A former elite rhythmic gymnast turned movement specialist, Clementine Hutchison blends the precision of sport with a holistic, joy-led approach to training. After representing New Zealand internationally and later studying Exercise Science, she’s built a career helping clients move with purpose, combining strength, longevity, and confidence in and out of the studio. Grounded in discipline but guided by intuition, her philosophy centres on movement as both a physical practice and a daily ritual of self-respect and renewal.

To start, please share a little about your background in elite sport, from competing internationally in rhythmic gymnastics to your current work in wellness and movement.

I started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of five and was instantly hooked. By nine, I was competing internationally, and by sixteen, I was representing New Zealand in World Cups and the Youth Olympic Festival. It was a sport built on precision and discipline - the pursuit of perfection was something I found deeply satisfying.

My competitive journey came to a halt in my final year of school due to injury and, truthfully, club politics - but that transition sparked a new chapter. I went on to study Exercise Science, Sport, and Nutrition, and immersed myself in learning from some of New Zealand’s best strength and conditioning coaches.

Since then, I’ve continued to evolve my craft - from interning with leading sports scientists and nutrition companies like Be Pure, to building a career as a personal trainer and holistic nutritionist. My curiosity and drive to keep learning, especially through travel and exposure to global training philosophies, has shaped the way I now coach and create.

 

Movement means something different to everyone. For you, what makes it such a vital part of overall wellbeing? And how do you help clients move beyond ‘exercise’ to find a practice that feels joyful and sustainable?

Movement has always been my anchor - it connects me back to myself. It’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s the mental clarity, the structure, and the sense of empowerment it creates.

I see movement as a doorway - once you start moving with intention, everything else in your life starts to shift. My approach with clients is about creating that ripple effect. I want people to move well, to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing, and to feel stronger and more capable in every part of their life.

For me, sustainability comes from joy and purpose. When training becomes something you get to do rather than have to do, that’s when it sticks.

Your career has taken you from elite sport to teaching everyday movement. Has your relationship with how you move changed over time? What’s bringing you the most energy and joy right now?

Absolutely - my relationship with movement has evolved so much. In my gymnastics years, movement was about precision and performance. Now, it’s about longevity, strength, and feeling powerful in my body.

Right now, what brings me the most joy is my community - my clients. They’re all incredibly driven and successful in their own fields. They may not be professional athletes, but their discipline, mindset, and consistency mirrors that level of excellence. I’m surrounded by people who push me to keep raising my own standards - and that’s endlessly energising.

After a big training session or a full day of teaching, what’s your ultimate way to unwind or treat yourself?

After back-to-back sessions, I crave stillness and sunshine. I’ll usually take myself for a walk - my version of a “sanity stroll” - to decompress.

I love an early evening sauna session or a deep tissue massage to reset. My schedule gives me some flexibility during the day, so I’ll often take that time to recharge by the beach or in nature before gearing up for the next day.

If you could design your dream movement class, no limits, what would it look like, and who would you invite to join?

I might have to gatekeep the details for now, but let’s just say it’s in the works. Think small-group strength training in a private, high-performance environment - something that blends science, style, and energy.

I’d open it to anyone committed to showing up and putting in the work! Whether that’s an elite athlete, a Hollywood actor, or someone just dedicated to personal excellence. The common thread is mindset.

What’s one small daily ritual (outside of movement) that instantly lifts your mood?

My mid-morning coffee. Always a long black, is my small daily ritual. I usually have it between clients after breakfast, and it’s become a moment to pause and reset before the next wave of energy. Only mildly addicted!

So much of training isn’t just physical, but mental. How do you help clients build resilience and confidence through movement?

For me, it’s never about separating aesthetics from performance - it’s about connecting them. Feeling strong and moving with intention naturally translates into looking good. When you train for strength, longevity, and confidence, your body responds in ways that reflect that from the outside too.

I help clients reframe “aesthetic goals” as an outcome of consistency, quality movement, and self-respect - not punishment. Seeing clients build confidence not just from the mirror, but from what they can do - lifting heavier, sleeping better, showing up with more energy. That’s the real transformation.

With such a full schedule training clients, teaching, and keeping up your own practice, how do you maintain ritual and consistency in your wellness and beauty routines? Are there any non-negotiables?

Discipline has always been part of who I am - but I’ve learned to make it sustainable. I treat myself like a client: I schedule my sessions, prioritise recovery, and stay consistent.

An hour a day for myself - whether it’s strength training, Pilates, or running - is non-negotiable. I’m also strict about sleep: phone on Do Not Disturb by 8 p.m., lights out by 9 p.m. for those early mornings.

Consistency in wellness and beauty is less about perfection and more about rhythm. The small things compound.

How would you describe your personal philosophy or approach to beauty?

Simple, consistent, intentional. For me, beauty is a reflection of how you care for yourself - the rituals you repeat daily. It’s an inside-out process: movement, nourishment, sleep, and then everything else.

Which Tronque product do you find yourself reaching for most often, and why does it stand out in your routine?

The Ionic Body Brush - I’ll do a quick dry brush as soon as I am out of bed; it takes less than two minutes but completely wakes up my lymphatic system.

It’s the perfect ritual for someone on the go - it makes me feel energised and grounded before the day starts. I pair it with the Tronque Body Milk, and the combination is the definition of ‘dream skin’.

Quickfire questions

Favourite self-care indulgence when you need a reset? 

Honestly, a really good meal - ideally something I’ve cooked myself. I find it so grounding and restorative. Food is my favourite form of self-care!

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

You only miss the shots you don’t take!

One podcast you’re loving right now? 

Do you F*king Mind - mindset hacks hosted by neuroscientist Alexis Fernandez. 

If you could teleport anywhere for a weekend, where would you go? 

Greek Islands yes please! 

Last song you had on repeat? 

Chill Cool Girl by my dear friend Greta Van Den Brink!