Exercise physiologist adds to the team

Toby Platt’s experience is exactly what WITT’s new zero fees sport and exercise programme needs.

He’s just finished his Masters in Science (Human Performance) at Wintec, where he also completed his Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science. His studies focused on strength and conditioning and exercise physiology.

Originally hailing from Taupō, Toby has made the move to Taranaki and is an exercise physiologist at WITT’s Sport Performance Centre. He’s also teaching the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5) starting in July, which is on offer for free this trimester. 

Adding to his qualifications, Toby has hands-on experience in exercise. He worked at a local gym as a personal trainer during his studies and completed an internship with Mainlands Hockey. He moved to St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton and worked in strength and conditioning for a number of sports including hockey, rugby, netball, rowing, swimming and even weightlifting.

“Whilst completing these internships, I was also a premier men’s hockey coach and player for a local Hamilton club [Suburbs] and also did some coaching for both Waikato and Thames Valley hockey,” he said. 

His experience also includes being a contractor for Drug Free Sport New Zealand and a strength and conditioning coach for Hamilton City Netball.

“I have been fascinated by everything involving sport since I was young. Since completing my own study, I have developed a large passion for education in the sport and exercise area.

“I have the vision for providing the next line of sport and exercise professionals with the knowledge and passion for success in their field,” he said.

Toby admitted it’s important having industry experience before moving into teaching.

He said experiences show others that you can apply what you have learnt while studying.

“In my opinion, to become a tutor in any area you need to not only have the experience and knowledge, but it is also important to have the passion in the area you are teaching.”

The passion in an area allows tutors to motivate students to share the same passion, he said.

“And for them to also develop their own passions in the areas that interest them.”

Toby realises the growth across all sports in Taranaki and said WITT is also growing the sport and exercise capabilities to match the demands.

“WITT has recently developed their exercise facilities and is looking at further developing the sport and exercise courses.”

He said he is excited to be involved with the changes and developments for himself and WITT.

WITT’s Deputy Director – School, Nursing Health and Wellness Kieran McKendry said Toby will run the performance centre as well as joining the teaching team for WITT’s exercise programmes.

“It’s great to have Toby on board,” he said.

“He brings a range of skills that will bring real benefit to the Taranaki sporting community.”

The New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5) is brand new to WITT and is designed to build on the information that is taught within Level 4 Exercise programme.

The programme will provide each student with both an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge to grow as an exercise professional.

To find out more about the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5) and WITT’s other Exercise programmes here.