Fight the parking meter hike & support our Lower Hutt CBD retailers

March 11th, 2010 martin 1 comment

The Lower Hutt City Council are considering yet another parking meter price rise in the CBD and on the surface it might not seem too onerous a rise from $2 to $3. However the retailers in the High St/Queens Dr area deserve better treatment from our elected officials. Westfield offers free parking and an increase of any amount will be yet another disincentive for shoppers to shop in the CBD. If you are a Lower Hutt resident I strongly urge that you contact your local Hutt City Council Counsillor and voice your disapproval (I have).

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Go Phil!

March 6th, 2010 martin No comments

My good friend Phil Binnie is doing the Taupo Bonita Ironman today and we’re following all the action on Ustream. Phil is part owner of Lake Chalice Wines with Suzis brother Chris.
Live video chat by Ustream

Update: I just found the Marlborough Multi Sport blog with pics and everything!

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We had a great night at the Mediterranean Food Warehouse

February 26th, 2010 martin No comments

Chef Stefan doing his thangSuzi & I had a fantastic night when we attended a cooking class at the Mediterranean Warehouse in Lower Hutt. Chef Stefan Rijnbeek demonstrated how to make Foccacia Bread with Bruschetta as an entree and then Porcini Mushroom Risotto for a main and then a delicious chocolate Mousse for dessert.

Throughout the demo we got to drink a little vino (Monte Pulciano methinks) as well sampling the food as it was cooked and we finished the night off with pizza and a little more vino.

There is more information online and they also host private functions as well.

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Is it time for the Hurricanes fans to get more vocal?

February 25th, 2010 martin No comments

Recently, Hurricanes players Jason Eaton and Corey Jane appealed to rugby fans to get more vocal to match the passion of the Phoenix A-League soccer fans. They were both in the crowd to cheer on the Phoenix against The Perth Glory. I’m not going to get into a soccer versus rugby shootout but I agree with Corey & Jason, the crowd participation at the rugby is hopeless. Here’s my 3 point solution;

We the fans need to get more organised.A bit of forward planning would help. Preparation & practice is the key. First we need to have our chants sorted for when we score etc etc. I’ve never been a fan of “the ref is a w..nker”, that’s too easy. Next team up is the Lions, surely we must be able to come up with something for “King Carlos???”

Captain Hurricane? What A sorry, flea bitten excuse for a mascot. All he did on Saturday was walk around the field and when I say walk, my 85 year old dad could have walked faster and had more energy! How about a cartwheel captain H? How about a forward roll? Maybe you could jump in with the cheerleaders every now and then? DO SOMETHING!!!!

The CityFitness Cheerleaders. Ladies, your job is to get the crowd going. When we score a try, how about some high leg kicks? When we are on defence how about getting the crowd going with a “gimmee a D, gimmee a E …” I think you get the idea. And stop throwing those give aways into the front row!!! How about us guys half way up the stands? Get a compressed air cannon!

’nuff said, comments welcome

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Ohhhh, now I can post from my iPhone

February 24th, 2010 martin No comments

In an effort to keep this up to date I am test driving the iPhone app. I have been using Twitter a lot and have been a little tardy with this blog, maybe this will help :-)

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The Times, They are a changing :-)

November 2nd, 2009 martin No comments
Smooth as :-)

Smooth as :-)

Just a quick note to say that I’ve changed roles here at Tag Team Suzi-G RE/MAX. I’ve moved from an admin role to “full blown” sales. I’m her new buyer specialist.

Which basically means that if you’re looking to buy anywhere in Lower Hutt, I’m your man. If you’re looking to sell, then Suzi’s your man :-)

I’m really excited about the change and looking forward to getting stuck in!

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A fine day at last!

July 11th, 2009 martin No comments

Today was a perfect day to get on the bike and head into Wellington. Suzi & I kitted up and had a fantastic two hour ride to Lyall Bay and back. Nothink serious, just taking it easy :-) Even had time for a quick stop and grabbed a few quick photos.

It’s a great day to be alive :-)

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3 Reasons to Join Jenkins Gym (and they’re not what you think)

July 2nd, 2009 martin No comments

Body Pump 69 - Chest Time

Reason #1.

Actually, you probably guessed this one already. Because I’m there! I love working out and I like to think that when I’m teaching Body Pump and/or RPM, the Martin you see on stage is the one you meet on the gym floor/car park/supermarket. Real people … that’s what you’ll meet at JG.

Reason #2.

Here’s the killer reason. From August 1st, your membership covers all group fitness classes including RPM (spin). Other gyms are charging at least $5 per class for RPM. So now, all you pay is your annual/monthly/weekly membership fee!

Reason #3.

Parking! There are a whole lot more FREE CAR PARKS to the north behind the gym.

We don’t need another reason to not go to the gym

Reasons 2 & 3 came to me when the lovely Suzi came back from the gym (a different one to mine) and she was a little upset. There were no free parks left, so she parked on a meter& paid her $6. She paid another $6 and did her RPM class. She did a workout/warmdown after class. Got back to her car and had a $12 parking ticket!

So thats $6 + $6 + $12 = $24 for one RPM class. Not to mention the $20+ per week that she pays for membership. If she was to do 2 more RPM classes and get free parking that would be $36 for the weeks RPM and chuck in the weekly gym membership of $20, thats $56! Pretty bloody expensive, did I mention that she also does Pump twice a week as well?

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I’m looking for a new boss!

June 30th, 2009 martin No comments

Actually, I’m not but Jenkins Gym is looking for a new Group Fitness Co-ordinator.

You need to be able to teach at least 2 pre-choreographed or freelanced programs and  have some experience in people management and coaching skills.

There are more details about the position on trademe.

The Gym currently has about 20 instructors and provides the following Les Mills programmes.

  • Body Pump
  • Body Combat
  • Body Attack
  • RPM
  • Body Balance

The Group Fitness timetable can be viewed on the gyms web site

If you are interested in the position. The person to contact is

Jess Bovey
Operations Manager
jessbovey@jenkinsgym.co.nz
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Google Calendars are Great

June 12th, 2009 martin 1 comment

Now using Google Calendar to display my teaching timetable @ the gym. I stole the idea from Fitness Attitude. I’m sure Michael won’t mind :-)

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