30 ways to lose weight in Rotorua: Part 1

Summer has arrived and, with the new year just around the corner, there will be plenty of Rotorua residents wanting to shape up in time for the warmer weather and 2012. It seems there are many options for people whether they're a gym bunny, prefer the outdoors or want something social to do. The Daily Post reporter Kristin Macfarlane looks at the variety of ways you can lose weight and get fit in Rotorua  for summer

1) Have a ball

Netball is a fun, social, active and a hard-working sport. It can help build upper body strength, leg muscles and the cardiovascular system, in turn helping you lose fat through through regular training and games. There are plenty of netball clubs to join and many teams catering for social through to competitive.

2) Fighting talk

Boxing is a high-impact sport that gives you results. You will lose body fat, tone up, get fitter, improve strength, gain confidence and learn fighting skills and more. You could also gain stronger and more defined arms and legs. While many local gyms have a form of aerobics-styled boxing exercise classes to join, if you want to join a boxing gym and join their boxing fitness classes or even eventually look towards fighting, take a look at to consider what local boxing gyms are around in Rotorua. There are quite a few options so for more information on the different clubs check out www.boxingnz.org.nz.

3) Solid as a rock

Rock climbing allows you to push yourself as much or as little as you want and you can give it a go at The Wall in Hinemoa St, Rotorua. The Wall is almost 20m at the highest point and there are about 56 different climbs  for everyone from the beginner to the extreme expert. It's a good workout, allowing yourself to physically push yourself by lifting body weight and, if you have a fear of heights, it can help you get over that, too.

4) What a buzz

Vibration training can help improve sports performance, enhance fitness and more. Rotorua residents can try out vibration training on the Power Plate machines at Tremors Rotorua in Pukuatua St. While having many benefits, the power plate machines can help reduce body fat by enhancing the body's metabolism and improve muscle tone.

5) Move that body

As seen on TV, Zumba is a fitness phenomenon that fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow steps. Licensed Zumba instructors will guide you through the moves while you get fit and burn calories. There are many Zumba classes for Rotorua people to take part in including at Westbrook School, Rotorua Intermediate gymnasium and Rotorua Soundshell. For more information, contact info@zumbarotorua.co.nz. To take part you only need casual clothes and don't need a partner or special shoes.

6) Partner up

Dancing can be a fun way to keep fit and lose weight. If you are aged between 20 and 60 and want to learn to dance there is a one-hour class for beginners held at Parksyde Community Centre in Tarewa Pl, Rotorua.  Some of the health benefits of dance includes increasing energy, strength and muscle tone.

7) Go for a spin

A spin class seems to be what Hollywood does as you often see actresses in movies working out with friends or talking about a spin class. A spin class burns calories, is fast-paced, improves muscle tone and provides you with a great and fulfilling work out. You will leave the class satisfied with your hard work. Ring around to find out which gyms offer spin classes and the times that best suit your lifestyle.

8) Redwoods fun

Rotorua is home to the lovely Whakarewarewa Forest, which has some world-class trails for mountain bikers of all abilities to enjoy. Get out among the Redwoods to find out why people from around the world travel here to enjoy them.

9) Stairway to fitness

Running stairs burns calories, tightens muscles, boosts power and more. In Rotorua, there are a few options to consider for running stairs. At Smallbone Park, there are a set of large steps to jog up, the Green Track in the Whakarewarewa Forest gives you a mix of hilly climbs and steps and there are also the stairs up Mountain Rd to run too. Running stairs gives you a different workout from road or flat running. It's hard work but rewarding.

10) Wrap it up

Power wrap is a treatment that enables you to achieve targeted weight loss and eliminate cellulite. The four systems that are part of the treatment are detoxifying, fat breaker, anti-cellulite and the firming system. There are many benefits of body wraps - some include improved body tone, fat loss and a toned appearance. You can try power wraps at Tremors Rotorua in Pukuatua St.