SpinPoi as seen on…
What is Poi?
Poi is a ball on a cord that you spin in circles around your body. It originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, and is used today across the globe as a form of play and therapy that has been scientifically proven to benefit physical and cognitive function. At SpinPoi, we are passionate about working with poi as an evidence-based tool to improve wellbeing for all ages and abilities.
Let us know what SpinPoi workshops you’d like to participate in. Scroll down to learn more about what we can offer, then fill out the Expression of Interest form to share your thoughts.
Intro to Poi & Wellbeing (1 hr)
Our Introductory Seminar is a unique and inspiring workshop packed with research, videos, and a hands-on poi experience. Learn about the history of poi in New Zealand, hear the results of the scientific research on poi and health, and attempt fun and challenging poi moves your brain and body will love.
✔︎ Suitable for all ages and abilities, great for a general audience
Intro to Working with Poi as a Therapeutic Tool (2 hrs)
Learn how to incorporate poi as a therapeutic tool into your practice. This seminar will cover the history and health benefits of poi, the poi movement theory framework, and accessible and adaptable poi movements suitable for a range of physical and cognitive abilities.
✔︎ Suitable for practitioners wanting to work with poi and their clients, e.g. physical therapists, occupational therapists, circus artists, nurses, exercise physiologists
Working with Poi and Older Adults (2 hrs)
Learn how to lead fun, safe, and engaging poi sessions for older adults. This seminar will cover the fundamentals of working with poi as a therapy activity for seniors including best practices around preparing for, structuring, and facilitating poi sessions to target physical, cognitive, and social engagement.
✔︎ Suitable for care aides, home health aides, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and anyone interested in supporting seniors.
Working with Poi and Early Childhood Education (2 hrs)
Learn how to work with poi to develop key physical and cognitive skills for children aged 3-7. This course will cover the fundamentals of playing poi, how to make poi as a craft activity, and how to utilize poi to achieve key learning outcomes.
✔︎ Suitable for educators, parents, recreation coordinators, occupational therapists, play specialists, social workers, and anyone interested in working with poi and early childhood education.
SpinPoi Certification Course (3 days)
Become a Certified SpinPoi Instructor with our 3 day comprehensive certification course. Gain the credibility, confidence, and skills you need to facilitate safe and engaging poi sessions, and join the global community of SpinPoi instructors.
✔︎ Suitable for anyone interested in working with poi and wellbeing. No previous experience with poi required.
Which Seminar(s) Are You Interested In Attending?
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is the leading global exponent in working
with poi as a therapeutic tool and the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi Ltd. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study in the world to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. She was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand for her work in the poi/health field, and has been featured across international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Maori Television. In 2021 she was named as one of the University of Auckland’s Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni.
See SpinPoi in Action
We have worked with and trained countless health care professionals, educators, and community members across the globe in working with poi to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
What People Are Saying
“I have been able to learn and implement SpinPoi programs in the aged and disability sectors and have seen firsthand the joy and improvement for consumers in my classes. I totally recommend SpinPoi to anyone.” –Janine, Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting
“As a play-based specialist teacher, often working with youth with diverse and complex needs, I’ve found SpinPoi to be a great activity not only for the engagement and physical benefits but for the amount everyone enjoys it.” – Jesse, The Forest School
“SpinPoi inspired me to incorporate poi into my dance classes for the 50yrs+, and made the process of adding poi to an existing group fitness class very straight forward. The humour, creativity and sheer joy from participants has been fantastic.” – Hilary, Move Good Now
“I just started teaching SpinPoi classes at my local community center, and driving home I cried tears of gratitude, realizing how much people are benefiting from this experience. And I had a blast too! My heart is so full!” – Shanana Rain
“Poi went from an additional therapeutic activity on our ward to one of the most popular, and something prioritized on patients’ schedules. Now, other therapies are typically arranged around it.” – Jo, Middlemore Hospital
“During SpinPoi sessions we have seen our older residents smile or laugh out loud, socialize and develop new friendships, and engage both their minds and their bodies despite their age and physical or cognitive abilities.” – Orquidea, Summerset
Want To Learn More About Poi & Wellbeing?
