Fitness Training
Work out like a Polynesian warrior
Bored of the gym? Practice the skills needed to survive on one of the world’s remotest islands.
For over a thousand years, the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island have lived in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Their survival has depended on strength, resourcefulness and sometimes war. Today, the island's annual two week Tapati Festival celebrates their culture, and exhibits their athletic prowess. So put that gym visit on hold for a moment and imagine what some warpaint, a volcano and a 20kg banana weight belt could do for your fitness goals!
Here’s the set…
1. Run
Watch that banana skin!
© Matt Maynard
Begin with a pulse raiser. The Rapa Nui run barefoot with 20kg of bananas hanging over their shoulders, dressed in only a hami (loincloth). The route is a kilometre loop around an emerald lake inside the Rano Raraku volcano.
Replicate: No treadmill we know has this adventure setting... Grab a sandbag (or a rucksack full of flour) and get outdoors for a run. Build up the distance and speed slowly.
2. Throw
A spear thrower at Hanga Vare Vare
© Matt Maynard
The Rapa Nui whittle their spears from long straight branches, then attach sharpened flints. Points are accumulated by hitting banana tree targets. The thinner the tree, the more points for your tribe.
Replicate: Stop yanking on those gym cables to improve your shoulder and back strength.Instead check out what field throwing sports your local athletics club can offer. Banana trees not included.
3. Carve
Hau-Maka works on his mangai fishhook carving
© Matt Maynard
Easter Island is famous for the mysterious moai stone statues. Today the Rapa Nui hold forearm-bursting, speed-carving competitions – albeit on a slightly smaller scale to their ancestors.
Replicate: Think 1,000 bicep curls is the only way to build forearm strength? Think again. Sculpt your cufflink crackers with some wood carving of your own.
4. Fish
This whopping eel weighed over 6kg
© Matt Maynard
The Rapa Nui are incredible underwater hunters. They can hold their breath for up to four minutes whilst stalking their prey.
Replicate: Take the plunge and see how far you can go on a single breath with a freediving course.
5. Ride
Rapa Nui warriors start young!
© Matt Maynard
Galloping along the edge of sea cliffs is not wild enough for the Rapa Nui. The jockeys ride bareback at the Vaihu horse race – gripping just the horse’s manes and squeezing wildly with their calves and thighs.
Replicate: Don’t have a horse of your own? Get the same workout from riding a mountain bike at any of these great spots.
6. Paddle
This ain't no egg and spoon race
© Matt Maynard
The banana carrying footrace inside the volcano also requires a crossing of the lake. The Rapa Nui competitors cross the water on boats made of reeds that are collected and woven from the very same lake.
Replicate: Turn your workout into an adventure with an introduction to sea kayaking.
7. Dance
Costumes are made from local natural materials
© Matt Maynard
Easter Island’s dances are a collection of the best cultural influences from their not-so-near neighbours. It’s an exhausting blend of the haka from New Zealand, the hula from Hawii and the Latin passion of South America.
Replicate: Tired of zumba-ing soullessly into your gym studio’s mirror? Put some life back into your dance workout by making it fun and social with friends.
8. Slide
Haka Pei - workouts don't get more fun than this
© Matt Maynard
Take two banana trunks to the top of a volcano, lash them together, coat yourself in body paint and toboggan down at speeds up to 80kph.
Replicate: Ahem… OK, you’ve got us here. The best option is to check it out for yourself!