ExerciseNZ calls for tighter guidelines for high intensity workouts

Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) is calling for industry-wide guidelines around high intensity workouts including a weekly maximum time limit for this type of training for gym-goers.

Saying that the guidelines should be put in place in the context of safety standards for all New Zealanders who exercise, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie has backed Les Mills International Head of Research Bryce Hastings whose new study found just 30 to 40 minutes a week of high intensity interval training (HIIT) was acceptable, reducing the risk of injury or illness compared to longer or more frequent high intensity session.

Beddie says people heading to gyms and exercise facilities to make sure that when they get exercise advice from suitably trained experts, commenting “we think Kiwis deserve protection when getting advice about what to do regarding high intensity training.

“The impact of this latest research study may have impacts reaching beyond that, especially for people exercising in their garage with mates or at a local sports club.

“While educating professionals is one half of the equation, empowering and educating exercisers is just as important. All people who exercise deserve to be safe, regardless of cost or geographical location.

“In New Zealand we have robust and well-regulated health and safety laws and together with industry best practices, forms a great basis for the start of industry standards.

“New Zealand already leads the way internationally with more than 75% of all exercise professionals registered with the NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) which uses the NZQA qualification framework as the basis of its entry criteria, as well as being internationally benchmarked and recognised in over a dozen countries.

“We support the movement for more regulation in the industry as we start to help more and more people getting active. This means the traditionally inactive people, with more unique needs starting to exercise.”

Beddie also called for the New Zealand Government and its agencies to work collaboratively with the exercise industry community to support Kiwis getting into exercise which effectively reduces the burgeoning health bill.

ExerciseNZ represents more than 625 exercise facilities and more than 3200 registered exercise professionals in New Zealand. They provide services to more than half a million Kiwis on a regular basis, making exercise the largest sport in New Zealand.

Image: Richard Beddie

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