Chiefs influence student to improve Maori health
Five days a week, Hemi Quinn runs a free two-hour training session at Claudelands Park incorporating lessons picked up from a stint with the Chiefs.
Waikato University student Hemi Quinn is committed to helping Māori become fitter and healthier by offering free training sessions at Claudelands Park over a six-week course.
“The main inspiration has been my Mum ’cause she’s not in the greatest health,” Quinn said.
The budding personal trainer gained an opportunity to work with the Chiefs 2014 pre-season team as a video-analyst, recording trainings and using a sport-code software aimed at developing skills and sports performance.
He has put what he observed to good use.
“I’ve seen the work they put into their trainings, the effort it takes and the pay-off and this has helped me incorporate different styles into my sessions.”
Training five days a week and up to two hours at a time may not be everyone’s idea of a fun workout but the turn-out for the first three-weeks has been good, with up to a dozen people partaking in resistance, weight and sprint training.
“Māori have the highest rates of obesity in this country,” said Quinn.
“If I can help my friends and family out and raise awareness, it’ll be worth it.”
With his final year about to begin, the Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies (BSpLS) student started a Facebook Page promoting a healthy lifestyle and regular activity.
The concept behind Hood Fitness is based on the Māori belief of whakapapa
“Hood represents where you’re from,” he said. “So for me, he piko he Taniwha he piko he Taniwha. Meaning at every bend of the Waikato River there is a chief. So our aim is to create chiefs in our community. Strong, healthy, fit people,” Quinn said.
