Exercise on prescription programme working well

Taupo doctors have ordered a dose of activity for more than 50 people since the town's "exercise on prescription" scheme kicked off in February.

Patients are given 10 weeks of free one-on-one personal fitness coaching at the Taupo District Council's AC Baths and Events Centre.

Designed to get the sluggish moving, the programme is being piloted in Taupo and Turangi and may be taken up by local authorities in other areas.

A general practitioner or registered nurse must refer patients to the scheme, which is funded by the district council, Sport Waikato and Sport and Recreation New Zealand.

It goes a step further than the successful "green prescription" which in 2003 encouraged 6000 participants nationwide to get more energetic.

Exercise on prescription co-ordinator Anthony McGrath said the Taupo move was getting great results. "We're delighted with the interest and commitment shown by participants."

He said patients with conditions such as type one and two diabetes, arthritis, obesity and heart problems were being referred to the programme.

After just two weeks they had more energy and strength. "Many of them have lost confidence following lengthy periods of inactivity and regaining that also helps their self-esteem," he said.

At Turangi the medicine is delivered on contract by Te Whaiora Sports Trust, with a focus on home-based exercise programmes.

Taupo District Council is leasing the Turangi sports ground pavilion to the trust, giving it a centrally located office and space for fitness assessments and classes.