Welcome to
GH Health
and Fitness
Welcome to
GH Health
and Fitness
clients stories
See how I have help my clients reach their goals...
BEFORE
AFTER
Sam
Kemp
I realise that this could not have
been achieved without Grant
I was first introduced to CrossFit when my Father Stuart Kemp arranged for my brother and I to join CrossFit Dunedin.
When we first arrived we didn’t know what to expect. We were introduced to a very passionate and excited Welshman named Grant Hughes who was the owner and Head Coach. We were tasked to complete a Tabata style work out of pull-ups, push-ups, squats and sit-ups. Being a chubby 15 years old I battled through the workout and for the next week or so I could barely move. This process continued for the next month or so until I became unmotivated and decided not to continue. After being ridiculed at school and being called chubby Grant was able to motivate me to return to CrossFit. Under the mentoring and continuous support from Grant I began to fully understand the movements of CrossFit and was able to build my fitness levels to a point where I could work out at an intensity I had not done so before.
Fast-forward 2 years and after having started as a 6-foot 106kg chubby kid with little muscle or co-ordination I had become a 6.4-foot 95kg man with muscles. Unfortunately at this time my relationship with CrossFit Dunedin and Grant ended due to my decision to move away from Dunedin to pursue work commitments.
Since then I have continued to perform CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting. My achievements include a South Island title (New Zealand) and a second place in the National Competition for the Junior Super Heavyweight division.
Looking back upon my health and fitness progression I realise that this could not have been achieved without Grant and the enthusiasm, passion and technical knowledge that he has. I simply would not have joined back to a gym after the first time of giving up and be where I am today.
Jamie
Greene
Grant was always very supportive, encouraging
and motivating
I was first introduced to Grant in his role as Director of CrossFit Dunedin in 2013 when I first became a member. Having been a former high level gymnast and rugby player I quickly became hooked on the CrossFit Dunedin competitive but fun atmosphere which then led me to the goal of pursuing CrossFit as a sport. Under the guidance of Grant and the other supportive coaches at CrossFit Dunedin I was able to qualify for the Australasian regionals in 2014 and finished in 21st place. After completing my physical education degree I was given the opportunity to become a coach at CrossFit Dunedin before departing New Zealand to travel and work in the US and UAE.
Since then I have become a full time CrossFit coach at CrossFit Yas in Abu Dhabi. I am proud to say that I was the winner of the world wide CrossFit open in 2016 and was part of team CrossFit Yas that finished in 3rd place in the CrossFit games the same year.
I attribute a large portion of my success to learning the fundamentals of CrossFit at CrossFit Dunedin where Grant was always very supportive, encouraging and motivating to the coaching staff, his members and myself. It was a great atmosphere to work and train in.
BEFORE
AFTER
Fahad
Al Ayoub
Grant helped
me become more confident in life
At 16 years of age and after losing almost 25kg in bodyweight my body became extremely weak and scrawny. Therefore I decided that I would join a gym and I chose inspire Sahara in Kuwait.
My goals were to build my body back up in the correct way and improve my performance in my sport of Baseball.
After my first workout at the gym I felt intimated as I didn’t know what to do and I felt that everyone was watching me.
So I decided to employ Grant as my Personal Trainer. Going into my first training session with him I had never performed a Squat, Deadlift or a Bench Press or as Grant called them ‘the big 3’.
After working with Grant for almost a year and at the age of 17 I was able to Squat 125kg, Deadlift 150kg and Bench Press 70kg. Also more importantly for me not only was I getting stronger and bigger in the gym but my Baseball performances were improving and I was able to throw over 10mph faster and hit the ball much further.
From being extremely self-conscious Grant helped me become more confident in life and he continues to be one of my many role models and I am extremely grateful for everything he has done for me.
BEFORE
AFTER
Alastair
Nicholl
I continued to make huge strides in Health and Fitness
I first met Grant whilst a member of Les Mills Dunedin in 2008. At that time I weighed over 120kg but none the less I was encouraged by Grant to sign up to a 5 week ‘Military Style Bootcamp’. During the initial 2.4km run fitness test my time was 16:50 and dead last. Over a period of 4 years of Bootcamp’s my fitness levels increased and I recorded my best 2.4km time of 9:35 and my weight dropped to 77.5
I was proud of both achievements and I credit a large portion of my success to Grant’s continuous motivation, support and the way he generated camaraderie within group and helped install confidence in myself.
In 2010 Grant established CrossFit Dunedin and I had no hesitation on continuing under his coaching. In the 3 year period that I worked with Grant I continued to make huge strides in Health and Fitness competing in the CrossFit Open each year, participating in National CrossFit Competitions and maintaining a healthy weight.
All of which has led me to become a happier person.
Emily
O'Connell
I would absolutely recommend his support for training and programming
to anyone
I first met Grant when he was owner of Crossfit Dunedin. Grant's gym was already well and truly established with a lot of members but weights and conditioning was all new to me - I was always a runner. There were always workouts I preferred over others naturally and Grant was awesome at helping me to build on strengths and taking time to help me work on weaknesses. Overtime, I became the fittest I have been while training there.
Fast forward a few years and I am now a mum of 2 and my reasons for exercising and goals have changed a little but I still take away Grant's knowledge of strength and conditioning and add it to my weekly workouts along with some running. I was stoked to see him incorporate his Quickfit Conditioning workouts to his Instagram page and despite me being in New Zealand, I have been able to follow along. The workouts are easily performed by any fitness level. Some I have gone back to do more than once, or adjusted to suit my fitness by adding weights or reps. More importantly with life being busy, I can fit these in around my family just at home and don’t need to rely on my gym’s currently limited schedule.
I love how the workouts are targeted to different areas of the body, so that you don’t ever need to miss a workout due to pain or fatigue. It has also kept me accountable to work on areas I don't enjoy doing so much and it's getting easier!
I really appreciate Grant's knowledge and input on social media and while I'm not in the same country to attend the same gym anymore, I am really enjoying reconnecting through the online platform and would absolutely recommend his support for training and programming to anyone.
BEFORE
AFTER
Elsa
Wyllie
Grant knows how to create a community that feels like family
When I first started training with Grant Hughes, I was in the process of shedding 100 lbs but had hit a plateau. His training methods kept me engaged and excited, and got my metabolism roaring. I've never been in better shape than when I trained with Grant, largely because he utilises multiple training tactics to keep my body guessing and me interested. Between lifting at CrossFit, endurance with boxing, and nutrition guidance, I was both strong and able to run half marathons in times under 1 hour 45 minutes without formally training. But more than that, Grant knows how to create a community that feels like family.
One that keeps you accountable and excited to continue to attain your goals. The community he created is so special that despite an ocean in between, we continue to cheer each other on eight years after I moved away. Daily health and nutrition remains a priority for me and after multiple trainers at various gyms, no trainer has come close to providing the package that Grant does.
BEFORE
AFTER
Jenny
Lapham
He is wonderful with helping his clients push themselves safely and without injury
I have known Grant Hughes for 7 years. I first met him when I joined his gym and I was 53 years old. Given this was my first time working in a different gym, I was very nervous, but was made to feel very welcome. As I got to know Grant,I realised how passionate he was about his gym and the goals of a healthy lifestyle and started to love his classes. He is wonderful with helping his clients push themselves safely and without injury, he also provides great support for achieving goals.
One particular day I was keen to complete the full group fitness workout with Grant, which would have taken me beyond the scheduled class time. Grant made sure this was not a problem and stayed with me until I completed it, he supported me the whole way. Grant allowed me to achieve my goal and something I am still proud of.
When Grant left Dunedin we kept in touch, and I enjoyed watching him from afar carry on his passion for fitness in different parts of the world. During the Covid-19 period in New Zealand, when we were in lock down, he was posting workouts that could be carried out at home, with little or no equipment. Despite being in different countries I was able to get the benefit of his coaching, which I really enjoyed. The fact that he was posting workouts, shows how passionate and caring he is about the health and wellbeing of his clients and friends.
If you are looking for someone who is passionate about the fitness industry and about helping his clients meet their goals in a safe manner, I would recommend Grant Hughes as the coach for you.
BEFORE
AFTER
Kim
Timperley
He is firm but fair pushing you to explore new limits
Picture this......it’s 2010. Middle of winter. There is actual snow on the ground. My best friend and I are lying in it, attempting push ups from our knees while a Welsh task master yells at us about how this will only make us stronger. This was my first introduction to Grant Hughes and the Bootcamp style of training. Have to confess.....I was not a fan. Fast forward a few months, I had continued training and then the news breaks that Grant had opened a new gym.
