Fun, fitness and friendship is what the National Leisure Marching Championships at ASB Arena is all about this weekend.

Around 851 women from all over the New Zealand make up about 80 teams taking part on the Mills' Reef sponsored championships.

A marcher from Glenglye marching team from Mount Maunganui. Photos and video: Tracy Hardy.

Chairperson Sharon Jackman says this is the first time the championships have been held in Tauranga.

"We are so pleased. We have 851 women registered, which is 80 teams from all over New Zealand - from Bluff to Northland.

"They're all doing a five minute display. We have structured marching and the ladies are all just practising their motto of fun, fitness and friendship."

Looking at all the faces, Sharon says everyone is just happy and smiling.

"Leisure marching is not competitive, although many of our members used to be competitive marches at one point," she says.

"It's for each person individual pleasure and each team work to a different level.

Sharon says marching is good brainfood as people need to keep counting in their heads while doing their routines.

The 23rd annual Leisure Marching Nationals is open to the public at ASB Arena, Baypark, today and tomorrow.

The Tawa Blue Jays.