Meet Tane
A 25-year-old coach and co-owner of Coach Tane Fitness in Christchurch. His journey began with sports and grew into a passion for helping others through fitness. After overcoming early challenges and setbacks, he now focuses on guiding others with a personalised, mindset-driven approach.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Tane, I’m 25 years old, and I’m proud to co-own and coach at Coach Tane Fitness in Rolleston, Christchurch, alongside my partner, Jillian.
My fitness journey started with a passion for sports—especially basketball, touch, and rugby, which fuelled my competitive spirit growing up.
Honestly, I first stepped into a gym at 15, initially driven by a superficial desire to overcome insecurities and seek validation. However, over time, my perspective evolved. I realised that fitness goes far beyond just appearance. It became a means to enhance my athletic performance, and mental health, transform my mindset, and ultimately, work toward becoming the best version of myself.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Throughout my fitness journey, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, including navigating the overwhelming amount of information (and misinformation). Initially, my lack of knowledge led to many mistakes and injuries.
These setbacks were difficult, but they provided invaluable lessons as I became obsessed with finding answers and solutions. Each misstep pushed me to delve deeper into learning and problem-solving which ultimately shaped me into the coach and person I am today.
My goal now is to become the mentor and coach I wish I had when I was starting my fitness journey, guiding others to overcome their own obstacles and achieve their goals.
Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your fitness journey?
One of the biggest milestones in my fitness journey was opening the doors to Coach Tane Fitness (CTF). What started as a 3-5 year goal turned into reality in just three months, thanks to the incredible support we received.
Building CTF from the ground up in such a short time was no easy feat, but it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. This November marks our two-year anniversary, and looking back, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come from starting with nothing. It’s been a rewarding journey of growth and community.
Mantra that motivates you?
Your diet is more than just the food you eat—it's what you watch, who you surround yourself with, who you follow, and the thoughts you feed your mind. Every choice influences your growth.
What’s your music vibe that keeps you pumped?
Music has always been a significant part of my life, and I enjoy a wide range of genres, including drum & bass, hip-hop, R&B, country, and rock. If I had to pick one song to get me pumped, it would definitely be the Christchurch classic 'Dreaming' by Scribe.
What’s the biggest training myth you’ve encountered?
One of the biggest myths I believed early on was that there’s always a "best" exercise or movement for every goal.
As I’ve grown as a coach, I’ve learned that the idea of a single "best" approach ignores a key factor: context. What works best for one person might not work for another, and what’s effective in one situation might not be in another.
Training should be individualised, considering a person’s goals, body mechanics, experience level, and limitations. The real key is finding what works for you in the moment, rather than chasing the "perfect" exercise.
Favourite equipment from us?
My favourite piece of equipment from Flex is the Armortech V2 Hyperextension Bench.
It’s incredibly versatile and is great for building strength and stability in the lower back. Whether you're working to improve your posture, enhance your athletic performance, or prevent injury, the back extension machine helps develop the posterior chain—often an overlooked area in many workout routines.
Plus, it’s user-friendly and allows for controlled, focused movement, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced lifters!