I made the move to Crossfit Dunedin in January 2011 and it was THE best well-being decision I have ever made. Grant is a natural motivator and not at all the scary drill sergeant I initially thought he was. He is firm but fair. Pushing you to explore new limits with what your body can do while always focusing on correct technique and form. Under his training I became the fittest and healthiest version of myself - I lost weight, gained confidence and felt great about myself. It was a sad day for us all when “Welshie” made the decision to return home to Wales. We lost an amazing trainer and a great friend but our loss is Wales’ gain. Whether you’re a beginner or serious athlete, I would not hesitate to recommend Grant as a trainer.
BEFORE
AFTER
Jonathan
Kemp
Grant motivated me to a level of fitness that I thought would not be possible
I have known Grant for over 15 years. I first met him when I was going through a flat patch in my exercise routine. Up to that point I had been playing competitive squash, but after suffering a number of ankle injuries I decided to hang up my racket.
Fed up of being a donator to my local gym, I decided to make contact and get a Personal Trainer to kick start my health and fitness. Luckily for me I was introduced to Grant & from day one at our first meeting and consultation I knew that I was in great hands. Grant introduced me to a wide variety of fitness programmes that far exceeded my expectation which included Bootcamp programmes and his very own Boxing programme named Box 101.
Grant motivated me to a level of fitness that I thought would not be possible & was instrumental in helping me achieve a personal goal that I had set myself to compete in, which was the Coast to Coast (South Island Multi-Sport event in NZ). In addition to this I have competed in numerous events such as half & full marathons with the support of Grant.
Through Grants dedication I have seen him help many others like me achieve a level of heath and fitness that we could only dream of. Grant is a true professional who takes the time to understand his clients & puts a plan in place to help people achieve their goals in a stress free manner.
BEFORE
AFTER
Dean
Delaney
Grant changed my life, and this is a statement I do not make lightly.
I first met Grant in 2007; I was pushing 100kg and although I thought I was ok in relation to my health and lifestyle, I was far from it and in hindsight I was on a pathway of an unhealthy lifestyle that would of at some point caused serious health issues. Grant introduced me to Les Mills Bootcamps, I also became a regular member of the gym and other programs Grant ran such as Box101 and others. In the space of 9 months I had dropped close to 25kg in a measurable and safe way through Grants motivation, programs and nutrition advice.
Through Grant I also developed a love for running and since then I have completed in many Ironman, multi-sport, open water swimming and running events including ultra-marathons. My love for running extended to taking on some formal training and I have also led a running group that at one point had 50 members and exposed new people to running and creating a love for it.
Grant is a genuine individual that is incredibly passionate about helping people and being able to transform people to the best version they can be. Simply put; Grant changed my life, and this is a statement I do not make lightly.
BEFORE
AFTER
Josh
Homersham
Grant mentored me and taught me how to train and eat correctly
'I first met Grant when I trained at his CrossFit gym in Dunedin, New Zealand. After being bullied in school and being told by a doctor that I was overweight I decided to make a change. My mother took me to Grant's gym and not long after I developed a passion for health and fitness.
I started training with Grant at age 14. I was a very shy kid and the gym was a very intimidating place. As I trained my self-confidence increased. Grant mentored me and taught me how to train and eat correctly. With Grant's help I went from weighing 98 kg at a height of 165 cm to weighing 70 kg at 174 cm. I was in the best shape of my life and couldn’t be happier.
During this time Grant introduced me to the Olympic lifts and I quickly fell in love with them. When Grant left Dunedin I decided to specialise in Olympic weightlifting. A year later I competed in my first international weightlifting competition (the Oceania Champs in Papua New Guinea) where I won a silver medal in the 77 kg youth class.
I now work in a local gym and have hopes to represent New Zealand in future Olympic weightlifting competitions.'
BEFORE
AFTER
Adam Gerrard
The weight began
to come off and
I could feel myself getting fitter
Around my 30th birthday last year I came to the abrupt realisation that I was the heaviest I had ever been, I was unfit, completely out of shape, and living my life without purpose or direction without any regard for my health and well being. The moment came one day when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I knew at that point I had to change my ways. I had always been an active healthy person up until my mid 20’s and I guess I had somewhat been in denial of what I had allowed my self to become.
