MEDIA RELEASE

12 July 2019

Campaign encourages Kiwis to get active for a good cause

Anytime Fitness NZ and Diabetes NZ have joined forces to help Kiwis get active this winter and raise money to combat our country’s fastest growing health issue.

Anytime Fitness NZ’s 28-Day Winter Kick-Start campaign starts next week, with all proceeds from the sale of a special eBook going to Diabetes NZ.

Anytime Fitness NZ Chief Executive Richard Ball is challenging New Zealanders to get active, while helping Diabetes NZ support people affected by diabetes and raise awareness of the illness.

“Last year, Anytime Fitness NZ became a Champion Sponsor of Diabetes NZ. Since then, the company has been raising awareness about how regular exercise can help with the prevention and management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

“This year, we’re excited to leverage our team’s knowledge and expertise by producing an affordable 28-day gym-based workout programme, which can be used on an electronic device in any gym.

“It can be a challenging time of year to get started, but we hope the programme will give people the inspiration and support they need to take charge of their winter wellness, while creating habits for long-term health.

“And with all the funds going directly to Diabetes NZ, together we can make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders affected by the condition.”

The eBook contains safe, easy-to-follow instructions, with photos and videos to guide people through their workouts. It is also packed with nutrition, lifestyle and motivation tips to help them get the most out of their wellness this winter and develop the habit of enjoyable, regular exercise

There are three levels of workouts to choose from so the programme can be tailored to any fitness level. Access to a range of fitness equipment is required, meaning the programme is designed to be done inside any commercial gym.

In New Zealand, 1 out of 4 people are estimated to have prediabetes, and an average of 40 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day.*

Diabetes NZ Chief Executive Heather Verry says by joining this programme, New Zealanders can support the work of the charitable trust and advocate for the 250,000 adults and children currently living with diabetes across New Zealand.

“Diabetes is the largest and fastest-growing health issue facing New Zealanders. We know that following a healthy diet and exercise plan is one of the key ways to help manage diabetes – and that’s why our partnership with Anytime Fitness NZ makes sense.

“This campaign is not just about raising money. It’s also about challenging the stigma around diabetes and dispelling some of the myths surrounding the condition.

“By getting in behind this initiative New Zealanders can help us deliver support and encouragement to those managing diabetes, and educate those at risk about the warning signs of Type 2 diabetes and things they can do to prevent it.

“We are grateful to Anytime Fitness NZ for their generosity and for supporting us in helping all New Zealanders reach a healthier place.”

The Anytime Fitness NZ’s 28-Day Winter Kick-Start Programme is available from this Monday 15th July 2019, and can be purchased online for $19.00 by visiting www.anytimefitness.co.nz/kickstart

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* New Zealand Ministry of Health. (2017). Virtual Diabetes Register (VDR).