Trading TV for Tai Chi

May 2011

Hafizur Rahaman is literally walking the talk.

Thanks to his completion of the Getting Started physical activity and healthy eating  programme, run by the Otara Health Charitable Trust, the Indo-Fijian man from Manukau has started walking daily with his wife and daughter as part of their overall healthier lifestyle.

Hafizur, who has multiple health conditions, was referred to Getting Started by his doctor last year. He used to play soccer for local and district club teams when he was younger but says that his levels of physical activity dropped when he arrived in New Zealand.

Getting Started is a weekly healthy lifestyles programme available in Otara, combining physical activity with information about healthy eating and guest speakers. Participants complete a three-month programme before being assessed and transferred into the graduate programme, which supports them to continue working towards a healthier lifestyle.

Through his involvement in Getting Started, Hafizur says he learnt about the importance of healthy eating and had the opportunity to try new activities such as tai chi.

“I’ve realised that sitting in the chair or watching TV is not going to help me.

“I learned a lot, especially about my eating habits, which have now changed. I used to eat a lot of oily stuff but now I’ve changed to greens and salads. I’m also more active now. I take both my daughter and wife for walks. We are walking half an hour morning and afternoon, everyday.”

Since joining Getting Started in October 2010, Hafizur has lost about three kilograms and about nine centimetres from around his waist. He has also increased his fitness level and is able to walk faster and further than he could when he started. He has transferred into the Getting Started graduate programme and still attends on a weekly basis.

“I feel better, much better. I’ve learned a lot and I’m even going to buy resistance bands so my family and I can do exercise indoors in winter.

“If I continue at this, maybe I’ll become 10 years younger,” he jokes.

Otara Health’s health promotion team leader, Maddi Schmidt, says the changes Hafizur has enjoyed are typical of the results Getting Started participants achieve.

“Hafizur has not only improved his physical fitness but also developed personally during his time with us. These are the kinds of results we see each week amongst people who want to get started on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle.”

Getting Started is supported by the Counties Manukau District Health Board’s Creating a Better Future strategy and funded by the Ministry of Health, Total Healthcare Otara and ProCare Network Manukau.

• For more information about joining Getting Started, phone (09) 265 2746 or click on Keeping Active