Rec Centre Moves Online as the COVID-19 Lockdown Continues

The Rec Centre has shifted classes and resources online as it remains closed during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

Students can access both live and pre-recorded classes through the University of Auckland website. Crowd favourites such as Yoga, Zumba, Retro Dance Fit, Barre, Total Body and HIIT will all be available in some form. 

Rec Centre members can also gain access to Fitness On Demand’s streaming site FLEX to improve their fitness during the lockdown. In order to ensure students are still practicing safe exercise technique and working on their form, Rec Centre trainers have filmed a series of instructional videos available online. Individual home exercise programs can also be tailored to students’ needs.

The university sports team has also established the UoA Sports Challenge Accepted Facebook group to encourage students to keep active. Challenges are posted on the group’s page, and faculties earn points for uploading videos of them participating in the challenges. Points will count toward the Sir Colin Maiden Shield.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has encouraged the public to stay fit, assuring New Zealanders that going for a walk with other members of your bubble is still allowed. Individuals must remember to practice physical distancing while in public, staying at least two metres away from any individuals outside their bubble at any given time.

Recently, however, there has been confusion around what type of exercise is allowed. Just last week, two Dunedin surfers were asked to exit the water by police. The Coastguard has urged New Zealanders to avoid swimming or surfing during the lockdown, as if people get into trouble authorities may risk their lives and potentially spread the virus by rescuing them.

Some have gotten creative with their recreational activities during the lockdown. One Auckland fishing company shared a photo of a snapper on Facebook – caught by using a baited long line and a drone.

Many have reported online that the amount of people out and about walking, jogging and biking has never been higher than it is during the lockdown period. Sport New Zealand emphasises that “keeping moving and getting outdoors is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing”, and Craccum encourages students to take care of their health and wellbeing inside of their bubble.