With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the world, much of what humanity considered the norm changed. Countries introduced nationwide lockdowns and enforced social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus.

Fortunately, Samoa closed her borders to the rest of the world in March last year and with the border closure came social distancing, hand washing, and facemask wearing. 

The country now occupies a space where community, health, wellbeing and looking out for each other is most important.

According to a statement, the Fitness Studio quickly adapted to the change to ensure its doors remained open and that its members were well supported in these challenging times.

The studio moved from not only having classes consisting of Zuu, Hiit, Functional Movement, Spin and Pump classes but it also incorporated community and family events.

Its members participated in beach and outrigger paddling workout events with their families. Many who have never been runners before participated in the annual Samoa Perimeter Relay and the Digicel Fun Run.

But the members not only ran but participated as drivers, managers and support persons for the running teams. Teams from the Fitness Studio also entered the much-anticipated Toa Competition hosted by CrossFit Fatutoa.

In preparation for these events, members participated in in-house challenges, which encouraged the reduction in sugar and alcohol intake for overall well being. Through the increase in community events, the studio saw its members go from strength to strength in reaching their own personal goals.

Last year shaped up to be a very successful year for the studio and its members. From this, the Trio was born, one last in-house event to celebrate goals being met, challenges conquered and a community coming closer during a time it was most needed.

The buzz of excitement in the studio for its final event of the year saw its members form their teams, all of different ages and strengths. Members could often be found at the studio after the 5.30pm class practicing the trio events and working on technique.

Casual light banter would be exchanged and laughter often filled the studio but the atmosphere suggested all were striving to be the best team in their respective divisions on the day.

Studio coach, Ralphen Viane, who was often seen assisting teams with preparations noted, “For us coaches, the Trio was all about our community and finishing a tough year strong and on a high note.”

The Trio, for its name, comprised teams of three of the same gender in scaled and Rx divisions.

Events were made up of movements and workouts that had been taught and included in classes throughout the year so members were familiar with them.

Special classes were dedicated to practicing safe and efficient techniques in preparation for the events.

As emphasized by coach Paletasala Faolotoi, “Proper technique and safe execution of any movement whether in competition or a class is crucial, and we strive to ensure members understand and are mindful of this when exercising.”

Originally scheduled for 19 December 2020, the heavy rain and flash floods that morning provided one more test of resilience for the studio and it’s members.

The Trio management team along with sponsors moved quickly to rearrange a date to ensure the show goes on. On Wednesday 23 December, 15 teams gathered to battle it out for recognition of the fittest and strongest team for 2020 in their divisions.

With pumping music and fellow members cheering on, Trio participants could be seen laughing together, patting each other on the back and showing signs of a tight knit community. The day proved to be an epic showdown of tenacity, strength and mental toughness.

The winners of the Trios for Rx and Scaled division are as follow:

RX Female Division Champs: Snatch Me If You Can

RX Male Division Champs: Meet Me At The Bar

Female Scaled Division Champs: What A Pain (Team-WAP)

Male Scaled Division Champs: Doritos

(Special Awards)

Spirit of the Trio:

Male Athlete - Tisu Enosa

Female Athlete - Marei Tufuga

Beauty and the Beast Award (Hardworking female/male athlete):

Male Athlete - Livingstone Betham-Lameko

Female Athlete - Vaipa Lui

Best Dressed Trio - Neverfold 2.0

Fitness Studio said in the statement that the Trio would not have been possible without the support and kind assistance of Apia Concrete Products, Naydith Events and Hirage, Samoa Stationery and Books, National Bank of Samoa, Tufuga Law Firm and Consultancy, Samoa Video Production, OKZ Jungle Fitness, Connexion Cafe, Inalani Catering, Samurai Sportswear, Apia Bottling and Urban Sound. 

A team from Samoa Red Cross and Dr. Dyxon Hansell, who were on standby for medical assistance during the competition, were also acknowledged.