The university’s Recreation Centre has introduced a number of new exercise programmes for members in Semester Two.
This semester, students will be able to participate in small group training programs in activities such as reformer pilates, boxfit and a range of dance classes. Women also have the option to take self defence classes, or take part in a four-week virtual women’s fitness program. In addition to these exercise programs, other sports events will be held throughout the rest of the semester, such as the Tour de Gym starting this week. Many of these activities are now able to resume as life in New Zealand returns to normal post-COVID.
The Recreation Centre, like the majority of New Zealand’s facilities, was closed throughout the Level 4 lockdown period, and was subject to stringent regulations when it was able to reopen as the Alert Level decreased. The Rec Centre has continued to keep a number of hygiene precautions in place at Level 1, such as the provision of sanitising stations and utilizing membership cards as a way of contact tracing.
The Rec Centre is also still providing virtual classes this semester. Held through Zoom, these classes were established last semester and will continue for selected classes, so students have the option to exercise in-person or at home.
Amongst all this, development has continued on the new recreation centre and interim sports courts. The interim sports courts on Symonds Streets have been closed in order for demolition to take place, and the construction of an interim sports centre on Wynyard Street is in progress. Work on this project has been delayed due to COVID-19, however it is estimated the sports centre will open at some point this semester. In the meantime, some university sport events are being held in off-campus facilities.