22 August 2001

Manukau City Council is running a special promotion to try and get shift workers, senior citizens, families and those on ”green-prescriptions’ or needing to rehabilitate from an injury, to exercise more.

Council’s operations manager, Brett Jude says, “We all spend a certain amount of our day working. Achieving a balance between work and relaxation is essential to good health. In today’s world, success is often measured by dollars and status. Many people strive for the highest levels in these areas, but are left with no time or energy to have fun.

“For most of us, hard labour is a thing of the past. With modern technology we live a very passive life – surrounded by an ever-increasing array of machines which reduce the effort needed to perform most tasks. Our day to day activities are no longer sufficient to maintain the body in a state of optimum health.

“There are a huge number of benefits to taking regular exercise – you will feel younger and look better, have healthier skin, sleep better, have more energy, stay healthy, beat the ache, be more flexible, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, have less stress, burn more fat and live longer!”

Until the end of August, Council’s leisure centres are offering new off-peak members (using the centres only between 11am- 3pm) a chance to win a weekend rental of a BMW Z3 roadster or one of 12 ‘all-day adventures’ with Manukau on the Move, Council’s outdoor recreation team.

Council’s Howick Recreation Centre Heath and Fitness Club members range from 12 to 92 years of age. Assistant Supervisor, Sherralyn Whatman, says that many people have come off or cut back on their medication because of their improved health and fitness. “Age is not a barrier! You are never too old to start.”

Superannuitants Alan and June Butcher are both members of the Health and Fitness Club. Alan (70) has been an insulin dependant diabetic for over 20 years and in June 1999 had a triple bypass operation. The Green Prescription programme introduced him to the Howick Health Club and an individualised exercise programme was designed for his needs.

Alan and June are living life to the fullest. They’ve trekked the 55 kilometre Milford Track and gone hot air ballooning.

“We now have the energy and good health to live life to its maximum. We enjoyed the Milford Track very much, due to a sensible and realistic three month preparation. We had an excellent gym programme and lots of support and encouragement from the staff,” say the Butchers.

Mr Jude says “We hope that the public will take advantage of a membership which can cost as little as a dollar a day. Council believes that the health and wellbeing of our residents is vital to a vibrant city with a high level of social wellbeing.”

There can no longer be “no ifs or butts” when it comes to exercising - look for the bright blue posters at Manukau City Council facilities – or contact your nearest leisure centre for details.

ENDS

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