Therapy, Exercise Science and Fitness Testing
"I have been running for over 20 years and went to see Anthony about a stretching programme. After working with Anthony, my back pain had been relieved and this emphasised to me the importance of stretching for sports and everyday life."
Eileen Jenkins - North Shore, Auckland
A highlight at the YMCA has been training champions such as Ken Butterworth - who recorded the fastest marathon time in New Zealand in 2006 - 3 hours 56 minutes for his age group (60-64 years).
I was honoured to be involved as a Fitness Trainer/Physio with New Zealand Rugby League Under 16, Under 18 and Residents Teams!