One of the I.AM App features Tamati, Kiwi league legend Ruben is ‘Finding a Buddy’. Under this Wiki, Les MiIls Newmarket, ex- options it includes being able to New Zealand weightlifting champ PLAYERS link up with people to bike, play golf, Andy Rogers, and world champion TONY’S go to the gym, go kayaking, have a weightlifter Cliff Harvey. personal training session, run, ski Designed to help empower people, BUSINESS or snow board, play squash, stand Tony said the name was really IN BUSINESS up paddleboard, go surfing, have important. “I.AM is a statement. a swim, play tennis against, or go It is about choosing to live in the TIPS walking or hiking together. now and choosing to be who they You need to have a CLEAR Under the ‘provider’ options for want to be – I am strong, I am 1 STRATEGY but stay open training, people can link up with healthy, I am fit, I am the best I minded. TONY MARSH people or organisations that can can be. It is people owning their provide biking, boot camps, boxing, journey and personalising it for Take on-board all FEEDBACK – Crossfit training, group classes, their own benefits. I want to ensure 2 l like to seek out the bad first. injury management, martial arts, that everyone has access to such LEARN ALL ASPECTS of the nutrition, personal training, running, an incredible tool whenever and business – the more you know swimming, yoga and Pilates. wherever they feel like it.” 3 ORMER 21-TEST FRENCH the better. INTERNATIONAL, BLUES AND The app already has a large CRUSADERS PLAYER TONY MARSH is set number of providers who have TONY ALSO PICKED UP SOME Don’t expect your employees F jumped on board, including Claire VALUABLE TIPS ALONG THE WAY to be as PASSIONATE as you. to change the face of fitness with the launch 4 of his new, free fitness app I.AM. Described as Turnbull’s business Mission Nutrition, THAT HE OPENLY ADMITS WOULD Breakers and Mystics trainer Steve HAVE BEEN USEFUL TO KNOW DON’T SPEND MONEY on what the Uber of fitness, Tony believes the I.AM App Tony and Glen Marsh. doesn’t matter. will revolutionise the way people do ‘fit’. The Buckley, Blues nutritionist Dave PRIOR TO STARTING HIS 5 app will connect Kiwis with specialised trainers, Shaw, ultra-distance runner Lisa BUSINESS VENTURE. health providers, facilities, like-minded training buddies of all levels and interests, and a variety of fitness classes anywhere, anytime. The ex-sportsman has had numerous HOW THE APP WORKS challenges associated with the start-up facebook.com/NZRPA business over the past 18 months, which has AS A USER meant that he has constantly been pushed ■ Download the I.AM app on your out of his comfort zone. This has led to both smart phone learnings and growth. According to Tony, ■ Register for free on the app “I have had to learn about business plans, ■ Enter your interests marketing strategies, budgets and tech stuff. ■ Browse profiles of trainers, classes Things haven’t always run smoothly but that or training buddies near you or just adds to the experience and the challenge. anywhere in New Zealand – it’s The saying is true that start-ups cost twice the great if you are travelling or on budget and take double the time to get going.” holiday @nzrpa Tony explained the app in simple terms ■ Use the online booking system by saying, “The I.AM App offers users the if you want freedom to have control of their health and ■ Check out the fitness and fitness journey. I have created a tool to simplify health deals nzrugbyplayersassoc things and make it easier to connect with the ■ Meet new like-minded people right people to stay motivated and engaged ■ Try new activities in health and well-being through an online ■ Access a wide range of community.” providers easily A testicular cancer survivor and an ■ Provide optional feedback ambassador for Blue September and Testicular Cancer NZ, Tony said he found that something AS A PROVIDER was missing in the fitness market so he ■ Register for a small sign-on Tony playing in France. developed the app to provide a full spectrum of fee through the website: fitness benefits and flexibility for its users. The www.iamapp.co.nz I.AM app caters for people of all fitness levels Glen, with both eventually heading in different directions to separate parts of ■ All I.AM fitness and wellbeing from complete novices who have never done the globe. Tony ended up in France – with two European Challenge Cups and a experts are vetted to promote any exercise to those competing at the top end French National Cup to his credit, as well as playing in a Rugby World Cup – while quality service so are required of their sport. his insurance broker brother, Glen, represented the Chiefs, NZ Maori’s and Japan. to supply copies of their main Tony is no stranger to the sports industry. Tony talks about fitness explaining that freedom, flexibility and variation are qualifications, first aid certificates etc (where applicable) The 44-year-old fitness trainer has worked the name of the game. “These days we all lead busy lives and finding time to ■ Upon approval, fitness experts profiles go live with top trainers all around the world and is exercise is not easy. [The app] simply gives people the ability to work out on ■ To promote deals, programs or classes contact Tony directly via also a part of a very small group of players their own terms. It allows people to meet new people, try different workouts and the website to win back-to-back Super Rugby titles with providers without the pressure of committing to ongoing sessions.” different teams, the Blues and Crusaders. Users can connect with different trainers, daily training buddies and different To check out frequently asked questions and tips to get The Ironman started his rugby at Counties exercise disciplines in their local area at the touch of a button and the range of WWW.IAMAPP.CO.NZ started on the I.AM App, visit the website: www.iamapp.co.nz Manukau alongside his identical twin brother disciplines is impressive. 74 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 75 PO: What was the highlight of the PERSONAL Olympics for you? HM: There are so many highlights and moments DEVELOPMENT that I will cherish. The two that stick out to me SPORTING would be running out of the Olympic stadium tunnel onto the field for the very first time for PHOTOS the game against Kenya, hearing my name being called out on the loud speaker, seeing the New SPOTLIGHT BAY OF PLENTY Zealand flags to the left of the stadium, and - Academy amongst all the supporters I could see my doing their own WITH Master Chef. mum and my fiancé. A very proud and special moment for me. The second highlight would be playing in the HURIANA MANUEL Olympic finals, singing our national anthem, then standing on the podium, and performing the haka to our whanau. So many emotions all in one FRESH BACK FROM THE OLYMPICS WE ASK day – and celebrating my birthday the same day! BLACK FERNS SEVENS SILVER MEDALLIST AND LONG SERVING SEVENS PLAYER PO: What was Rio like? HURIANA MANUEL ABOUT HER COUNTIES MANUKAU – Doing CPR for their First Aid course. HM: It was the most incredible experience I’ve RIO EXPERIENCE. been a part of. It was very special to have had my mum and my fiancé share this experience with me. Rio itself was hot, colourful and entertaining. PO: You have competed in so many tournaments, did that prepare you for the enormity of the Olympics? HM: I have competed in World Cups and in World Series, with that experience it has certainly helped. Treating it just like another tournament and sticking to my processes and enjoying every facebook.com/NZRPA moment of it. I think it’s important not to let the uncontrollables – the enormity of an event or people – put you off your game. PO: What are some things about the Olympics that people wouldn’t know? HM: Being an athlete at the Olympics you get WELLINGTON - Mid Thomas with the Lions squad after her presentation. a lot of free things. All the athletes were lucky enough to receive a new Samsung S7 phone, FIJI – The Fijian Academy working on values and Sony headphones, the food – I have to mention @nzrpa interests activity McDonald’s (because everyone likes talking about the free McDonald’s, haha!) a salon for HAWKES BAY – Learning to grow their own vegetables hair, makeup and nails, dental care – everything is free in the village, it’s crazy! nzrugbyplayersassoc CANTERBURY - Siate PO: When you had finished competing Tokolahi, Jed Brown what did you get up to? Huriana with fiancé Derek Carpenter and Rob Thompson HM: I spent time relaxing and exploring Rio with and Mum, Liza Mihinui. OTAGO – Secondary school joining in a at Opawa School as my mum and my fiancé. We also got to watch a family planning session at the Southern part of their Adopt a couple of other New Zealand athletes compete in Region U18 camp in Dunedin School programme their events. talking about healthy PO: Did you get any selfies with eating options. any other athletes? HM: I did! I was lucky enough to take a selfie with Venus Williams. She was really nice. I also got a Huriana and Venus Williams. photo with Nadal – that was for my mum, she loves Nadal! The most amazing thing living in the Athletes’ Village was that you walked the same paths to and from the dining hall, ate with, lived in the same apartment blocks as these incredible athletes you grew up watching on telly.