about
mikiko kusuda

BACKGROUND

Mikiko earned her Master’s degree in Health Promotion and Sports Science from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, in 2017. As part of her studies, she also spent a year at the University of Queensland, Australia, gaining valuable international experience. A former Kendo (martial art) nationalist and competitive tennis and basketball player, she brings a strong sports and science background to her work. However, Mikiko is also a natural-born artist who enjoys visual and performing arts as her hobbies.

 

Mikiko began her career as a trainer in 2012 while studying in Japan and has since worked with individuals aged 5 to 90. After moving to New Zealand in 2017, her proven methods quickly gained recognition, and her waitlist filled up soon after. In 2020 and 2021, she was nominated for New Zealand’s Personal Trainer of the Year. Her expertise has also been featured by the NZ Embassy, Japanese national TV, and international publications such as Cosmopolitan.

 

One of Mikiko’s strengths lies in her ability to adapt her coaching for a wide range of individuals—from complete beginners to world-renowned artists and medical professionals. Her passion for working collaboratively with her clients is evident the moment you meet her. Born to be a personal trainer, Mikiko dedicates her life to helping her clients unlock their fullest potential.

UNIQUE COACHING

Mikiko’s training style is truly unique, as she does not rely on pre-set programmes. Instead, she uses her knowledge of anatomy and keen observation skills to analyse her clients’ movements and conditions during each session, tailoring the programme to their specific needs on that day. Some days, clients feel energised, while on others, lack of sleep or work stress takes its toll. Ignoring these changes and pushing too hard can lead to injury and burnout. Mikiko excels at finding the right balance—challenging clients when they’re ready and encouraging rest when it’s necessary.

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" 'No pain, no gain’ is such a misleading and outdated concept.
My role is to show my clients that there are better ways to expand their abilities. "

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Her exceptional understanding of anatomy has helped many clients recover from injuries. Some have turned to her after unsuccessful experiences with physiotherapists or chiropractors, finding effective ways to manage their conditions through her guidance. Mikiko recognises that every individual is unique—even when compared to textbook standards—and her ability to assess each client’s body is apparent from the very first consultation. She also employs stretching and sports massage techniques to alleviate tightness caused by daily activities, helping clients stay on track.

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" ‘The harder, the better’ doesn’t always work in fitness.

You need to work ‘smart’ and, most importantly, enjoy the process. "

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EATING DISORDER & INJURIES

Mikiko is deeply passionate about education. Her own journey through an eating disorder stemmed from chasing an ill-suited idea of fitness, believing that what worked for others would work for her. Years of playing sports without fully understanding her body also led to knee and lower back injuries. It wasn’t until she realised the internet couldn’t provide “the” answer that she managed to overcome both the eating disorder and her injuries. While these challenges taught her invaluable lessons, the trial-and-error process was draining. She wishes she’d had someone to guide her back then—and now dedicates herself to being that person for others.

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" When I didn’t see results, I blamed myself for not doing enough. So I pushed harder and harder until I broke. What I needed was someone to guide me. "

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Nutrition plays a significant role in Mikiko’s coaching. Her experiences with body image issues and irregular periods motivated her to dive into both scientific research and Eastern methodologies to better understand how the body works. During nutrition sessions, Mikiko works with clients to explore their diet and lifestyle, providing tailored insights into what a healthy diet means for them. This approach is essential for sustainable weight management.

 

Her motto is “Find YOUR Fitness.” Beyond helping clients achieve their fitness goals, she empowers them to understand their bodies, equipping them to care for themselves long-term. By delivering educational and personalised sessions, Mikiko ensures a lasting, sustainable impact that will transform her clients’ lives for years to come.