Vicky Wright and Bronson Arter are the founders of Live Well Health & Fitness, a group fitness, health and lifestyle company. They both have a passion for heath and wellness, having studied personal training at the New Zealand Institute of Health and Fitness. Vicky was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and says healthy organic whole foods and exercise were an important part in getting well. Bronson has spent the past four years researching and following leaders within the industry which led them to start their business. The two answered a few questions from Channel's Courtney Bennett about health and wellness and their new business.

COURTNEY BENNETT: So you're starting a new business focusing on community and health? Tell us about it.
BRONSON ARTER: We have started Live Well Health & Fitness because we have a vision to inspire positive and healthy changes in the lives of people in our community. Our goal is to help every client take control of their health and create a ripple effect of positive changes in the lives of those around them. We offer one on one and group fitness trainings, as well as health and lifestyle coaching and nutritional advice.

CB: Why are you so passionate about being active and healthy?
VICKY WRIGHT: Having experienced breast cancer and the affects that the treatments have on the body I know that healthy eating and the right exercise helped reduce symptoms during treatment and has helped me feel the best I’ve ever felt.
BA: I’ve seen how the health of people in my community and family deteriorates dramatically when they’re not eating healthy and keeping active. I have been inspired to share and inspire a message of how staying active, living and eating healthy can create the most amazing life.

CB: What sort of training and exercise do you advocate?
AB: We use a variety of different exercises and training styles such as low/high intensity, resistance, strength, cardio, core, suspension, circuit and bodyweight training to name a few. We love to have our sessions out in nature, in parks or beaches where the air is fresher and we also like to make use of natures resources. Most of all we always do our best to keep things fun and interesting.

CB:  What sort of training regime would you recommend for your clients?
VW: It depends entirely on the person we are training, or all the people within a group program. The sessions are always specific for each individuals needs, goals and experience. No person or group is ever the same and we always take careful consideration when deciding what type of regime to recommend.

CB: What does it take to be a health and wellness professional?
BA: It takes knowledge, experience and a special type of care and understanding to be a good health professional.

CB: What’s your favourite sport and why?
VW: I love anything out in the water, surfing, SUP, swimming. Its a place for me to just get away from my busy lifestyle and to just “be” with no interruptions.
BA: Scuba diving and hiking are two of my favourite sports. The wonders of our planet amaze me and being out in nature helps me clear my head and make the hardest decisions with ease and clarity.

CB:  What do you do in your spare time?
VW: I like to hang out with my family and go to the local markets each Sunday to get fresh produce. I also love going on bush walks with my daughter and partner.
BA: I’m always either spending time with my wife, family and friends, making and eating amazing healthy food or out being active in nature or on/in the water.

CB: Do you have any health and wellness figures you look up to?
BA: There are so many but a few at the top of my lists are Rich Roll, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr T Colin Campbell. They are all extremely inspiring to me and are playing a huge part in paving the way for an incredible and healthy future.

CB: Why is it important to have a happy and healthy community?
BA: The future of our planet all relies on the growth and development of our children. We believe it takes an entire community to raise a child and for our children to grow and flourish into healthy adults they need happy, healthy and supportive communities.

CB:  In ten years’ time…we’ll be…
VW: Able to say we have and will continue to follow our passions. We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for Live Well.

To begin training or to find out more about Live Well, check out their Facebook page.