The taskmasters are in the house at Oxford Edge. Three students from the New Zealand Institute of Sport are putting the team to the test in a series of challenges designed to lift their physical, spiritual and personal wellbeing.
The students – Ashley Riley, Finn Luxton-Russell and Ollie Smith – started with a questionnaire designed to capture where each team member was at. Subjects covered included the amount of free time they have, their sleep pattern, what they enjoy, and how they feel in the work environment.
From that, the students created a month-long schedule for an individual “feel-good wellness journey” incorporating daily and weekly tasks at work and at home.
Oxford Edge team members are deep into their challenge schedules now, which will go to the end of September.
Ashley, Finn and Ollie will check in with them each week to see how they are going and also to give them new challenges, such as drinking 2 litres of water a day or getting 8 hours sleep one day a week.
The students already have a bit of a reputation at Oxford Edge since a visit in June when they ran two 30-minute sessions of “very light exercise” that left most participants unable to walk the next day.
The one-year NZIS diploma course the students are doing is in preparation for university studies in sport and coaching. Ashley has eyes on a career in physical education or as a strength and conditioning coach; Finn also wants to be a strength and conditioning coach; and Ollie wants to coach para athletes and work with children with disabilities.
Next month we will report back on how the team went with their challenges. In the meantime, please be kind – some of us may be hurting!
