A national campaign, entitled the ‘Aviva Get Fit Challenge,’ was launched yesterday to help the nation take greater control of their health. The campaign was launched by Aviva Health insurance on foot of survey results that worryingly reveal two in three (70%) Irish people do not have a pro-active approach to their health, while nearly one third admit they exercise rarely, if at all.
This research is consistent with previous research carried out by Aviva that showed almost half (48%) of Irish people are ‘overweight’ or ‘dangerously overweight’ and that there is a clear gender bias, with 61% of men and 39% of women reportedly being overweight.
Four brave hopefuls have volunteered to take part in the Aviva Get Fit Challenge and follow a gruelling six week fitness programme. In addition to getting fit, the team will attend a weekly nutrition class and also have a full medical check up to help them achieve their personal fitness, weight loss and health goals. Participants include 29 year old Social Worker, Triona Cullen from Meath who is determined to “look great in that bridesmaid dress” at her sister’s wedding and Nurse, Claire Finnan from Tipperary who “wants to lose the baby weight.”
The three challenge experts, G.P. and member of Aviva’s Medical Council, Dr. Stephen Murphy, fitness guru and founder of FitSquad, Kate Ryan, and nutritionist Sarah Keogh, will assess participants, devise a tailored six week plan of food and fitness. The plans will be posted online for everyone to follow free on the Aviva Health website from today. The page will be updated regularly with the participants’ progress, tailored weekly nutrition plans, exercise regimes, new recipes and expert advice.
Aviva has issued a challenge to all men and women across Ireland to join in the fitness campaign and follow participants online on the official Aviva Health website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/avivaireland. As a further incentive, Aviva is offering all of those who ‘Like’ the Aviva Get Fit Challenge on Facebook a chance to win one of six €100 vouchers for sports equipment, which will be given out weekly.
Commenting at the launch, Dr. Stephen Murphy, G.P. and member of Aviva’s Medical Council said, “When it comes to health, prevention is better than cure. Regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as boosting feelings of wellbeing that increase energy and reduce stress. I urge everyone to take part in the challenge and tackle their own personal fitness goals.”
“We should undertake a minimum of 30 minutes exercise three to five times a week. The reality is that we don’t always find the time and more often than not we find reasons not to exercise,” said Kate Ryan. “People need a ