It is alarming to note that in the Auckland community, South Asians (people of Indian origin) have the highest rate of diseases like diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular ailments compared to all other ethnic groups. The key message here is to reduce the risk by quitting smoking, eating more heart – healthy food/drinks and doing regular exercise. It is time to take responsibility of your own health and make time to exercise.
The Auckland Indian Association has organised Pilates, Bollyrobix and a Walking group. Soon we will be running workshops on health issues ie diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, exercises, nutrition etc. on a regular basis.
Pilates:
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength, endurance, and coordination in the legs, abdominals, arms and back (core). The original six principles were: concentration, control, center, flow, precision and breathing. The Pilates method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy. Many Pilates teachers refer to the group of muscles in the center of the body – encompassing the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks and inner thighs.
At our centre Pilates classes have just been started by an experienced instructor and are gaining popularity. The classes are run every Monday 6.30pm to 7.15pm and the charges are $2.00 for AIAI members and $5.00 for non-members.
Bollyrobix:
Come and enjoy Bollyrobix (exercise to Bollywood music) every Saturday, 7.30am to 8.30am, with a qualified instructor Charge: free for AIAI members and $2.00 for non-members.
You don’t have to be fit or young. It suits people of all ages (men and women). You can exercise according to your own ability and fitness. It is an early start but the session will leave you refreshed and invigorated.
Walking Group:
Walk with your friends or relatives, slow or fast, easy or hard, short or long depends on your fitness and stamina. Presently we have organised 1 to 2 hours (will improve with time) walks on Thursdays and Sundays 8.00am start. Place to meet will depend upon the location of the track.
Workshop:
Please note a presentation/workshop on Osteoporosis has been organised by Purvi Chhichhia, (ProCare) at Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Sunday 17th July at 11am to 12.30pm.
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. Symptoms: There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms occurring late in the disease include: Bone pain or tenderness.
ProCare Health Ltd is actively working and supporting South Asian people including us. On behalf of the AIAI I would like to sincerely thank ProCare staff specially Purvi Chhichhia who is conducting workshops and Ella Kumar who runs our exercise classes for helping our Indian community.
I would like to invite the wider Indian community to take advantage of the services provided to help yourself gain confidence and good health.
For more information please contact:
Ella Kumar Dhiru M Patel
Health and Fitness Professional Chairperson- Health & Fitness Committee
Ph: (H) 09 629 0660 Ph: (H) 09 6266 134
Mobile: 021 047 7642 Mobile: 0274 99 1947
Email: ellakumar@xtra.co.nz Email: dhirubp@hotmail.com