Members of the South Asian community resident in the Manukau region of Auckland City are evincing interest in being physically fit, with an increasing number of men, women and children taking up a variety of sporting activities, in addition to regularly attending gyms.
Counties Manukau Active (CMA) is promoting a number of activities to sustain the interest of residents to remain physically active and fit.
It is a joint initiative of Counties Manukau Sport, ProCare, Otara Health, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Sport & Recreation (SPARC) and the Auckland Council. East Health Trust, under a CMA Contract, with supporting programmes for the South Asian communities in the Manukau region.
Changing outlook
Manukau South Asian Lifestyle Coordinator Parul Dube said the outlook of the related communities has changed since the introduction of a number of programmes in August 2010.
“The fact that South Asians like challenges is evident from their determined approach to change the ‘sedentary’ look that has been their weakness since long. Apart from being more accessible, they are reaching out for help to achieve their physical activity goals,” she said.
A New Zealand Registered Nutritionist, Parul has a passion for the community and is committed to making people more active and therefore healthier.
Physical activities
She said CMA supports Aerobics, Cricket, Kabaddi, Off-Road Biking, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Swimming, Throw Ball and Volleyball and wherever possible provides assistance including equipment hire.
According to Parul, community leaders were becoming proactive in encouraging their people to be physically and mentally active.
“While one group leader motivated the members of her Youth Club to pursue a number of activities during the holiday season, including going on a picnic to Long Bay, an At Taqwa (Muslim Organisation) youth has become a positive model in leading a good lifestyle with healthy social and eating habits,” she said.
Swimming Programme
CMA is promoting a seven-week Swimming Course for men at the Papatoetoe Centennial Pools (Sutton Crescent). The programme, held every Tuesday from 830 pm to 10 pm, includes swimming, spa and sauna facilities. The Cost per session is $3 or $5 including the use of cardio room (gym).
“The facilities are free for boys under nine-years of age but they must be under supervision at all times. There are conditions, including age limits that would be applicable to those seeking these facilities. There are several other activities under way in Manukau,” Parul said.
Fourteen new Group Exercise Leaders have undergone training and mentoring in Counties Manukau, to deliver group exercises including ‘Sit and Be fit,’ ‘Dancersize,’ ‘Move to Music’ and ‘BollyworX.’
For further details, call Parul Dube on 021-02377156.
Email: paruld@easthealth.co.nz
