Regular exercise without injury!
If you started 2013 on a fitness binge you may be feeling a few aches and pains about now.
To keep your exercise programme on track and to make it through to 2014 in one piece, it may pay to jump online and check out ACC’s ActiveSmart website.
ActiveSmart provides free, customised training advice for everyone from beginners just getting back into physical activity, to serious multisport and marathon competitors – and it can help you avoid injury in the process.
‘‘Many people who’ve been spending a bit too much time on the couch make the mistake of throwing themselves back into exercise without the right preparation,’’ ACC Pro- gramme Manager – Sport, Isaac Carlson says. ‘‘That can end up backfiring, because if you injure yourself – say because you didn’t warm up properly – you could end up heading straight back to the very couch you’re trying to get away from.’’
Isaac says ActiveSmart contains a range of tools and information, from personally tailored fitness plans to warm-up and cool-down exercises, and even weather forecasts for your area, so you can plan your training around conditions on the day.
‘‘In a way, ActiveSmart is like having your own personal, online trainer,’’ Isaac says.
‘‘It asks you a range of questions to find out what level of exercise is right and safe for you. Then it gives you a specific programme to follow, aimed at meeting your individual fitness goals.’’
ActiveSmart caters for a range of popular fitness activities, including running, walking and cycling.
‘‘The advice on ActiveSmart has been provided by leading New Zealand fitness professionals,’’ Isaac says. ‘‘So you can be assured you’re getting a training plan that’s up there with the best.’’