We all want to move in ways that work for our bodies and our lives: ways that feel good, bring us joy, and leave us with a sense of satisfaction.
UpLift is a programme that builds knowledge, confidence, and skills in strength training. Together we’ll learn how to lift weights safely, care for our bodies, and grow our confidence in accessing and using gym spaces.
Alongside this we’ll build a supportive community of mates: we’ll share kai, have a laugh, offer support, and encourage each other toward our goals.
This programme is free but spaces are limited. Before signing up we encourage you to read the FAQs found below!
Sign up here to participate in UpLift!
We are recruiting a Project Co-Ordinator to support the delivery of this programme. This is a casual, contractor role.
Click here to find out more and fill in an application form.
The sessions run once a week on a Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm for 10 weeks, starting Wednesday 10th March 2027. We are keeping the location private for now but will be in central Tāmaki Makaurau. All locations will be close to accessible transport hubs. Reach out to us if you have questions.
Each week we will participate in a movement activity together. Then we’ll check in, share kai, and spend time learning from personal trainers. They’ll share info with us around muscle groups and correct form, provide advice on building a programme to meet your goals, show us how to use gym equipment, and answer our questions.
Everyone who participates in the programme will receive a free gym membership for 12 weeks to use at Auckland Council and YMCA gyms across Auckland. You can use your pass to access the facilities at any time.
At the end of the ten weeks we will also have a celebration event.
What should I expect from the sessions?
Who is this programme for?
This programme is for people who identify as trans masculine and are over 16.
We use “transmasculine” to describe anyone who identifies under the transgender or gender-diverse umbrella and experiences their gender as masculine‑leaning in some way. Participants may use terms such as man, tāne, trans man, trans masculine, non-binary, queer, genderqueer, agender, gender diverse, takatāpui, fa’atama, māhū/rae rae, brotherboy, T‑boy/T‑guy/T-boi, assigned female at birth, questioning, a mix of these, or other self‑determined language.
Whether you have been identifying as transmasc for years or you’re at the beginning of your journey, you are welcome.
There are no requirements to be transitioning socially or medically to participate.
I don’t know anything about exercise and I haven’t exercised in a long time, is this suitable for me?
This is something we hear a lot and that’s totally understandable. Wherever you are at, we will all build our confidence together. We encourage trans masc people who have been lifting for a while to sign up too. The group would benefit from your experience and mentorship, and there will be some advanced level content to inspire you too.
I’m stealth or not out yet, will this be a safe space for me?
We understand that not everyone is out, and that privacy and confidentiality are essential for many people.
To help protect people's privacy:
- Programme details are only shared with registered participants. The venue is private and self-contained, and only programme participants and facilitators will be present during sessions.
- We are intentional about how we promote the programme. We rely primarily on community networks and word of mouth rather than broad public advertising.
- Together, we'll establish group agreements around privacy, confidentiality, phones, photos, and social media. All participants will also agree to a code of conduct that includes respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others.
- We will not share participants' names or personal information without their consent. You're welcome to use your preferred name throughout the programme.
We know everyone's circumstances are different. If there are additional measures that would help you feel safe participating, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch at thejoyfulmovementnz@gmail.com for a confidential conversation.
I can only make some of the sessions, can I still sign up?
Life happens, and we understand that you may need to miss the occasional session. However, because this programme is likely to be in high demand, with a waitlist for places, we ask that you consider your availability before signing up. If you expect to miss multiple sessions due to work or other commitments, you may not get the full benefit of the programme. In that case, we’d be happy to place you at the top of the waitlist for the next cohort if the timing is a better fit.
I have a disability. Will this programme be accessible to me?
Making this programme accessible is a priority for us. The venue is accessible, and the personal trainers we work with have experience supporting disabled people in exercise and fitness settings. We welcome conversations about any access requirements and encourage you to get in touch so we can work together to ensure you can participate comfortably amd confidently.
What are your values around exercise?
We believe that movement is a pathway to a really good life, a long life, a healthy life, and a joyful life.
We have four key values that guide the way we design and deliver our programming:
Joyful Movement: Reframing movement as a life-giving and life-affirming tool. We use movement to envision and create a healthy, joyful, and long-lasting life.
Movement as Prevention: Movement prescription grounded in public health and health promotion. We support holistic wellbeing by helping people care for their bodies with respect, and by building community knowledge in heart health, mobility, independence, and harm reduction around alcohol and other drugs.
All bodies are worthy: Everyone deserves equitable, accessible opportunities to the benefits of a joyful and affirming relationship with physical activity.
Intergenerational: Building and actively participating in the community we want to see for future generations. Community supporting community: sharing knowledge and creating a legacy for those who come next.