West oldies find exercising can be fun and good for you, writes Valerie Schuler
Teresa Toki used to be your regular couch potato. But that all changed when the 65-year-old discovered the Manawa Rewa exercise programme.
Nowadays, her weeks are action packed. On Tuesdays, she's off to Glen Eden's Hoani Waititi Marae
for a bit of line dancing. Wednesdays, to Te Piringatahi Marae in Massey for some Maori Tai Chi. Every second week, it's aquarobics action at Henderson's West Wave thermal pool.
The grandmother of 12 has even given kick-boxing a go.
"It's awesome. I'm so much more active these days and it has really improved my quality of life," says the Glen Eden resident.
But, at 65, Mrs Toki is one of the programme's youngest members. Katerina Clark is 72. She was told regular exercise was essential following a heart operation some years ago. She didn't realise regular exercise could be so much fun.
"I love the line dancing and the aquarobics," she says. "I used to have problems with asthma, but I don't any more."
Manawa Rewa was originally developed by Sport Waitakere and AUT University's School of Physiotherapy as a health pilot for Maori aged 55 and over. It's now open to anyone aged over 45.
"We get a sprinkling of all ethnicities now," says Sport Waitakere coordinator Rocky Tahuri.
"Everyone is welcome."
The idea behind the programme is to encourage those who have been inactive for years or those with health problems to start leading a more active lifestyle again. It is also a fall prevention programme and includes balance and strengthening exercises.
"A lot of Maori are not active enough. But it's not just Maori, it's everyone," says Mrs Tahuri.
To make sure individual progress is properly assessed, student physiotherapists from AUT University come in regularly to check people's heart rates, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. So far, everyone's health has improved.
"It's helped my mental wellbeing, too," says Mrs Toki.
The programme is funded by Sport Waitakere and Safe Waitakere. There is a number of speakers scheduled through the coming months - dieticians, nutritionists and a podiatrist to name a few. Mrs Toki and the other women say everyone should give it a go.
"Haere mai, come and join us. It's fun."
Men are also welcome.
Contact: Rocky Tahuri, ph 966 3101 or email rocky.tahuri@sportwaitakere.co.nz
