Avisa Chase, the fitness instructor of Evolve Fitness Studio in Kohima SCTE.
Kanili Kiho
Of late, fitness classes are in vogue in Nagaland but few follow it consistently or are fully equipped with degrees to tackle physical fitness.
Meet Avisa Chase from Khonoma village, a rare breed.
There’s never a dull moment with this vibrant young man. The secret? He laughs it off when nudged, but his lifestyle speaks volumes for him.
Presently a Physical Education Teacher (PET) in Government Higher Secondary School, Chiechama under Department of School Education, Chase is also the fitness instructor in aerobics and physical fitness at the Evolve Fitness Studio in Kohima State College of Teachers Education that was inaugurated in May this year.
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Trainees during an aerobics session.[/caption]
Chase’s clear set of goal from the beginning is inspirational. At a young age, Chase drew inspiration from his own teachers, 45 plus, yet much fitter and smarter than most of his class in physical exercises and endurance trainings. “That challenged me to pursue physical fitness.”
Now, he holds a diploma as well as bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education, besides qualifying for the National Eligibility Test (NET) in the same discipline. Some of his certificates include “A” grade aerobics instructor, “B” grade life guard and swimming instructor, and career oriented course in self-defense. He is also trained on performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Every day, Chase travels to his school in Chiechama and back to the fitness studio in Kohima. The motivation to go on, Chase says, comes from his trainees who show positive changes in physical as well as mental health.
Chase’s fitness goal is to focus more on healthy habits than results.
“If one starts following healthy habits, sooner or later results will follow,” he maintains.
The dream of starting an aerobics class for this dynamic young instructor unfurled in 2015, but finance remained a hurdle. Kekhrie Ziephru, a friend and a Secretariat Assistant attached to the Chief Minister’s Office, introduced Chase to Alemla, the then coordinator of SCTE and now the Principal of Mokokchung College of Teachers Education, who was mulling over the idea of starting a fitness centre in Kohima. It later became the Evolve Fitness Studio. Chase was the perfect fit as trainer – he was hired.
Thanking them and the Principal and staff of SCTE, for this platform to live out his dream, Chase says, “It is amazing how God works. He does miracles and answers our prayers.”
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Evolve Fitness Studio is open to the public from Monday to Friday. (Photo Credit: Khriesakeduo)[/caption]
Nagas are becoming more fitness conscious, but are they really fit in general? Not really, says Chase.
“General fitness levels in most of us have deteriorated as we have become lazier, consumption of red meat and junk food has increased and physical exercise has decreased,” he commented.
People opt for vehicles to cover short distances and outdoor sports for youths have dwindled in popularity with the coming of technology.
Nevertheless, his trainees, who are mostly office goers and students, have reported less stress and improved stamina, he said on a positive note.
He suggests five easy cardio-vascular exercises for anyone to do at home or in an open space with little expenditure - aerobics dance, step box exercise, physio ball/swiss ball exercise, weight training and walking or jogging.
For those who want hands on guidance from a fitness professional, find Chase and Evolve Fitness Studio at Kohima SCTE, which is open to the public on weekdays. Go get your dose of endorphins packed with action and happy hour!
