About Us
WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT hwpo DIFFERENT?
CrossFit HWPO is a small CrossFit Affiliate located in a small historic rural township of TeAroha. We are the only CrossFit affiliate in our region and thrive on showing people an alternative way to the typical gym model on how to become fit, strong, lean and healthy.
In our affiliate we place a large amount of focus on how to move efficiently. This is core to our training as CrossFit coaches where the correct mechanics is always first and foremost, seeking consistency of movement before adding intensity through load or speed. This is what sets us apart.
Our coaches
jillian o'neill
CrossFit Level 3 trainer (CCFT), CrossFit Gymnastics, CrossFit Kids, Precision Nutrition L1 Certified Coach, CrossFit Online Judge.
BIO
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I’ve been CrossFitting for 9 years now. I started when I was 44. Used to go to the gym for a couple of PT’s a week and run 10km twice a week. Thought I was fit and that CrossFit would be easy. Boy was I wrong! But – it was the challenge I loved and I’ve never looked back.
How long have you been coaching?
I’ve been coaching for approximately 8 years. I got my level 1 credential because I wanted to coach CrossFit kids and that was a pre-requisite for the CrossFit Kids Course. I coached CrossFit kids for about 2 years and then moved into general coaching.
Favourite movement to coach?
I enjoy coaching hand stand push ups. I love it when people realise that being upside down isn’t as scary or hard as they thought it would be.
Favourite movement to do myself?
I love a bar muscle up! I’m not great at them and they are constantly a work in progress for me, but that feeling of being on top of the rig is like no other!
What do you love most about CrossFit?
I love the changes I see in girls and women in this sport. Its not just the obvious physical changes but the mindset and confidence grow when they realise how empowering it is to be strong. I love seeing them blossom before my eyes from a shy person, lacking belief in themselves, to realizing that our affiliate is a safe place where they can be themselves, where its cool to celebrate success and where any body shape is capable. They come out of their shells and decide to try new things. They realise failure is a path to success and aren’t afraid to give it a go. They make new friends and before long they are the cheeky, confident ones in the class helping others. I see this in men too but it is most evident in women as they are typically less confident in a gym setting.
Anything else you want to say?
I just love the CrossFit community. We have travelled all around the world dropping in to lots of CrossFit boxes overseas. CrossFitters are your instant best friends and I see that the community we have in our own affiliate in New Zealand is replicated everywhere.
anna robertson
CrossFit L1 trainer, Online CrossFit Judge
BIO
How long have you been doing crossfit?
11 years (but have had a few breaks with injury and laziness – I kept coming back because it works for me).
How long have you been coaching?
I did my PT qualification in 2010, with a fitness business diploma. Ran my own fitness studio and multiple boot camps in Auckland before moving to the Waikato in 2019. I started coaching crossfit in 2021.
Favourite movement to coach
Snatch – I love the technicalities of it.
Favourite movement to do yourself
Snatch – same as above – the technicalities and there’s just something about being able to move a barbell from the ground to overhead in one beautiful fluid motion.
What do you like most about crossfit
The people…our communal unspoken mission to turn up and do the hard stuff to be our best selves. And the scalability—I love that every movement has a version for everyone—the wins are there to be earned by anyone who wants them.
emma paikau
CrossFit L1 Trainer, Online CrossFit Judge
BIO
How long have you been doing CrossFit for?
I started CrossFit with my husband in 2018 with a free class that was offered through ourworkplace. I really enjoyed it so signed up to the classes. A few months went by and life got busy with work and family so I went on a hiatus. With my husband still going I went along to support and watch him and others compete ih the 2021CrossFit Open. It made me realise how much I missed it and thought I really needed to come back. And so I did and I haven’t looked back since.
How long have you been coaching for?
In 2022 I decided to go for my level 1 coaching certificate. With eh encouragement from the other coaches in the box I decided to go for it. It was great to learn so much more about CrossFit, really going into depth of movements I did all the time. I am forever listening, watching and learning with CrossFit.
Favourite movement to coach?
It would have to be the snatch. It is alays great to help athletes improve their form and technique to help them lift heavier. I would say some people may try to avoid snatch days, but if we can help by giving cues and breaking it down, people find that its actually great fun getting that barbell overhead. Theres always a sense of accomplishment on peoples faces when something clicks and they start getting the hang of the snatch.
Favourite movement it do myself?
People look at me like I’m weird when I say it’s a thruster! Ever since I started CrossFit I’ve always been a squat dominant athlete, so thrusters have always been my jam. Even when others tend not to enjoy them so much. Maybe it’s the size of my thighs and short stature that help but I manage to get a rhythm going, so I can “hang on”. It’s a good day when throustersre on the board.
What do you like most about CrossFit?
Its just fun!!! You know that the hard work you put in each day will count and you will see results. The functional movements help us with our everyday real-life activities. CrossFit movements are always varied so you never get bored doing the same thing every day. But what I really like most about CrossFit is the community. The people that come to our box. We all love to support and motivate each other. We may all have different goals but we are all here together nailing those goals with the hard work we all put in.
Get in Touch
(+64) 021 748 776
info@crossfithwpo.com
LOCATION
67 Rewi St,
Te Aroha, New Zealand 3320