I changed the way I would eat, I started to work out and I began to run. The weight began to come off and I could feel myself getting fitter but I soon realised that I had reached a point and that I wanted to push myself further than I could go alone.
It was at this point I reached out to Grant. Grant invited me for a chat where we would discuss my motivation, my goals and the reality of what I was aiming to achieve. My goal was and is simple. I want to be the best version of me I possibly can be, physically, mentally. The idea of having a professional take the guess work out of my training and hold me accountable for it was a huge stimulus to pressing forward and remaining true to the journey I had embarked on.
Not only was my programming accounted for but the path to follow with nutrition was clearly sign posted. I knew what macros I needed, the amount of calories I should consume, when I should eat what I should eat more of and what I should eat less of. Grant took all of the guess work away. He made things easy. He listened. He adapted, and he was always there to support me as I went through my first 12 weeks of personal training and nutrition.
Before I had finished my 12 weeks my appetite for change and the pursuit of bettering myself had only grown. I knew that I was to continue this journey further with the help and support of Grant. Together we built a lifestyle that worked for me, that fitted around my working week, and allowed me the time to live my life as well as build a better one. We learnt how to build new habits and lose bad ones.
My aim is to be as functionally fit as I can possibly be, I don’t want to be held back from any opportunity that may or may not come my way. Grant simply delivers time and time again, without his wealth of knowledge, his mentorship, guidance and accountability I’d be miles off, heading in the wrong direction from where I want to be.
BEFORE
AFTER
Rachel Hopkins
I felt much more body confident in just a short period of time & it just goes to show what a busy mum of 3 can achieve
I started working with Grant in May 2020, after I realised that I hadn’t been taking care of myself & could see the impact of this when I looked in the mirror. Like so many others I had been furloughed from work & with my husband still working full time I took on the full responsibility of looking after my 3 young children & homeschooling them. The lack of time, structure & routine was difficult to cope with especially as I always prioritised my family’s needs over my own.
As a result I slowly started to feel uncomfortable about how out of shape I had let myself become. I especially hated my stomach & butt. After having 3 children this was always something I’ve had issues around & wanted to take action to make myself look & feel so much better. I also had a holiday planned, which didn’t go ahead in the end, but in the run up to it I was becoming even more stressed about going away rather than looking forward to it...all because I wasn’t happy with how my body looked.
So I got in touch with Grant & we set up a plan. The plan took all the stress away from me, I was working towards my goal from day one & I knew I would get myself beach ready in a matter of weeks with Grant’s help. The plan consisted of my nutrition plan, help with meal prep planning so I didn’t miss a meal or go off track, a training plan that worked my full body & targeted my problem areas, weekly check-ins & motivation markers.
Grant made it work around my busy schedule without impacting on my children which was my biggest concern. I felt much more body confident in just a short period of time & it just goes to show what a busy mum of 3 can achieve. I now want to continue to improve on the progress made last year, Grant’s enthusiasm & encouragement for getting in shape & living a good lifestyle is great & such a motivation. I can’t wait to get in the best shape I can with Grant’s ongoing support.
BEFORE
AFTER
Grant hughes
I felt mentally energised and I believe my transformation was a beneficial stepping stone in my career
Throughout my teenage years despite playing a high standard of rugby I was overweight and often teased because of this. After receiving a rugby scholarship I ended up living in Dunedin, New Zealand. It was at this period of time where I was surrounded by high level coaches and elite sports people that my passion for gaining knowledge about the Health & Fitness industry grew and I decided to pursue a career within it. Having been a member of Les Mills Dunedin for over a year it was easy to work out that the most successful trainers were the ones in good physical condition. After reading the book ‘The Body for Life’ I was motivated to transform my physique and it was the springboard to my personal training career.
In a 12 week period I lost 10 kg and documented this with before and after photos. It was the first time I felt confident about my body, I felt mentally energised and I believe my transformation was a beneficial stepping stone in my career as I could empathise with my clients since I had gone through the same process that they wanted to achieve. I have always been of the belief that personal coaches should be able to ‘walk the talk’ and this is what I had proven. I knew I could deliver results because I was so passionate about transforming not only client’s physiques but potentially the rest of their lives. My own health & fitness goal has now changed from wanting to transform my body to one where I am happy to maintain my physique so that I live healthy, balanced and happy lifestyle. My passion for helping others achieve their own goals is stronger than ever.