AusLeisure

The role of genetics, and how it relates to people’s nutrition, exercise and health is an absolute game changer when it comes to Kiwis improving their lives, according to The Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) Chief Executive Richard Beddie.

The widely respected industry leader is mindful that while the science of genetics has been around for some time, the ability to measure it cheaply and easily is quite new. 

Beddie explains "only recently have we begun to understand how important genetics is when it comes to people’s health.

"No longer is science saying what is best for everyone but rather what is best for each person based on genetic make-up."

Health professionals and exercise professionals can now use tools to provide info on their client’s genetic make-up, and more importantly, what this means for their exercise, nutrition and general wellness needs.

“The key thing is understanding different genetic-types respond differently and have different needs. So we now have the tools so that exercise and nutrition can be structured for optimum health in a way that is most enjoyable, based on a person’s genetic make-up. 

“Some people are built for short-sharp bursts of energy and these same people respond well to a competitive environment. Some people, on the other hand, need slower strength based activities. There are others who prefer to work-out alone and they may respond well to light weights or yoga or moderate steady exercise.  

“We know that, if considered a sport, exercise continues to be the number one sport in New Zealand, having more participants than the rugby, netball and cricket combined.

“There are currently an estimated 550,000 members of gyms and exercise facilities alone. But exercise is now just one of the many components to wellness. Many providers of exercise now offer far more holistic products and services, from dietary advice, to stress management.

“Genetic profiling tools support this by proving detailed information that exercise professionals can then use to coach better health and wellness outcomes.  Research confirms all this.”

Beddie says one of the world experts in the genetic fitness approach, Dr Cam McDonald, last month toured New Zealand with ExerciseNZ, bringing the latest research and best implementation to more than 250 exercise professionals around the country.

He says no longer is science saying what is best for everyone but rather what is best for the individual, based on their genetic make-up. And not just that, what is best for one person right now may be different when they age. 

“So we see the need for genetics and timing to be optimal for a person to reach their best health. Health and exercise professionals can now use tools to provide information on their client’s genetic make-up and, more importantly, what this means for their exercise, nutrition and health,” Beddie says. 

ExerciseNZ is currently inviting applications for the 2017 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards.

Click here for information on entering the Awards.

Image: ExerciseNZ's Richard Beddie.

27th June 2017 - ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2017 NEW ZEALAND EXERCISE INDUSTRY AWARDS 

21st June 2017 - YOGA A KEY PART OF NEW ZEALAND’S GROWING EXERCISE PARTICIPATION

28th November 2016 - EXERCISE INDUSTRY AWARDS RECOGNISE NEW ZEALAND’S MOST ENERGETIC PROFESSIONALS 

23rd August 2016 - EXERCISENZ RELEASES GUIDELINES ON MANAGEMENT OF UNSUPERVISED FITNESS FACILITIES

19th August 2016 - EXERCISENZ ISSUES HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR FITNESS OPERATORS

27th July 2016 - INDUSTRY LEADING SPEAKERS TO ADDRESS 2016 FITEX CONVENTION

16th June 2016 - NZ FITNESS EXPO A PLACE FOR INDUSTRY AND TRADE IN 2016

22nd August 2013 - OBESITY EXPERT GARRY EGGER TO SUGGEST ‘LEAKING GUTS’ AS A CAUSE OF OBESITY  

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.

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.