These people know what they are doing. If you have a health issue or concern that work it out and support you very well. The staff are always friendly and they present a wholelistic approach to the problem. I trust their judgement and every session is alway fun

By way of background a little over 5 years ago my GP advised me that I had now been diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic following a series of normal blood tests.

He then proceeded to offer me a couple of options; firstly he could prescribe medications to manage the diabetes that I would be reliant upon for the rest of my days. The second option was what he called the ‘lifestyle change'. ie lose weight, eat better and get healthier. I chose to opt for latter.

So with that I was off and running; well waddling maybe!

2 years after commencing training with the Exercise Physiologist I can happily report that I had dropped over 20kgs.

So a few more years on I am still enjoying the different exercise classes here and have kept the weight off and have never felt fitter or healthier. Also I maintained my exercise routine outside the Merendi environment taking up cycling, running etc.

My GP advised me 12 months ago that I am now technically no longer a Type 2 Diabetic such has been the reduction in weight, blood sugar levels etc. Interestingly enough he now chats to me as a friend and is especially chuffed that someone has taken his advice and succeeded via lifestyle changes to overcome the diabetes. He couldn't be more supportive of my progress as has the support from the team here at Merendi's!

So having extolled the virtues of exercise being the significant factor in my improvement what has it been or how has Merendi H & W been so important in the process.

From my perspective I see Merendi's offering 4 features/benefits.

1. Professionalism and knowledge
2. Motivational and encouraging
3. Variety of exercises
4. Enjoyment and fun


FIRSTLY What struck me early was the thoroughness and professionalism of the EPs. They spent the time to understand my body and it's fragilities, what I was wanting to achieve and then tailored programs and exercises to suit my needs.

That to me was important, as at my age I didn't want some inexperienced young gym jockstrap pushing me into exercise areas where I was not capable or more to the point my body was not capable of meeting.

Still to this day they keep an astute eye open for any signs of muscle fatigue, aches or pains etc and will check whether any adjustments may need to be made.

SECONDLY and equally as significant as their professionalism has been their wonderful ability to motivate and encourage me. I, probably like many of you, have known the Personal Trainer or Boot Camp Nazis who enjoy telling you to ‘hit the floor and give me 400 push-ups' or the like! I am sure that approach works for some or even many but it was never going to work on me.

Instead I have been and am still encouraged to keep challenging myself and am warmly acknowledged for any small gains, improvements or milestones achieved.

Rather than yelling instructions or issuing demands there is a wonderful level of praise and ‘well dones' echoing through the place. For me it has inspired me (and no shortage of perspire as well) to improve my levels of achievement.

Encouragement and motivation are wonderful attributes to keep us striving even when at times we may feel that we have hit a sandbank.

THIRDLY the variety of exercises makes for a more interesting journey and keeps the enjoyment and fun happening.

I am still amazed at the range of what seem like simple exercises that we can all engage in. And a good deal of these exercises do not require expensive equipment or large gyms to work from. Some of the simplest exercises are often the most effective.

For me the variety has been valuable both as retaining interest but also exposing me to extra exercises I can do from home.

FOURTH and finally the participants within the classes/groups here are all very encouraging and there is always a good level of fun with the various groups.

Unlike some environments/exercise groups I have never felt like there was a ‘competition' happening amongst individuals and instead there is a genuine feeling of encouragement amongst each other no matter where an individual's fitness levels maybe.

I am the first to admit that I am luckier than many as I am not necessarily impaired by dodgy knees or damaged shoulders etc and have been able to enjoy a wide range of execises and activities.

Having said that though I do reckon that the fitter I got the luckier I got as well. Whilst having had some average ankles and lower back strains over the years I discovered that the more weight I lost the better the ankles and back became. 5 years ago I would have been flat out running out of sight on a dark night yet now I am proud to say that I still have bragging rights over my 24 year old daughter in our most recent 5 and 10 k fun runs.

You need to understand though that the Merendi environment is the framework on which you can build a healthier life. A few classes a week will be great but you do need to add extra effort at home and ensure that you maintain activity levels on a regular basis.

We are never too old! And you know what exercise really does work.

I have been attending Merendi's Health for a few years now and never find it boring. Working with Carly, mainly, I no longer have Sciatica problems which I thought could only be cured with surgery. By maintaining fitness levels I am not woken at night with Sciatica attacks. I have recently Completed a HEAL program with Mitch from Merendi's and I am actually losing weight!! Can't recommend the team highly enough. More like family than a business.

Merendi (the business's owner) is a highly professional, very dedicated woman who cares deeply about her clients. She really knows her stuff and her business continues to evolve as she takes into consideration new insights and published research.

The staff are always friendly and patient and Merendi also provides access to other allied health professionals for holistic wellness.

Fitness classes here are relaxed and fantastic. The class sizes are kept small so you do get personal attention from the instructor. They also tailor exercises to you, for example my mother has limited movement in her ankle due to an accident so the instructor provided alternatives for her for certain exercises. Prices are extremely reasonable and the staff are lovely. The online booking system is fantastic!

Approximate cost: $15

had a remedial massage here using a voucher i got as a present, very pleasantly surprised and so close to home for me i will be back for sure.

The team at Merendi Health & Wellness provide quality and personalised service. I was provided with individual attention and the end result was my very own lifestyle plan. I was also able to see a number of allied health practitioners on the same day, saving extra trips. And all the allied health work together as a team to ensure my goals were achieved. They are friendly, approachable and provide the best support.

Approximate cost: $110 per hour