The 2000s ushered in a new era in New Zealand’s fitness industry as over 400 gyms were opened with staff strength of about 5,000 and had around 500,000 registered members. Treadmills and rowing machines were equipment used in cardio areas while weights were incorporated in the main workout area of most gyms. Others had large spaces with a smooth floor for group classes. The services of physiotherapists and nutritionists were offered in some advanced gyms with facilities like sauna, solariums, squash courts and swimming pools.
Fitness New Zealand was the organization that oversaw and the fitness industry. The standard for several tertiary qualifications offered in leisure studies and exercise science was being set by Skills Active Aotearoa.
With over 300 club operators, the New Zealand Fitness Industry had personal trainers who ran personal training studios, home-based personal training outfits and outdoor based personal training outfits. Between 11-15 employees were employed per workspace in larger fitness outfits and less than 6-8 in smaller fitness clubs.