Keep moving, get outside and stay motivated. That’s been fitness coordinator Amanda Gregory’s message to the Niagara College community since March 2020 when the #NCstayhomestayfit daily challenge launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although educating students and employees about fitness and healthy habits has always been Gregory’s focus in her role with NC Athletics and Recreation, the online challenge presented an opportunity for Gregory to flex her creative muscles by offering unique programming geared to any NC Knight tuning in from the comfort and safety of home.
Now with over 60 weeks of virtual programming under her belt, Gregory reflects on the experience so far.
How did the initiative begin? Can you explain the concept?
In March 2020, when things closed, the recreation department decided to switch our presence from in-person to online. This meant using the social media platforms to provide students with fitness workouts, tips, fitness and wellness strategies, mobility work and challenges to help keep people moving and motivated.
Workouts have included household items as traditional strength training equipment was hard to find. Some of the items used: broom, pumpkins, bags of cans, gardening bags, backpack, books, gym bag, sled, logs, bag of road salt, water tubes, chairs, playground equipment, picnic table (just to name a few).
We have also offered series including a workout of the week, 4-week challenges, trainer tips, Q&A sessions and Live Instagram interviews.
Where have you filmed the daily challenges?
NC fitness coordinator Amanda Gregory draws inspiration from nature to create programming for the #NCstayfitstayhome challenge.
The workouts have been filmed mostly outside (even in rain and snow). Some locations have included nature trails, outdoor fitness stations, running trails, playgrounds and my backyard.
Many students mentioned that they were spending more time indoors, so in an effort to encourage fresh air, most videos have been filmed there. I also love being in the woods, surrounded by nature. I find it therapeutic, and I also find inspiration amongst the trees for the workouts.
What keeps you motivated to create new programming?
At times, I found that my motivation for moving wasn’t the same, being at home. And since some people respond better when a challenge has been issued, it was time to add in a 4-week challenge. Some examples of the 4-week challenges are gratitude, sleep better, eat more veggies, increase your steps, stair climb, burpee and plank challenges.
How do you keep participants engaged?
Adding questions to the Instagram story has offered the highest rate of interaction; it’s quick and easy for students to do. Sometimes these questions shape future posts and workouts, other times the questions are strategic and lead into the live interview topic later in the week.
Some posts or videos became trainer tips based on emails or questions received from participants, while the live interviews started in a similar manner; as a way to provide more information or education about a variety of topics. Some focused on fitness tips, the importance of recovery, changing behaviour and tips for future trainers.
Gregory continues to offer engaging programming through the #ncstayfitstayhome challenge to all NC Knights. You can participate by visiting the NC Knights Instagram page @nc_knights. New challenges and tips are posted throughout the week with previously recorded content also available.
