NEXTSTEP HAMILTON

New Zealand's newest Exercise and Rehabilitation facility

About Us

Book in for our free intro chat with the team!

Kia Ora and welcome to NextStepNZ Hamilton - your new local hub for exercise and rehabilitation in the heart of Hamilton, New Zealand.

We're here to empower every step of your journey, whether you're recovering from injury, managing a neurological condition, have a health condition or simply aiming to feel stronger and healthier.

With cutting-edge equipment like FES bikes, personalized 1-on-1 support, and a range of group classes, we blend fitness with recovery in a way that's accessible to all.

Join our community and discover a space where progress meets possibility - right here in Hamilton!

Services

1 on 1 coaching - exercise physiologist to take you for a session, half an hour and full hour sessions available
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation - using a 12 lead electrical stimulation device we can improve your recovery
Activity based therapy - sessions designed to work your full body towards recovery of function
Paediatric Therapy - ABT and DMI Therapy for children with health conditions

Who We Help

Disabilities - We have a fully accessible gym so everyone has something they can do no matter what their mobility!
Health conditions - Our exercise physiologists are trained to look after people with numerous health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more!
Neurological conditions - Our unique activity based therapy program and exercise physiologists are there to support people with spinal cord injuries, stroke, MS/Parkinsons disease and more!
Injuries and surgeries - Our team of exercise physiologists are trained to support long term injuries and post surgery recovery ensuring you get the best rehabilitation possible!

Our Team

AARON BALSOM

Managing Director / Accredited Exercise Physiologist

Aaron, or big boss as most people refer to me as.

I started my journey towards the exercise and recovery sector by starting as a butcher when I left school and learning my anatomy that way. I think I found that I would rather work with things that are alive so packed my bags and went down to the mighty Palmerston North to join student life and do a degree in sport and exercise.

The idea was to become a typical personal trainer building bodies to look good in summer however the experience I had when working with people with significant health challenges and the power that exercise had to impact their lives, changed my career path.

After finishing my degree and heading home to the Bay I worked at a few gyms trying to seek out clients that had more challenging issues before finally getting my break and being asked to come and open up a rehab gym and 8 years later I am still here, loving it and taking the NextStep in my career with ownership.

My special focus areas are in the activity-based therapy side of things where I love to try and recover function, challenge your body in various ways and really make an impact with exercise for Neurological conditions.

Fun facts:

I used to be a strength and conditioning coach for the Bay of Plenty Steamers rugby team
I have 4 awesome kids
I am a fanatical All Blacks fan

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Prescription
Post Graduate Diploma in Sport & Exercise
Medical Exercise Specialist Certification
Workplace First Aid Certification
SESNZ Accredited Exercise Physiologist

LILI DAI

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Hi, I am Lili.

My journey into the exercise and rehabilitation industry started in China, where I completed my medical school education in 2009 and spent over 10 years working in the hospital. Over the years, I saw how much of a difference movement and lifestyle changes could make in people’s lives - especially for those living with chronic health conditions. That’s what inspired me to shift my focus into clinical exercise physiology.

During my study, I supported clients with various long-term conditions. That hands-on experience taught me how powerful the personalized exercise programs can be in improving not just physical function, but confidence and quality of life.

I truly love what I do. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone regain their strength, energy, and independence, and knowing that I’ve played a part in that journey. I continue to learn every day, not just from textbooks and research, but from each and every client. One of them once said “Push to the limits”, and it’s a mindset that’s been with me ever since.

Outside of work, I enjoy tennis, swimming, baking, and spending time with my family. I believe in staying active in ways that bring joy and balance to life.

Let’s work together to get you moving toward the next step.

Fun facts:

I used to be a medical doctor in China
I started learning tennis at my late 30s
I have been living in Hamilton since I came to NZ

Qualifications:

Master of Science (Human Performance Science) with Distinction with a major in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist with CEPNZ
Workplace First Aid Certificate

Katelyn Riches

Exercise Specialist

Hi, I’m Katelyn.

I grew up in Canterbury and moved to Hamilton in 2023 to start my Bachelors degree at the University of Waikato. Growing up I played a range of sports, settling on basketball.

My interest in exercise physiology grew as I progressed through my degree, but began well before that. As a young kid I loved to be outdoors and be active, and have always been drawn to the health and fitness industry. After going through physio and rehab for some of my own injuries, I knew this was an area I was passionate about.

In July of this year I started a 60 hour placement at Next Step here in Hamilton. During my placement I got to work with a range of clients, and the hands on experience helped my growth exponentially. I am continuing my studies at Wintec next year, completing my Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

I love what I do and am passionate about my job. Working with people and helping them achieve their goals is both rewarding and inspiring. I am excited and motivated to continue learning and growing!

Fun facts:

I have my forklift license.
I minored in History at University.
I am orignally from a small town in Canterbury.

GROUP CLASSES

Strength & Balance

Fridays 11.00am - 12.00pm

Strength & balance is a fun and supportive class which challenges you to increase your movement and confidence. Classes are designed to improve balance, coordination and strength, all of which will positively impact your daily function and movement.

Classes are safe and suitable for all levels.

Parkinsons Class

Thursdays 10.00am - 11.00am

Live a happier, stronger, more fulfilling life by discovering how to LIVE BRAVE, and live your best life with Parkinson’s.

Improve your situation, to move better, think better, look better, build your confidence, regain control, build your self-belief and ultimately, your chance to slow your Parkinson’s down

To book in please contact the team.