Improved fitness means better health, well-being
A beginners’ spin class at Ki Whanau Gym, IronMaori Hawera is a life-changing experience for Gregg Parata.
Designed to motivate people off the couch, the half-hour class is about nurturing and supporting fitness newbies. For Parata, it’s the first step in taking control of his health.
‘‘I’m motivated by family, my late wife Linda, and health issues that changed me.’’
Linda passed away two and a half years ago, after a battle with cancer.
‘‘Her diagnosis changed our world and now I want to finish something I started with her getting fit.
‘‘I’m also driven by seeing other whanau members making steady change at the gym. Health issues arose for them and they turned it around by looking after themselves and making steady fitness progress.
‘‘I want to do the same thing.’’
In the infancy of his fitness journey, Parata is re-learning a staple of his youth.
‘‘I’ve had to learn how to swim again and thanks to my eldest daughter, who is a swimming instructor, I’m getting there. I’m swimming three mornings a week and after four weeks in the pool I’m just starting to breathe without choking.
‘‘I'm still swallowing half the swimming pool.’’
Gregg Parata
‘‘But I’m still swallowing half the swimming pool.’’
Parata said the knowledge passed on by the friendly and welcoming instructors was quickly being put into practice.
‘‘The spin class is well paced and I’m taking on board all the knowledge handed out. I rely on talking to all the whanau who are doing it, because they are all keen as to help.’’
Parata said he and his fiance´e had mapped out some key fitness milestones they wanted to reach while adhering to the ‘‘Your Race, Your Pace’’ mantra.
‘‘At the moment we are focussing on spin and swimming but we certainly want to do something before the end of the year. It’s just good being back. I feel good already.’’
And he has a simple, yet vital piece of advice for people still sitting on the fence.
‘‘Don’t wait until you’re 50.’’