Building a Fitness Community Where Wāhine Thrive

Andrea Clarke, along with her husband Brendan are the proud owners of True Women's Fitness and parents to three tamariki. Their shared love for fitness has been influential in both their personal lives and their journey in building a thriving fitness community.

Nearly six years ago, Andrea and Brendan brought what was once known as ‘Contours Manukau’ and began transforming it into something special—a gym that reflected their values and a passion for empowering wāhine. This vision led to the creation of True Women’s Fitness, a space designed to be a supportive and inspiring environment where wāhine from all walks of life could gather, connect, and achieve their fitness goals.

When the couple took over True Women's Manukau, it needed some TLC. They recognised its potential and embarked on a mission to not only revitalise it, but also build a brand that could extend beyond Tāmaki Makaurau. Their mission has always been to cultivate a sense of community spirit, where every wahine who enters the gym feels motivated, supported, and part of something special. Since then, they have opened a second location in Kirikiriroa, and the community and brand have been warmly embraced by wāhine across the rohe.

The Power of Teamwork and Retention

One of Andrea’s proudest achievements is the incredible team they have built at True Women’s Fitness. Many of the core kaimahi (Ngāpuhi, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) have remained with them since the transition from Contours Manukau. The secret? Ensuring goals and values are aligned so that everyone is working towards the same vision, always putting members at the centre of everything they do. This dedication to team spirit has been crucial in retaining such a committed group of professionals and creating a positive, uplifting atmosphere in the gyms.

The Appeal of a Women’s Only Gym

Wāhine-only gyms are growing in popularity across Aotearoa, and True Women’s Fitness demonstrates why. The gym attracts a diverse membership, bringing together wāhine from various cultures, backgrounds, and stages of life to achieve their fitness goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Members appreciate that True Women’s Fitness provides a space where they can be themselves, free from judgement, and surrounded by like-minded women who encourage and uplift each other. This sense of comfort and confidence is something that True Women’s Fitness nurtures every day.

Thriving in a Competitive Industry

In a highly competitive fitness industry, the strategy at True Women’s Fitness has always been straighforward; stay focused on their mission and values. The team is deeply committed to their hapori and believes that by remaining true to their core principles, they can overcome any challenges that come their way. This approach has clearly resonated with their members, as reflected by the over 200 glowing reviews and an impressive 4.7-star Google rating.

Proudest Moments and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the past six years, Andrea is most proud of the team they have built and the hapori at True Women’s Fitness. With exciting plans to expand True Women’s Fitness throughout Aotearoa, the future is bright.

If Andrea could offer advice to her younger self, it would be to take a few deep breaths and trust that everything will be okay. The journey of running a business is a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs, but staying focused on the “why” will guide you through.

Advice for Whānau Entering the Health and Fitness Industry

For whānau considering a move into the health and fitness industry, Andrea’s advice is simple; surround yourself with a supportive team. Find people who share your passion and drive, and together, you can achieve great things.

True Women’s Fitness is a place where like-minded wāhine can connect and achieve their fitness goals in a supportive, friendly environment. Whether you’re a newcomer to the gym or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, True Women’s Fitness offers memberships tailored to suit everyone’s needs. If you’re interested, pop in for a visit or a chat, or check out their website at www.truewoman.co.nz to join now. True Women’s Fitness looks forward to welcoming new members into their community.