When winter sets in it can be tempting to hibernate, but in Taranaki there’s no excuse for just staying on the couch.
Health provider Tui Ora Mindful Movementis a weekly series of super short fitness videos aimed at keeping families active without having to leave the house.
“Tui Ora is the hauora provider of health and wellness for Māori in Taranaki. We provide general practitioner services, smoking cessation, mental health and youth services,” Dr Dave Grant said.
“We think we do things differently than other people. We try to really look at the person and their family holistically.”
Tui Ora enlisted personal trainer Chance Hazell to be the face and body of the video.
“I teach really basic at-home exercises that anyone can do, and most people boil water and make tea at least once a day.
“It’ll take a minute or two for the pitcher to boil, so why not do something while you have nothing else to do,” she said.
“You can just stand on the bench and do a few push-ups or squats while the jug is boiling and get moving.”
Hazel believes fitness isn’t just for those who can afford a gym membership.
“Gym memberships are an extra expense, especially with the current cost of living. People can do this workout at home and get something out of it without paying a penny. It’s free for everyone.”
Followers do not need any special equipment either.
“Grab a few cans of baked beans and do some shoulder presses and bicep curls. You can find anything around the house that has a bit of weight to it.”
“You don’t need dumbbells or kettlebells or fancy gym equipment, you can use anything, even stones from your garden,” she smiles.
Hazel grew up in a sports-oriented household and wanted to give her daughter the same kind of environment.
“I have a six-year-old daughter and I wanted to choose a career path that would be good for my health and for my daughter’s development. My daughter sometimes comes with me for personal training.”
“I wanted my daughter to know that exercise is important for overall health. She loves exercise.”
Each video is about a minute long, so you can easily make use of any free time you have.
“Even small amounts taken throughout the day have an incredible cumulative effect on your health and wellbeing,” Grant says.
“Exercise has many health benefits, and by looking at the entire body we can identify ways in which exercise can improve the health of each body system.”
And the benefits aren’t just physical.
“Physical activity has been shown to be a very useful protective factor against mental stress and has many mental health benefits,” Grant said.
And “being too busy” just doesn’t work for him.
“Have you ever met anyone who doesn’t say they’re busy? We all feel busy. There’s no excuse,” he smiled.
The videos include fitness exercises that can be enjoyed with hapū (pregnant women), kaumatua (elderly people) and tamariki (children)..
“When you take your kids to the playground, instead of letting them sit on a bench, put them on the swings, kick a ball or do something, even if it’s something small, is better than nothing,” Hazel explained.
There’s also a video that shows you how to incorporate exercise into your workday.
“Get up and tell your friends, ‘Hey, you get up. Let’s do something together. Let’s go outside, take a 15-minute break, and go for a walk around the block.'”
“When you do that, you push yourself and your coworkers out. It changes the dynamics of the workplace.”
Grant hopes the region will embrace the mindfulness movement.
“We’re a service for Māori families and we want them to be as excited about it as we are.”
“We know that Māori are particularly prone to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and many of these diseases respond extremely well to exercise and movement, particularly in the early stages but also throughout the disease process.”
“Exercise and movement can, in some cases, be as effective as medicine for certain illnesses.”
Grant said the video has attracted attention.
“When you’re trying to get started on exercise, you might feel overwhelmed and lost or stuck. ‘Where do I start?’
“[But] “Exercise is not that hard. Families are starting to talk about it, the viewership is growing, and I feel like more people are getting on board and getting more active.”
Hazel said she was thrilled to be involved in the project.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this effort. I’m really excited about it. And I hope people tune in, get involved and give it a try.”
“Do it for your family, for yourself, for your children and for your health.”
“Just get up and get moving.”
Glossary
Whānau — family
Kaupapa Māori — a philosophical framework based on Māori knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and worldview
Hauola — Health
Hapu — Pregnant
Kaumatua — Elderly people
Tamariki — children
Waka — canoe, vehicle
