Meet the Team
Experienced, passionate, local, and here to support your health journey.
Claire Smith
Personal Trainer • Menopause Health & Fitness Specialist
As a personal trainer for 20 years, Claire has trained people of all ages and abilities, but her passion lies in training people in midlife and beyond. This is where exercise and strength training can have profound health benefits, extending health span and improving quality of life.
She is REPS registered and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Sport, Exercise and Health. She is also a qualified Menopause Health and Fitness Specialist.
For the last 5 years Claire has run her own studio here in Muriwai offering functional strength training. She tailors sessions to the specific needs and goals of her clients, starting at the appropriate level and intelligently progressing over time so they can see the change and reap the benefits.
Joey McGrath
PhD Sport & Exercise Science • Strength & Conditioning Coach and Personal Trainer
With over 19 years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, Joey brings his expertise to the local Muriwai community. He is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and is dedicated to supporting them on their journey.
Joey has worked as a strength and conditioning coach for both New Zealand and Auckland cricket. Prior to this, he was involved in a partnership that opened Auckland’s first clinical exercise physiology gym specialising in cardiac rehabilitation.
In addition to his practical experience, Joey spent seven years lecturing in sports and exercise science and is currently a lecturer and researcher in Paramedicine at AUT.
Outside of work, his interests span all sports, with a particular love for surfing and golf. He also enjoys hiking and has a strong passion for New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.
Sonia Mitchell
Physiotherapist • Exercise Science Specialist
Sonia graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy in 2012 and a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Exercise Science in 2002. She has over 20 years of experience in strength and fitness training, including 13 years as a Sports, Musculoskeletal, and Neurological Physiotherapist.
She is a qualified Mulligan Practitioner and holds postgraduate certificates in Advanced Dry Needling, PINC Cancer Rehabilitation, and Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. Sonia is also a certified sports and therapeutic massage therapist, Matwork Pilates Instructor, and McKenzie trained for the management of spinal musculoskeletal disorders.
Outside of her professional work, Sonia enjoys surfing, running, mountain biking, swimming, and watersports, with a background in ballet that has shaped her movement and training approach.