SPARC encourages Kiwis to stick to resolutions

26 January 2006

SPARC encourages Kiwis to stick to New Year’s resolutions

SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) is encouraging New Zealanders to stick to their New Year’s resolutions to get active and be healthy.

SPARC’s General Manager of Participation, Deb Hurdle said that two of the most common New Year’s resolutions were to get fit and to lose weight.

However, according to an eDiets.com survey of 12,000 people, about 30 percent of those making resolutions say they don’t even keep them into February, and only one in five actually stay on track for six months or more.

“New Year’s resolutions are great because they make us reflect on the previous year and look at what changes we need to make to enhance our lives,” said Hurdle.

“Although it’s fantastic to see that Kiwis acknowledge that regular physical activity is great for their health, they need to remember that it’s something they should be thinking about all year round - not just in the New Year.”

Hurdle, who is also a personal trainer, said that there was typically a 90-day window when people stuck to a fitness programme, and then most dropped out.

“To reap health benefits, you have to Push Play on a regular basis. All it takes is 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.”

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

Hurdle said that the key to making a successful resolution was having confidence that you can make that change.

“You need to have coping strategies for any problems that may arise. One of the best things you can do is get help from your friends, family or even workmates - getting active is easier when you don’t have to do it on your own,” said Hurdle.

For more tips on how to get active visit SPARC’s website www.sparc.org.nz or call your regional sports trust on 0800 ACTIVE.

ENDS

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