|  Alastair (Ali) Dennis Swim/run coach and director of Fitness Goals   | Fitness Goals was established in 1991 and is owned and operated by Ali Dennis. Based in Lower Hutt Fitness Goals operates swimming squads, a freestyle improvement course (Gliding on!) and running workshops (Striding on!) targeted at triathletes and multisporters. Fitness goals has also produced two support products called Striding on! and Gliding on! These educational dvds are sold internationally to athletes, coaches, medical professionals and schools.
Fitness Goals mission statement is "Our goal is to help you achieve your goal".
Over the last 20 years Ali has helped hundreds of people achieve a range of goals from 800 meters on the track to marathon through to Ironman and from 400 meter swims to a 40km crossing of lake Taupo. Apart from helping ordinary people achieve the extraordinary Ali has also helped athletes achieve national medals in athletics, cross country, disabled and IHC swimming events as well as national and international medals in age group Triathlon and Multisport. He has presented workshops throughout the county including for the NZ Triathlon age group team and at the national swim coaches and teaches association conference in May 2008. Ali Dennis is a recognised fitness professional in Wellington and has earned a reputation for providing unique and excellent programmes for multidiscipline athletes and fitness goers. Ali has both swim and run level coaching papers from athletics and swim New Zealand as well as a diploma in Exercise Science to back him up. Ali is now also a Tri NZ endorsed swim and run coach. He also has a strong background in physiological fitness testing having worked at Wellington hospital respiratory lab.
Ali is also an experience athlete having been involved in many events from 1500 meters to marathon, up to 7 hour open water swimming expeditions as well as multidiscipline racing , including the Ironman. In recent years Ali has been focussing on overcoming some long term injuries. He is now a strong believer in reducing shoe support and re-educating the body to support itself during running. Follow Ali's blog as he attempts to run again without pain. Hey everyone, I'm Shaun, 21 years of age and I have been involved in the aquatics industry for a large part of my life. I got into competitive swimming at a young age and managed to progress up to National Age Groups Champs at 16 years of age before hanging up the togs to get into Track & Field and Cross Country. It was at that time that I got into swim teaching and lifeguarding at Huia Pool. I have been there for over five years now, teaching both children and adults.
It has been through teaching adults that my horizons have broadened as an instructor. Teaching kids is great because you tell them what to do and they do it, no questions asked. Adults on the other hand come from a variety of backgrounds which heavily influences their ability to learn and furthermore they want to know the importance of each drill, and as a teacher I HAVE to know what each drill is for.
Away from the pool, I’m a dedicated triathlete despite only being in the sport for a year. I'm off to Vancouver in June for the World Triathlon Champs, and hope to do NZ Ironman next year. In July I start at the NZ Radio Training School, which will hopefully lead me into a career in the sport broadcasting arena. When I’m not training or working, I’m pretty relaxed and just enjoy time with mates, or watching a DVD, preferably Prison Break.
My personal mission in coaching is to share my knowledge and experience with you to help you swim to your full potential. Hi there. I’m Sarah and I’m originally from England. Since my arrival in this beautiful country in 1994 I have embraced the active Kiwi outdoor lifestyle.
Sport has always been a huge part of my life. I was a team member of an International Lacrosse team for 8 years and competed in two World Cups. I was asked to coach the U21 team and successfully bought this team to victory during their season. During this time I trained as a Physical Education teacher.
In 1996 I tasted Kiwi multi sport for the first time and I haven’t looked back. It was in 1999 as I watched in awe of all the athletes competing in NZ Ironman that I became inspired and set myself a new challenge. A few years later after discussing the opportunity with a friend she said, “80% of you has already decided and prepared yourself, now go and train the other 20%”. A few half ironman races, ocean sea swims, triathlons, half marathons later I then achieved my goal – the 2004 Ironman.
My interest in coaching swimming was rekindled last year. I was previously a swimming teacher back in the UK to young children. I am currently assisting Ali with coaching Gliding On, coached the Hutt City 3 v 3 challenge and I’m now regularly coaching the Huia Friday morning squad. I am hungry to learn and develop as a coach and take immense satisfaction in watching individuals improve and succeed.
Having experienced my most rewarding personal achievement, Ironman and knowing how much it has changed my life I would like to empower other individuals to reach their goals in swimming.
I also enjoy coaching individuals who wish to improve their overall health and fitness through swimming. I like to pay particular attention to perfecting and developing their stroke to enable them to become proficient and relaxed swimmers.
My personal goals this year include the Motuatapu Off Road Marathon, another Half Ironman, the Sovereign Ocean Swim series and one more big event.
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