New Zealand Parliamentarians set to get 'Fit For Office' in national exercise challenge

Members of the New Zealand Parliament from across the political spectrum are preparing to lace up their sneakers and lead by example as part of the Fit For Office (F4O) Challenge.

Set to launch at 8:15am on Wednesday 5th March 2025 on the steps of the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington, the three-week initiative, supported by the Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity while adding a fun, competitive edge among MPs.

With fitness trackers strapped on, participating MPs will engage in daily movement and track their physical activity, showcasing the benefits of exercise not just for the public but for those in leadership positions.

ExerciseNZ’s officiating of the event will start with the distribution of ng Myzone heart rate monitors to MPs ready to begin their activity journey.

Emphasises the significance of the initiative, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive, Richard Beddie stated “Fit For Office is about showing that no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always time to prioritise your health. Our MPs are leaders in many ways, and by actively engaging in this challenge, they are setting an example for all New Zealanders to incorporate movement into their daily routines.”

The initiative supports ongoing research that continues to highlight the significant mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. Just 15 minutes of movement per day can lead to:

• 4% improvement in overall fitness

• 12% increase in energy levels

• 8% better sleep quality

A global report on the economic and health costs of physical inactivity by Deliotte found the New Zealand economy loses over $2.3 billion annually due to inactivity, of which $650 million is by way of increased taxpayer funded healthcare costs.

This challenge encourages all forms of physical activity, from simple tasks like walking and gardening to high-intensity workouts, ensuring MPs can participate regardless of their current fitness levels.

Using Myzone wearable technology, MPs will track their movement and engage in friendly competition via a private leaderboard, with the ultimate goal of achieving 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) in three weeks, aligning with World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity.

The initiative also focuses on practical ways to increase movement, including:

• Group Activities - Exercising with colleagues, family, or friends for motivation.

• Incidental Exercise - Walking, cycling, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Goal Setting - Encouraging MPs to set personal movement goals and track their progress.

The launch event will be open to the media, providing an opportunity to capture MPs embracing healthier lifestyles. MPs will also be encouraged to share their journeys on social media throughout the challenge.

The initiative follows similar challenges in Australia and the United Kingdom.