Does ‘being physically active’ happen to include lifting a stubby to one’s lips?

More New Zealanders than ever exercising
17 March 2006

More New Zealanders than ever claim to be exercising each week.
New figures released today by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) show that as at December 2005, 66 per cent of New Zealanders were physically active, up from 51 per cent just a year earlier.

In the study, carried out by AC Nielsen, Sparc defined physically active as those who for six months or more had engaged in physical activities five or more times per week, for a weekly total of 2? hours or more.

However, the study identified households with very young children as continuing to remain insufficiently active. Aucklanders were also more likely to be insufficiently active.

Sparc's general manager of participation, Deb Hurdle, described the results overall as "heartening".

"We're thrilled that our message is reaching the right people," she said.
Ms Hurdle cautioned, however, that with the end of daylight saving this weekend it was easy for physical activity to become a low priority.

"Kiwis need to Push Play for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week to reap health benefits," Ms Hurdle said. "Winter is not an excuse to hang up the trainers."