AusLeisure

Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) Chief Executive Richard Beddie has highlighted that while New Zealand is rated 10th best in the world for gym membership it has some of the worst physical inactivity levels globally.

Recently returned from a World Health Organization (WHO) dialogue in the Swiss capital of Geneva where he led a session on global standards for exercise professionals, Beddie advised "for a country like ours, we should be much more active.

“About 14% of the population have gym memberships which puts us right up there, but we also have some of the worst inactivity levels with 40% of New Zealanders inactive which just doesn’t meet the WHO levels for active societies. This makes us 13th worst globally for inactivity.

"New Zealand is fast becoming a country of haves and have nots when it comes to physical activity.

"WHO believes anything more than 28% of the population not exercising is unacceptable - and in New Zealand it is even worse or a high level of inactivity for children.

"Globally the average rate of inactivity - defined as less than 150 minutes of physical activity a week -  is 28%. New Zealand’s 40% inactivity rate is therefore very concerning, especially considering that the rate for childrens' inactivity is even higher - as high as 90% in some age groups.

"WHO believes anything more than 28% of the population not exercising is unacceptable - and in New Zealand it is even worse or a high level of inactivity for children.

"My presentation was about how the exercise industry has developed global standards for exercise professionals, now adopted by 12 countries including the US, India, China, Canada, NZ, Australia, the UK.

"New Zealand was at the forefront of standards development for exercise professionals, being the third country in the world to develop a national registration system underpinned by qualifications mapped to government standards.

"The WHO meeting was very productive with lots of actionable steps, including the likely introduction of inclusive fitness which is a campaign driven by UNESCO. WHO are looking at including that initiative into their global physical activity plan.

"ExerciseNZ has already agreed to launch it in New Zealand. It’s all about making exercise accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or disability."

Those with disabilities have barriers to taking part in some activities but this initiative is training staff, developing specific programmes where needed and supporting those with disabilities to take part in existing programmes and services offered by exercise providers.

Beddie says in the context of the UNESCO initiative, New Zealand had more than one million people who would fall into the disability category such sight loss, physical and mental disability and chronic health conditions.

He also attended the IHRSA 2019 Convention in San Diego at which the hosted the Australasian forum discussing how to support non-exercising groups with exercise, instructor standards, and career pathways for people entering the exercise industry.

Beddie concluded "the big issue is how to support those that don’t traditionally take part in exercise or haven’t done so in many years.

"Finally but most importantly, our heartfelt thoughts go out to the families, friends and whanau of those affected by last week’s tragedy in Christchurch.

"As part of the Christchurch community, we stand united to say terrorism has no place in our country. Our fitness community in particular prides itself on being inclusive and where there is no room for racial or religious discrimination, and all are welcome."

Related Articles

22nd March 2019 - Fitness Australia executive reports on World Health Organization Dialogue

24th January 2019 - ExerciseNZ and payment solutions provider announce partnership

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

23rd December 2018 - New Zealanders’ attitude to exercise attitudes and Government focus need to change in 2019

5th November 2018 - New Zealand’s longest serving major gym celebrates 50 years

30th October 2018 - New Zealand’s lead on female participation in exercise to inspire Asian nations?

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

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

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.