Te Hiku Hauora’s Health Promotion team pride themselves on promoting healthy living and habits to our whanau and community.
From running Aukati Kaipaipa (Stop Smoking) programmes to Korikori A Kaumatua (Activity and Nutrition for Elderly), our Health Promotion team are constantly out and about promoting this important mahi.
Last month saw a new initiative take place within Te Hiku Hauora offices, that of ‘Jumping June’.
Wanting to take the initiatives they teach to the community and bring them into their own workplace, Louisa Cooper, Korikori A Iwi (Activity and Nutrition for Community) kaimahi led lunchtime training sessions in the workplace gymnasium for willing employees.
“I wanted to walk the talk in our own workplace” says Louisa. “I identified that working in an office situation can be quite sedentary. And it’s hard to make fitness a priority.”
Louisa ran 20 minute classes for her fellow employees four times a week encompassing circuit and weight training. As well as in-house fitness classes, Louisa also ran weekend and after work sessions, incorporating maunga (mountain) climbs and waka ama training.
One such employee who benefited is Te Hiku Hauora accounts administrator Leeanne Welsh.
Leeanne said she jumped at the opportunity.
“I wanted to improve my fitness and overall health and wellbeing and it’s much easier to do during my workday” says Leeanne.
“Louisa gave me that kick I needed to get started and it’s motivated me to join the gym here at work and attend regularly. It’s a great initiative for workplaces. “
“The response and feedback has been awesome” adds Louisa. “So much so that I am looking at running classes in August.”
Louisa also has programmes currently running at Kaitaia Department of Conservation, Abundant Life and Paparore schools where she visits the workplace and provides them with a circuit training session and healthy lifestyle information and tips.
“I am open to helping other workplaces that may be interested in having a fitness program implemented in the workplace. It’s a great way to exert any tension built up throughout the day, along with all the other health benefits.
Any interested workplaces are welcome to contact Louisa at Te Hiku Hauora on 408 4024 for more information.
