Two new low-cost fitness opportunities are beginning in Riccarton from February.

For several years, the NZ Institute of Sport has been running a free community bootcamp every Tuesday afternoon at 66b Wharenui Road. 15-20 personal training students take the classes, so everyone gets individual attention. Participants have their own PT to motivate, watch technique and ensure safety during the session.

NZIS started the classes several years ago at the request of the neighbourhood policing team, as one of a number of initiatives to develop community. Craig Wilson, Head of Faculty at NZIS, says people ranging from students to 80+ attend, including mums with bubs, and they can help most ability levels.

Starting on 16 February, NZIS is adding a new Saturday morning course, to run every second Saturday 9.30-10.30.

And a new exercise class for refugee and migrant women is being run by Sport Canterbury, who were approached by a group of refugee migrant women wanting an exercise class that could meet their cultural needs. As some can feel isolated, the classes could provide an opportunity to socialise and meet others in the community.

This resulted in a pilot 8-week Zumba class programme at Phillipstown in 2018, but the location provided difficulties and classes are being switched to Riccarton. They’ll be held at Riccarton Baptist Church, 80 Rattray Street, for 12 weeks starting on 8th February. Cost is a gold coin donation.

A regular attendance of 15 participants will enable the programme to be sustainable.