ABOUT:

Welcome to NextStep Whakatane—your local hub for health, recovery, and empowerment in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. We’re more than a gym; we’re a community-driven space designed to help you take your next step, no matter where you’re starting from. Nestled in the heart of Whakatane, we’re proud to bring our holistic exercise and rehabilitation centre to this vibrant region.

Our journey began with a mission to make movement accessible to everyone. Inspired by the global NextStep franchise and our flagship centre in Mount Maunganui, we’ve created a facility that blends world-class equipment with a deep commitment to inclusion. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, living with a neurological condition, or simply wanting to build strength and confidence, NextStep Whakatane is here to support you every step of the way.

Our fully accessible gym is equipped with state-of-the-art tools tailored for all abilities—from cardio zones to specialized strength and rehabilitation equipment. Our passionate team of exercise physiologists work closely with you to design personalized programs that fit your goals, whether big or small. We’re not just about physical progress; we’re about celebrating every milestone and building a stronger, more connected you.

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SERVICES:

At NextStep Whakatane, we offer more than just a workout space. Our services include:

• small group classes - designed to improve specific health conditions in a group environment

• 1 on 1 coaching - personal training service aimed at maximizing your workout

• Rehabilitation coaching - 1 on 1 coaching focused on rehabilitation from an injury or surgery

• Exercise Physiology - coaching based on improving health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes

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!

 

TEAM:

Chris Kessell

Clinical exercise Physiologist

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Like most kids growing up in New Zealand, I was passionate about playing sports, particularly football. After playing at national league level, I decided to focus my hard work and efforts on my future outside of football. I studied for four years at Otago, where I fell in love with learning about how the human body functions and adapts during exercise. After personal training for a year and thinking everyone could train like an athlete, I quickly learnt there is a significant portion of the population that needs extra attention when it comes to safely prescribing and optimizing exercise behaviour. This motivated me to complete my Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology. I now have experience working with individuals with numerours different health conditions.

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I am motivated to continually progress my knowledge and skills so that I can provide people with a better quality of life. Here at NextStep, I am given the perfect platform to provide an evidence based approach to every NextStep client to achieve their health and fitness goals.

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Qualifications

Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology (University of Auckland)

Bachelor of Science, Sport and Exercise Science with Honours (University of Otago)

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Fun Facts

• I am a Newcastle United Fan

• I was an actor in the NZ movie 'The dark horse'

• I walked from Auckland to Whangarei in 40 hours for charity

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