SPARC recommends physical activity to keep warm

Media Release 28 June 2006

SPARC recommends physical activity to keep warm

While New Zealand is still coming to grips with recent bouts of frigid, icy weather, SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) is recommending its own strategies to get active to keep warm over the winter months.

“The weather might be miserable but don’t let that stop you from getting active. It’s a healthy and economical way to keep your self warm this winter,” said SPARC’s General Manager of Participation, Deb Hurdle.

Hurdle said SPARC was encouraging Kiwis to get off the couch and to Push Play the winter way.

“We’ve created the winter Activator - a variation on our standard Activator which is designed to help people get active by providing a variety of activity options.”

Suggestions vary from working out in front of the television to playing musical chairs with the kids.

SPARC’s DIY winter Activator is being advertised in all major daily newspapers on Friday 30 June. Kiwis will be able to cut the Activator out of the newspaper and display it in their homes for easy reference to fun activity options.

Hurdle said that while regular physical activity is a great way to keep warm it is also an effective way to ward off bugs and combat winter blues.

“We’re all a little bit more susceptible to colds and flu during winter. The best way to prevent illness is to Push Play for 30 minutes on five or more days a week and to eat a healthy diet.”

“Even small amounts of activity count - take the stairs instead of the lift, or get off the bus a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.”

For more ideas on how to get active go to www.sparc.org.nz.

ENDS

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