Supporters rally around Move Me champions

The three Wairarapa “Lifestyle Champions’ have all reached their 1 month milestone, and all are changing more than just their shape, thanks to the help and support from a wide range of people.

Nicky Poona, Tere Tora and Gary McPhee are four weeks into their ‘Move Me’ programme – a year long programme designed to help them make sustainable lifestyle changes to get fitter and regain a healthy weight. The programme is designed and supported by three ‘Move Me Motivators’ from the Wairarapa Public Health Unit Anna Stuart, Wendy Woodhouse and Tracey Winmill.

“I reckon I could do this on my own – but it’s a whole lot easier with all the encouragement I’m getting,” says Pacific community coordinator Tere Torea. “I used to be really fit when I was younger, so training like this is a pattern I know. What makes it easier for me now is that I’ve hooked up with some older guys I used to know from my days at the freezing works. They regularly go to the gym, and we have lots of laughs up there together. I figure if they can do it, so can I, and they really encourage me.”

Tere is also getting lots of prayers and support from his family and church. “My faith helps me keep on track, and the love and support I get from my church really lifts me up,” says Tere.

Health promoter Nicky Poona also has lots of family support – the whole family is eating a much healthier diet, and her husband has sworn off fizz with her – something they both miss very much. Both sons are now going to ballroom dancing with Nicky to help her regain fitness and stamina.

“My work colleagues are also fantastic ‘sideline supporters’ says Nicky. “They make sure I have breakfast, remind me when to go to the gym, go walking or to aqua aerobics classes with me, and just keep asking how I’m going. I absolutely couldn’t do this without all the support,” she says.

Carterton’s Mayor Gary McPhee finds support in unexpected places. “I find people coming up to me in the supermarket and on the street, saying ‘keep it up’ and stuff, they seem genuinely pleased at what I’m trying to do,” he says. “I’d like to think I could do it on my own, but the reality is that without their support, I wouldn’t take the time to build it into my day. We seem to be making it a bit of a community project – an acknowledgement that our lifestyles can be a ‘big’ problem, but that together we can do something about it. I’m doing it not just for me and the health benefits it will bring, but also to benefit our community by living a healthier life, and highlighting the great facilities we have in Carterton that anyone can use for free to help keep a balanced lifestyle. “

So far the Champions have together shed over 10.5 kg – that’s the equivalent of 21 blocks of butter. “This is a fantastic spin off from all the lifestyle changes they have made,” says Wendy Woodhouse, one of the Public Health ‘motivators’. “We’re really noticing what an impact it’s making not just for them, but also for those around them.”

You can follow the Champion’s progress in the media, and also on the MoreFM website www.morefm.co.nz – and click on the Wairarapa link.

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