I started training with Natalie Skinner at her 'Fit in the Park' sessions in summer 2009 and her training methods have quite simply transformed my life. I do not say this lightly as I have been physically active and have experienced many different types of sports regimes during my whole life.
In summary, Natalie is the most talented trainer I have ever met who combines an innovative approach to training along with an instinctual ability to work with the client's needs, motivations and constraints.
Sarah Murray
I approached Natalie to help me lose weight and tone up for my wedding. We set milestone goals to achieve my overall goal to look the best i could for the big day. I lost 25lbs in total, 6 inches off my waist and 3 inches off my "bingo wings." I can honestly say I had never run more than a few hundred metres, but within 6 months of training with Natalie she had me completing 20km runs around Europe! Her sessions were tough but varied, working all aspects of my body, and her advice on diets and water intake was an invaluable complement to the exercise sessions. Natalie truly inspired and motivated me to achieve my dream goals and we had great fun in the process.
Gail Soutar
Natalie gets to know what your body can do and then proceeds to push it that little bit further. The results I achieved were amazing. I'm close to 40, and am fitter than I was at 20.
Not being a brainless monkey, I like to know why I'm doing certain exercises and how I can improve my performance. Nat has the knowledge to explain the mechanics of the body and this added understanding has helped me push myself that little bit further, both in terms of strength and stamina.
Her sessions are never dull and always evolving. Whether it's a TRX, a punch bag, or a tennis ball, you're never sure what the next challenge will be...If you're looking for someone who brings passion and intelligence to the arena of exercise, look no further.
Kailas Moorthy
My 5+ years with Functional have always been FUN working to achieve my specific fitness and weight goals, however Natalie's exceptional strength is her ability to read my needs on any particular day and deal with all those additional challenges such as work stress, aches and pains and general health issues which would otherwise hinder my energy levels and progress. Natalie's holistic approach, knowledge, motivation, and empathetic approach carry over into her sessions giving me all the support and encouragement I have needed to meet my goals.
Jules Carroll - Ethical Sourcing Specialist
Nat has been training my teenage daughter for several months now. Her highly personalised and thoughtful style of training has proven hugely effective. My daughter is noticeably physically stronger and more confident in her body now, willing to take on new challenges, physical and otherwise. I couldn't recommend Nat highly enough as a trainer for teenagers. She has a lovely and authentic way about her which is highly beneficial for teenagers and adults alike!
Galia BarHava - Monteith Mum and Business Coach
Functional has helped me get more mobile, much stronger and more importantly, helped me understand how and why things happen the way they do in my body. I don't think I'll ever let myself get to the seized up rusted wreck stage again. Working with Natalie has changed my life and sure changed my body!
Helen McPhun - Director, Learning and Evaluation Specialist
As a full time working single mum I really needed to do something for me and to get my shape back after 10 years of neglect! Natalie has consistently provided energy and motivation to get me physically and mentally through some really tough workouts.
In fact she pushed me to do things that I thought were impossible and there is no way I could ever have achieved what I have without her by my side to motivate me and give me the confidence to go that extra mile when I thought I could do no more!
Personal training sessions with Natalie were tough, but the greatest of fun and not only did she motivate me but she got my kids active too when they had to accompany me to my sessions!
Paula Chadwick - Mother and Assistant to the Director European Personnel Selection Office
I worked with Nathalie for 2 years. She is fun, extremely creative with her exercises and programmes (no session, but no session was ever the same, I was amazed at her creativity).
She understands injuries and how to work on strengthening body parts. She has an excellent connection to people and understands your limits and how to take you beyond them. That was what I enjoyed most, Nathalie pushed me where she knew she could take me, but where, had I been working alone, I would not have gone. We did all sorts of different things together and I loved the variety and her encouragement to do things outside my comfort zone. She looks soft, and indeed she is empathetic, but in training, she will make you do what you are capable of doing and wont be deterred by "moans of mercy". She took my training seriously and was an excellent pro, that was what I wanted. Not only is she brilliant in functional training indoors, but she is brilliant with training outdoors. We ran some half marathons together and took swimming classes together. Nats is a one in a million trainer and I have no hesitation in recommending her!! I miss her lots!!
Julie Nazerali - lawyer, Brussels
Natalie has consistently provided energy and motivation to get me through some tough workouts. She has pushed me to do things that I thought were impossible and through stressing what I have done well and achieved. We have laughed a lot during our sessions and this too has ensured that I stay motivated.
Fionna Scott - Milligan Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies Whitecliffe College of Arts and De
Functional NZ is a personalised fitness, health and wellness company with over 20 years of expertise and knowledge. Offering mobile one on one fitness coaching, group exercise programs and wellness packages to individuals, corporate clients, families and new mothers at indoor and outdoor facilities throughout Auckland.