Welcome to HERA

Group training for Wellington women. Lifting weights confidently, safely, and for a lifetime

What is HERA?

A gym programme and environment that introduces and educates young women in the gym, empowers them to lift weights confidently and safely, and encourages them to continue lifting weights for a lifetime. 

Women new to the gym begin with an introduction session before joining the HERA Squad—a community of confident women lifting for a lifetime.

HERA programmes focus on increasing strength and building muscle. All programmes are designed specifically for women. Our expert personal trainers provide 1-on-1 guidance during sessions, tailoring programmes to meet individual needs so every woman feels confident and comfortable in the gym.

Introductory Session

An hour long starter session where you'll meet the trainers and learn the basics, ensuring you’re confident and ready for day one.

Included:

  • Tour the gym

  • Meet the trainers

  • Join the Squad’s WhatsApp group chat

  • Learn important exercises and techniques

The following day you will seamlessly transition into the ongoing HERA Squad sessions and begin strength training for life.

What is Hera

The Squad meets three mornings a week to lift heavy and enjoy good vibes. Together the Squad progresses through strength and hypertrophy programmes to build muscle and get stronger.

Women in the squad have transitioned from empty barbells to deadlifting tens and hundreds of kilos. There's nothing more motivating than lifting with a strong group of gals.

HERA Squad

About me

I’m Penny, a passionate personal trainer working in Wellington.

In my teenage years I had many injuries and was told to get stronger to avoid them recurring. Although I joined a gym I was confused, self-conscious and intimated by the weights, and just having a gym membership didn’t make me stronger.

My determination to get strong led to a passion for training. I taught myself how to lift weights and as I became more confident in the gym I began to love the movements, the community, the endorphins, and I stopped getting injured. Now I leave the gym feeling empowered and strong enough to do everything.

Eager to learn more I studied personal training, and specalised in Women’s Applied Physiology and Training. I created HERA to pass on my love of weight training and to help other young women avoid the years of confusion and ‘gym-timidation’ that I experienced.

It is my mission to educate young women on the health benefits of gym training and empower them to lift weights confidently and safely.

Meet the Team

  • SQUAD GOALS

  • Penny Thompson

    Penny Thompson

    Founder

  • Eilidh Hamill

    Eilidh Hamill

    Lead Trainer

  • Cara Horisk

    Cara Horisk

    Personal Trainer

  • Anna Stewart

    Anna Stewart

    Personal Trainer

  • HERA and Penny have completely changed by approach to working out and the gym. I am so much more confident in myself and no longer nervous to lift weights. Penny is so lovely and the group environment quickly fosters a sense of community. I can't recommend HERA enough!

    Paige

  • At the start of HERA I had no idea how to use gym equipment, and always stuck to the cardio areas. Thanks to Penny, I now feel comfortable in gym spaces lifting weights - and I enjoy how strong I feel after! HERA was definitely the best investment, and i'm excited to continue training!

    Marianna

  • HERA was an awesome experience! After the 8 weeks I am confident to continue gym training. Penny is knowledgeable and creates a relaxed and fun vibe for learning. HERA is great value for money, I had heaps of 1-1 feedback, and have ongoing access to the education sessions, training programme and HERA community!

    Caitlin

Ready to get strong?