Fired up For Fitness


“Kia ora my name is Edmond Rika.  I was born 13 May 1948 and I live up north in the beautiful Whangaroa region.  My journey to better health began early in 2015 when I was motivated by my daughter’s weight loss to look at what I was eating and make changes to my diet”.

Eddie was referred to the Green Prescription (GRx) Programme at Whangaroa Health Services later that year in July and after meeting with Hillary Sheard, his GRx Coordinator, he soon settled into a regular routine of attending cardio workouts 3-4 mornings a week for an hour which consisted of rowing, cycling and the treadmill at Koru Fitness.  On top of this, twice a week, after spending the day running his lawn mowing business, he finishes his day with a circuit workout.

Eddie shares his story: “I’ve always been physically active, having been involved for almost 30 years with Chidokan, Shotokan and Seikuhan Karate, however never experienced the feeling of wellbeing I feel now, as a result of improved nutrition and regular workouts.  I feel so full of energy and sleep like a log at night”.

I have stabilised my weight at 80 kilograms after an initial weight loss of thirteen kilograms.  The biggest challenge I have found to remaining physically active, is having the right mental attitude.  I have to remember it’s a journey for me; the dream is to stay healthy and live longer”. 

Besides having GRx support, the team environment, like you get with circuit classes, the motivation you get from the people you meet in the cardio room in the mornings and the family fitness challenges I get involved in, all contribute to me staying focused on achieving my goal.

My advice to anyone thinking of becoming more active is to sort out your nutrition and your body will ask for physical activity. The energy I now have from improved nutrition and working out regularly has changed my life.  68 years later…….don’t leave it too late.

I hope my story has got you fired up.  See you at the gym”.

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