Survey reveals sorry state of Kiwi fitness

Aucklanders have been deemed the least active people in the nation.

A survey of 2000 people by Southern Cross Health Society released this month shows New Zealanders are polarised by their exercise habits.

It found that more than 25 per cent of Kiwis exercise less than once a week, or not at all.

At the other end of the scale, 24 per cent of people say they exercise at least once a day.

Dunedin was found to be the country’s most active city with 47 per cent of residents saying they exercise more than four times a week.

Only 30 per cent of Aucklanders undertake the same amount of exercise, seeing the region lag behind the rest of the nation.

Forty-five per cent of Aucklanders admitted that they exercised less than once a week, more than the nationwide total of 40 per cent.

Southern Cross chief executive Peter Tynan says although there are some positive results the high number of inactive people was a huge worry for the country.

‘‘Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity and diabetes,’’ Mr Tynan says.

‘‘Preventative action through exercise can help to save lives and tax dollars.’’

Ministry of Health guidelines recommend adults should do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least five days a week.

Mr Tynan says that commonly cited barriers such as convenience, time and expense can be worked around.

‘‘There’s a misconception that exercise equals an hour at the gym.

‘‘While that’s great if you can, just getting up at lunchtime and going for a brisk walk or running around at the park with the kids will have you nearing the recommended activity target,’’ he says.