Simon Body

Simon.Body@op.ac.nz

0000-0003-1227-4191

Currently teaching on the Bachelor of Applied Science and in the postgraduate Strength & Conditioning stream, Simon has previously been a professional tennis coach for 18 years, working with juniors in Dunedin, Christchurch and Melbourne. He’s also worked as a strength and conditioning coach for three international rugby teams, including the Fiji 2015 World Cup squad.

“The first game was against England before a crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham, which was just incredible – it was an awesome feeling to walk into that environment. Playing Australia and Wales in front of the vocal crowds at Cardiff was also a moving experience.”

His roles have included gym- and field-based conditioning and monitoring – often using GPS technology – and fostering players’ overall wellness.

“I thoroughly enjoy the teaching and coaching aspects of my roles and the commitment to experiential learning here at OP. And the professional development opportunities here are outstanding.”

Simon has a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Otago (1997) and completed the Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning at Otago Polytechnic (2011). He has just completed his Masters in Professional Practice, investigating movement dysfunctions and possible movement corrections and their relationships with strength and conditioning.