John is helping Pasifika put fun into fitness one ‘step’ at a time
A familiar face in the Lower Hutt community, John Mainuu has embarked on a mission to inspire others to take charge of their health and wellbeing and to find joy and community through Xtreme Hip-Hop Fitness.
Xtreme Hip-Hop is a unique and innovative approach to group step fitness that combines elements of dance, aerobics, and strength training into an exciting workout. The workouts are known for its inclusivity and accessibility, as participants of all fitness levels and backgrounds can join in and modify the movements to suit their abilities.
The music used in Xtreme Hip-Hop Fitness classes is a mix of hip-hop, pop, and R&B to provide a motivating and energising backdrop for the workout. Participants follow John’s cues, creating a fun and hype group fitness experience.
Beyond the physical benefits of Xtreme Hip-Hop, John’s classes became a way for members of the Pasifika community to connect and support each other. Many participants felt a sense of community and aiga (family) during class, that helped them stay motivated and committed to their fitness goals.
“Our community love that we’ve created a space where they can come and just be their authentic selves and feel ok because the message is ‘it’s only ever you vs you’. While it has an ‘Xtreme’ component to it – stepping the way you step is what’s encouraged” says John.
making an impact on the global stage
John started Xtreme hip hop with his whānau in his garage but realised the opportunity to share Xtreme Hip-Hop to his friends and family, so he launched his own classes and started teaching Xtreme Hip-Hop at local community centres and churches. The number of participants of all ages and fitness levels kept growing, and now John teaches an average of 100-200 participants every week!
In addition to his regular classes, Xtreme Hip Hop has taken John across the country and the world! He now has connections in Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland and has travelled to the USA to instruct at a global Pacific conference. John’s work has also been acknowledged at an international level, with the founder of Xtreme Hip-Hop Phil Weeden who travelled to Lower Hutt to run an Xtreme Hip-Hop event with John.
John is also a certified master trainer and teaches other up and coming Xtreme hip hop instructors, including his daughter Layana who is currently the youngest certified instructor in the world!
“My vision is that more youth take on the challenge of becoming an instructor as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Youth are more relatable to youth; they are listening to different music so they will cater to a whole other group that have never tried step yet. I’d just like to support them in this as much as I can” says John.
Charlotte Goodall, Hutt City Council Senior Community Recreation Programmer believes John’s mahi is a game changer in the fitness industry.
“I’ve been in the fitness industry for 13 years and no individual is doing what John is doing. I’ve known him since primary, and it’s been incredible seeing John and Xtreme hip-hop evolve and overcome adversity. A true inspiration to the Lower Hutt and Pasifika community.”
Have a go at Xtreme Hip Hop fitness – four free classes for World Smokefree May
John will be running some classes for FREE during World Smokefree May!
“A smokefree community means more time with those that are important to me, there are so many health issues with smoking – the heightened chance of cancer really for me just makes the decision to not want it around my family a given.” says John.
More information about the FREE step classes can be found below.