Getting more active is improving the health of Kerikeri residents, thanks to the Green Prescription programme and Community Fitness Gym.

A Green Prescription (GRx) is a health professional’s written advice to be physically active and improve nutrition as part of a person’s health management. Once referred, the person gets support and encouragement from one of Sport Northland’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisor, to make an activity plan tailored to what matters to each person’s individual needs. Support is ongoing for at least four months, which is a big help with getting a new routine established.

For some people on GRx, a gym environment is ideal for them to achieve their goals. In Kerikeri, the Community Fitness gym provides a safe, fun and supportive environment for those who are new to the gym, and those with stable medical conditions or low fitness.

Community Fitness is a community owned non-profit business. Manager Debbie Klinac says “as a charitable trust, it’s not about profit, it’s about our commitment to delivering affordable good health to everyone.” Debbie exudes enthusiasm, and along with her staff strives to make people feel comfortable, with individual attention and ensuring people know what they are doing in the gym.

Healthy Lifestyle Advisor Kerrin Taylor says “it is fantastic to have
such a great facility in the community and I’m getting lots of positive feedback from those that I support through Green Prescription about the gym. They report improved fitness, strength and energy as well as weight loss and feeling much better about themselves.” She adds, “working with Debbie (pictured) has been a pleasure and she has offered great discounts and extra support for our people who often struggle to get started. We are now planning to start special introduction sessions, where I can bring a group of people along and go through the gym induction with them. This will help remove another barrier for them.”