Participants conquer ‘No More Excuses’ challenge

28th April 2010

Over the past eight weeks members of local Manukau Leisure fitness centres have been pushed outside their comfort zones on a journey to improved health and fitness.

The ‘no more excuses’ eight-week fitness challenge culminated in two large final workout and graduation ceremonies attended by rugby league legend Ruben Wiki. The eastern area event was held at the Howick Recreation Centre on 26 April followed by the western area event at the Otara Leisure Centre 27 April.

In total, over 120 Manukau residents, across eight gyms, participated in the challenge. Although each had their own unique goals, they worked together in groups sharing inspiration, struggles and successes along the way.

Cockle Bay resident and Marina Fitness member Wayne Olds was the overall eastern area winner and Otara’s Denis Kipa was the western area winner. Both men took home a brand new Polar sports watch to help with their training.

Manukau Leisure’s fitness group manager, Lucy Lloyd-Barker, says the ‘no more excuses’ challenge was designed to be a well rounded programme that could be scaled and modified to suit individual participants.

“Two of our top fitness professionals wrote the programme and put a lot of care into ensuring it was something everyone could benefit from. There have been countless studies showing the benefits of well rounded exercise. This programme had participants burning heaps of calories, training in lots of different ways, and sharing the experience with each other.”

Ruben Wiki says he’ll be back for more and challenges everyone to make healthy and active lifestyle choices, “I love being involved with Manukau Leisure and their fitness challenges. This is the second time I’ve been involved and these graduations are always a good note to finish on. I just hope all these people keep it up and come back for more!”

For more information about Community Gyms visit www.manukauleisure.co.nz or drop in to your local centre.

‘No More Excuses’ challenge winners:

• Overall eastern area: Wayne Olds
• Overall western area: Denis Kipa
• Howick Community Gym (Howick Recreation Centre): Ginny Gartland and Christine Mhyre
• Manurewa Community Gym (Manurewa Aquatic Centre): Garth Thompson and Henare Hemana
• Marina Fitness (Compass Building, Half Moon Bay): Wayne Olds and Louise De Vries
• Mangere Community Gym (Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre): Melody Yeng Tung and Palale Elia
• Te Puru Community Gym (Te Puru Community Centre): Megan Kelly and Linda Petrie
• Otara Community Gym (Otara Leisure Centre): Denis Kipa
• Pakuranga Community Gym (Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre): Sara Le Fleming Burrow and Peter Frederiksen
• Papatoetoe Community Gym (Allan Brewster Recreation Centre): Belinda King and Henry Paoo

8-Week Challenge Group Photo - Manukau West 8-Week Challenge Group Photo - Manukau East