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Mud run puts theory into practice

Thursday 6 March 2014, 1:17PM

By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

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BAY OF PLENTY

The fine weather provided the perfect backdrop for 80 Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Certificate in Fitness students to get down and dirty at the annual mud run.

“This is an activity that we do every year and has become a Fitness tradition,” says programme coordinator Kelly Pender. “It provides a challenging environment for team activities – getting from A to B with a few ‘tasks’ along the way.

“Team work is really important; positive reinforcement, motivation and encouragement come through so they can all cross that finish line together. That’s our core programme philosophy – everybody helps everybody else and nobody gets left behind.”

Kelly also emphasises that it’s not all about fun there’s a lot of putting theory into practice too.

“The mud run reinforces what we’re learning in class. Aspects such as training heart rate, muscle contractions and energy system use are discussed post-session to help with greater understanding.

“These students are on a pathway to help other people with their health and wellness goals and this is just one of the trips we do to promote empathy and understanding – that goals can be achieved outside of the gym. Exercise is only ever limited by safety and imagination.”

Judging by the smiles on the faces, it’s also a whole load of fun!