Solent graduate helps launch a Bollywood fitness craze

Former Solent health and fitness student Nirzari Vyas recently performed at the International Fitness Showcase in Blackpool as part of the Pure Energy team to showcase their Just Jhoom! (Just Dance!) Bollywood Bhangra CD. Although she was originally meant to be performing just as a backing dancer, Nirzari ended up co-teaching parts of the session which she found both nerve-wracking and exciting.

 

Nirzari (centre) at the International Fitness Showcase

Just Jhoom! is the first and only Bollywood fitness class accredited by REPs and Nirzari, who completed her training in April 2011 comments, ‘it was an amazing electric atmosphere, and I really feel I’ve found my passion in the fitness industry. Although I still have my duty manager job, I am working hard to get the freelance side of my career going and I teach Jhoom classes within the local community, at a private health & fitness club as well as a specific class for people with limited movement and/or disabilities. This class is definitely the most challenging yet the most rewarding’.

Nirzari performs on stage

Nirzari is clearly relishing this fantastic opportunity, none of which would have been possible without her degree and the added value vocational qualifications she gained whilst studying at Solent. Nirzari adds, ‘if you had never made it compulsory to do the REPs Level 2 award, then I would never have done my Exercise to Music qualification, without which I would have not been able to do my Just Jhoom! training...so this is also a thank you for the wonderful years at Solent and pushing us all in the right direction and for the inspiration you provided. You're all truly a wonderful team of lecturers!’

Solent students help AFC Bournemouth think positive

Four students from Solent’s BSc Sport Coaching and BSc Applied Sport Science courses recently delivered a workshop on ‘Positive Thinking’ at AFC Bournemouth (AFCB). Will Ansell (Year 2 Applied Sport Science), Gavin Forbes (Year 3 Sport Coaching), Daryanne Ryan (Year 3 Sport Coaching) and Ellie Wells (Year 1 Sport Coaching) planned and delivered the session for the year 1 and 2 academy players.

Solent students at Dean Court

This session was the third that Solent staff and students have run for the academy to improve players’ performance on the field. Peter Barry, Head of Education at AFCB, thanked the team of students for the “excellent series of psychology workshops” they delivered. “From the initial lecture to the final session all the players were involved and have gained significantly from the interactive programme”, commented Peter.

Matt Johnson, BSc Sport Coaching Course Leader, regularly works with the first team players at AFCB and after delivering their session the Solent students had the opportunity to observe Matt’s work, as well as tour the clubs facilities, watch some of the coaching sessions, meet the coaching staff and even sit in on one of the pre-match presentations.

 

Academy players receive guidance from Solent students



 “It was a valuable experience which gave me an insight into a scholarship programme at a professional football club”, said student Gavin, who is going to be working in a professional football academy at the end of this year. “The opportunity was enriching and of significant importance to me as I pursue a career in coaching at an academy level.” As a direct result of being involved in activities like this, Will has been offered a year-long placement with AFCB academy next year. Peter Barry commented, “Such was the impact of the sessions, AFCB are delighted to be able to offer Will an internship with the club to build on the programme and continue to help all the players (and staff) develop in what is a very fast moving environment.”