Fitness & Fresh-Air routines

Have you noticed the free outdoor exercise equipment at Saxton playing fields, Tahunanui beach next to the mini golf area or on the Maitai river walkway? Have you considered using it but not quite sure what you should do or if you would be able to use it safely?

Nelson City Council responded to this and in partnership with Ange Baker, Falls Prevention Coordinator for Nelson with Nelson Bays Primary Health, have organized Fitness & Fresh-Air. It was recognized that navigating through Covid had been a ‘long haul’ for everyone and the restrictions needed to stay safe over the past years have impacted on many seniors’ overall well-being. Lots of people stayed away from their regular exercise classes and routines. Re-establishing your regular exercise routine is an important step back to normality and Fitness & Fresh-Air could be just what you are looking for. It is a free one-hour outdoor class for older people who want to enjoy the out-doors. Participants meet, walk along the reserves, are supervised, and instructed on the out-door equipment by an ACC approved instructor, with physical focuses on strength and balance to help you Live Stronger for Longer. Going for a coffee afterwards is encouraged as social time is as important as the physical activity.

Fitness & Fresh-Air is a great combination providing practical advice, support and encouragement enabling people to confidently re-visit the equipment and workout at other times. The sessions are open to all abilities, but participants must be able to walk for 30 minutes unassisted. Just turn up, bring a water bottle and a rain jacket if it’s raining.

Fitness & Fresh-Air is now held at 3 locations:

Saxton Sports field

Mondays 12 noon

Tahunanui next to the mini golf area, Thursdays at 12 noon

Maitai river walkway

Thursdays 12 noon