Columba athletes get a virtual boost

Columba College pupils (from left) Madi Lobb (11), Caitlin Deans (17) and Neve Graamans (12) try out the new Wexer virtual training facility at the college yesterday. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Columba College pupils (from left) Madi Lobb (11), Caitlin Deans (17) and Neve Graamans (12) try out the new Wexer virtual training facility at the college yesterday. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Columba College will have an edge over its opponents in the sporting arena next year - in the virtual sense at least.

It has become the first school in New Zealand to install the Wexer digital training system, which is preloaded with over 700 virtual fitness classes and exercises.

Pupils are able to choose workouts from various fitness programmes, with options ranging from cardio, strength training, yoga and pilates.

It was installed this week and pupils are only starting to learn to use it, although those who tried it were excited and looking forward to trying more programmes.

The system cost around $12,000, which was raised by the school's sports council.

It will be accessible to all pupils and the school hopes everyone will use it, not just its elite athletes.

Principal Juliette Hayes said sport was an important part of the college for all pupils.

''We have a number of elite athletes at Columba, with 13 students representing New Zealand this year.

''But we want all our students to enjoy the benefits sport and exercise offer and this new system is a fantastic way to engage our students whatever their level or sporting code.''

The school's director of sport, Dayna Turnbull, said the system would help cater for the varying needs of athletes.

''Our students have really diverse sporting interests, from rugby to ice-skating and everything in between.

''It's logical, therefore, that their training needs are very different.

''Through the Wexer system we can offer our students over 700 different fitness programmes to suit their individual training goals and fitness levels.''

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