ExerciseNZ looks to reverse misconception that summer is the best time to join a gym

April 30, 2019

Looking to counter what it sees as a misconception that gyms are busiest in summer, the Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) is highlighting that the busiest time for new members to join, as well as for usage of gyms, is over winter period, starting as early as May.

ExerciseNZ President Richard Beddie see that based on the Association’s data, 10% more New Zealanders join gyms and fitness facilities in winter for a multitude of reasons - everything from health to body transformation goals.

Beddie explains “our research shows popular winter activities include small group training activities and yoga, along with the traditional exercise such as the weights and group exercise classes, which continues to grow in popularity every year; it’s just amazing.”

Beddie says there isn't a day where a new report or research article doesn't come out finding another reason to exercise and be physically active, advising “we know more and more Kiwis want to stay active and be healthier in winter and so many New Zealanders just love individual exercise, which is part of a worldwide trend for exercise to be growing while structured sport is on the decline.

“Exercise is now the number 1 sport in New Zealand with more than half a million participants and growing research confirms the health benefits of activity for every age.”

Beddie sees that exercise options have never been more diverse in price levels, from $6 to $60 a week, as well as considering so many services on offer, adding “there is everything from just access to the facility, right through to a personalised small group, one on one offerings, or even more specialist boutique offerings such as many yoga studios.

“There are some key tips to make any new exercise programme effective.”

These tips are:

1. If a person is new to exercise, they should join with a friend as this increases exercise adherence by more than 10%
2. Set realistic mini goals and, where possible, focus on how often someone goes in the first instance, rather than any larger goals, such as going at least six times in the first month
3. A person needs to find a place to work-out that gives them the right support they need, as well as feeling comfortable. They should visit the facility or place when they are thinking of exercising the most often. For example, they should visit after work or lunchtime, if that’s when they are likely to use the facility.
4. Anyone getting into new regular exercise should check sure that their trainer is registered. In New Zealand, qualifications range from two days to four years, so not all ‘qualified trainers’ are the same. People can check trainers’ registration at www.reps.org.nz or ask if they are registered with REPs, which is the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals
5. Everyone contemplating exercise should be fully aware that their fitness and health are vitally important, so activities in any form, be it exercise, sport or active transport are beneficial. The key is starting with something, and building from there.

1st April 2019 - ExerciseNZ’s Beddie flags anomaly of New Zealand having high gym membership and low overall physical inactivity

23rd January 2019 - New Zealanders must grasp a far greater awareness of health

30th November 2018 - ExerciseNZ welcomes significant growth in Maori exercise leaders

10th October 2018 - ExerciseNZ acknowledged as top industry association for communications and marketing

2nd October 2018 - Lack of exercise impacts New Zealanders’ health

6th September 2018 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie slams All Blacks move for more Government backing

18th July 2018 - ExerciseNZ calls on Government to support physical activity

31st December 2017 - Dump New Year’s resolutions and make a personal contact to improve

26th July 2017 - New Zealand’s fitness promotion needs to move beyond slogans

31st December 2015 - New Year’s fitness resolutions trend towards new technology

23rd June 2015 - One in four fitness club members would pay more for single-sex gyms

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