Keeping fit, on and off field

Down at Avatiu clubhouse, aka the Swamp, those who can’t play netball and other sports have been given other options to keep fit.

Not being able to hit the court or the field after this year’s seasons were suspended and subsequently cancelled because of Covid-19, former Cook Islands netball captain and development manager Luciana Nicholas has been running fitness classes.

Nicholas’ husband Clive, a passionate and committed lifelong member of Avatiu has also been getting the league boys together for gym sessions and hill runs.

The husband and wife duo are renowned for their sporting talents as well as their commitment to healthy and active lives and instilling those values in others.

Covid-19 forced them to think outside the square.

“Netball was put on hold until further notice and then we decided on Friday last week to cancel and prepare for 2021,” Luciana said.

“This has meant I’m determined to keep everyone up with their fitness levels offering classes at alternate venues for everyone at the Avatiu clubhouse and the Enua Manea Hall in Titikaveka.”

At first the classes were started to help players hungry for physical activity.

But they have since evolved into exercise sessions for everyone.

Cardio Combat has been running for many years at the Tupapa Centre in Rarotonga. It is also popular in Aitutaki. Throughout the years, Cardio Combat has supported fundraisers for Cook Islands Junior Tennis, Rugby Sevens, Miss Cook Islands Reihana Koteka-Wiki and Tajiya Sahay to name a few.

Unfortunately, the classes had to be stopped due to Covid-19.

Having a short break wasn’t an option for Nicholas.

“During the five week break we wanted to reach out to our followers by offering online live Facebook classes which were a hit especially the newest addition to our classes – Tamure, with former Cook Islands dancers of the year Moana Taio, Louise Purea and Ngatokorima Paia,” she said.

“It’s a fast-paced class that keeps your heart racing and really makes you sweat.”

Nicholas said they have a mixture of followers and classes that cater for everyone – mums, dads, children, teachers, athletes, referees, dancers and some who just love cardio and choreographed routines to awesome music.

For more information about class schedules and for live feeds go to @cardiocombat on Facebook.