Our Trainer

“Life has two rules; never quit! And always remember rule one!”

OWNER/Trainer Mark Pihema

Mark has been an instructor/trainer pretty much his whole working life! 19 years in the New Zealand Army Physical Training Corps (NZAPTC), 15 years specialising in the outdoors as a rock, mountain and sea kayak instructor and guide, 7 years in the maritime industry as an ISPS trainer and operations manager, and now 8 years running his own group outdoor personal training business at Mount Maunganui! That adds up to a lot of time looking after people!

“One of my greatest loves is seeing the growth in others! It’s more than a business for me!”

In today’s high speed world it is people like Mark who bring us back to the ground roots of life – the simple things that help to keep us healthy.

“I love the outdoor/exercise mix –  the blend of natural elements and fitness! It works so well here at the Mount!”

Mark has built a real community with his membership! And being able to provide outdoor activities, on top of his weekly training, is a huge point of difference that no other fitness company or trainer provides! 

“I love variety as much as anyone, so being able to provide different activities for my members works well for them and me! I wake up every morning looking forward to seeing the team!”

OPT is far more than a fitness business, it’s a Club of like minded people wanting to keep active and healthy! Mark has developed OPT so that the members can be involved in as much as they desire, as they work towards their individual goals and needs!

“Most people know the final outcome they want. They just need somebody, they can trust, to get them there! Trust is really important and I pride myself in having that relationship with all of my members!”

There are plenty of PT businesses in the Bay but not a lot of business owners like Mark! If you are looking for a tried and proven trainer; somebody with real experience, you can’t go wrong really! 

“I’ve been lucky! I’ve had great mentors and plenty of life experiences your average person would never get – probably wouldn’t even dream of! Why wouldn’t I want to share what I have?  

Training Team for D Coy 1 RNZIR's Afghanistan pre-deployment phase in Fiordland
Conducting rock rescue training at Twin Streams - Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Another day at the office for an NZ Army Physical Training Instructor
Instructing soldiers on the NZDF 10 day back country courses in the Southern Alps
Guiding 161 Battery's Stewart Island Expedition Team. Orca off D'urville Island - Outer Marlborough Sounds
Maritime Operations working from Yemen, as well as Singapore, Kenya, Dubai and Sri Lanka
Sunrise on the Summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Where it began! 9 months training on the Primary PTI Course - NZDF PE&RT School, Wigram
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A well deserved 5 Star Rating to an exceptional trainer who offers so much more than a workout. His fun and fresh approach along with extreme knowledge and a genuine caring nature has endeared him to us all. He and his team offer inspiration and a tireless commitment to us achieving our goals. His personal extension of friendship with all his members is a testament to a truely good guy. It also makes for a fitness culture of supporting and caring for each other. Both my husband and I feel very grateful and honoured to be members of OPT. We thoroughly recommend anybody thinking of attending or joining us to giving it a go!
Karylene O'Neill
Baileys Real Estate