Collie finding new ways to keep fit

A Collie fitness trainer has turned to technology to keep people active during the coronavirus crisis.

Terresa Briggs felt the impact of the crisis when she lost her job as a fitness instructor, but felt it was still important to keep people physically active.

In March she began a series of online ‘Wellness Challenges’ for people to follow at home.

“For my own sanity as much as anything, I wanted to offer people online classes just for their mental health and to give them something a bit different to do,” Ms Briggs said.

“I just wanted to think outside the box, because this is obviously something that’s never happened before and everything’s ground to a halt fitness-wise.

“I’m posting three exercises every day for people to do, I don’t know how many people are participating, but lots are watching them.”

The success of her wellness challenge led Ms Briggs to begin more interactive classes through Zoom, which allows her to watch participants complete the activities.

“I’m doing Zumba and we’re starting a body pump class,” she said.

“It’s just a matter of sending people a link with a password and even though we might not be in the same room we can still see everyone’s face and we just work out together.

Exercise and Sports Science Australia National Board Director Simon Rosenbaum also made a case for the importance of exercise during troubling times.

“Keeping active whilst in isolation is crucial to protect our mental health over the short and long term,” he said.