Locals take up opportunity to get back to some of their favourite exercise classes

Nin Te Whau Duggan has taken her Zumba and Hip Hop Step classes outdoors with the current restrictions. Photo / Dean Taylor.

The move to alert level 3, step 2 has given many the opportunity to get back to their exercise classes and groups but in a different way.

Parts of the Waikato region are at the adapted version of alert level 3 which means that outdoor organised exercise classes can go ahead with up to 25 people.

This rule, alongside retail stores being able to open, has seen some life poured back into Te Awamutu.

Nin Te Whau Duggan says it's a blessing to be able to get back to running her exercise classes in person.

Nin is a Zumba and Xtreme Hip Hop Step instructor and has been running her classes at Selwyn Park under cover near the library.

"The recent change in levels allowed outdoor exercise and in comparison to Zoom or online it has been a blessing. There is nothing like in-person classes that gives a sense of connection away from isolation," says Nin.

"Exercise and nutrition is an important part of one's physical and mental wellness."

On some occasions, after classes her group will also take a walk around town and during their activity she says she has received lots of praise from passer-byers.

Numbers for Nin's classes are restricted so bookings are a must.

Class details are available on Nin's Facebook page Zumba with Nin and bookings are to be made by messaging her on this platform.

Others have been grateful to be able to find their zen again and return to yoga classes.

Renee Page, owner of Yoga & Oils, says being able to share a yoga practice in person creates connection.

"We're so incredibly lucky to have an online presence to share yoga and meditation with, but there is truly nothing as magical as sharing the practice in person," says Renee.

"As teachers we tailor our classes to those who join us on the mat and to the energy or feeling of the day, and that is something that online doesn't offer."

Up to 12 people are able to join the yoga classes which are currently being offered for free or by a koha if those attending wish to contribute.

Details of when the yoga classes are and how to book them are released on the Yoga and Oils Facebook and Instagram pages.