Community Resources: July 12, 2018

community resources 2018
3
ExErcisE
important
during
the winter
months
Many Kiwis struggle to keep active
and healthy when winter temperatures
plummet, but a leading New Zealand
exercise expert says gym membership
numbers actually go up in winter.
Chief executive of Exercise NZ, Richard
Beddie, says winter is no excuse to stop
training or ease on fitness levels.
“Gyms and other exercise facilities
actually increase in numbers in winter,
even though exercise needs to be a part
of a constant lifestyle, no matter what
time of year it is.
“During winter, it can be even more
important to maintain an active lifestyle.
Not only does working out burn fat, build
muscle strength, increase metabolism
and keep our hearts healthy, it also
helps us to fight off many diseases and
illnesses.
“The start of the cold season and the
resultant change in routine, can be a
great opportunity to start a new habit –
maybe hot yoga for winter 2017?
“There are many studies which have
been done indicating that exercise helps
us to increase our immune systems,
which is so important during the winter
months.
“We know it takes a bit longer to warm
up, but for those who can train in
the outdoors, can get through winter
without hibernating like a bear.”
When it’s warm inside, and cold out, it’s
often tempting to be less active, Richard
says, but those that do exercise will tell
you how it helps beat the winter blues as
well as providing all the regular benefits
of exercise.
“Exercising throughout winter means
that people will also be feeling great
once summer arrives. An exercised body
is a healthy body, which translates to a
better immune system and therefore can
reduce winter illnesses.”
Of course, when it is cold and wet and
you are exercising, it’s important to make
sure you aren’t taking any unnecessary
risks.
With proper advice from registered
exercise professionals, training outdoors
is safe throughout the winter months.
When it feels just too frosty, training at
an indoor exercise facility will ensure
Kiwis get all the exercise benefits they
could get from outdoor sessions.
“The key is finding a routine and time
that works for each person. For some,
that’s early mornings, but for others
it’s after work or maybe a 30-minute
exercise snack during the middle of the
day,” Richard suggests.
“In addition to individuals feeling better,
businesses and organisations appreciate
healthy staff, which is most likely to
result in fewer sick days.
“Yet since exercise releases endorphins,
which make us feel good, and lack
of sunlight reduces serotonin, which
balances our moods, spiking training for
sleeping is not always the answer. If the
darker days leave you demotivated and
sluggish, try short, punchy workouts.”
According to a recent study published
in the British Journal of Sports Medicine,
athletic performance peaks in the
evening when people’s core body
temperature is at its highest.
Here is some fitness and health advice
given by Professor Ian Philip to the UK
National Health Services that is worth
considering: head, heart, hip and home.
Cover up your head when outside; think
about your heart by avoiding extreme
changing temperatures; think about your
hips, slips and protecting your bones;
and aim for a warm – but not too warm
– house.
PUBLisHEr
Star Media
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Feature & Supplement manager Jenny Wright
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Elaine Moon - Ph 03 364 7436
email: elaine.moon@starmedia.kiwi
deSign Denise Crawford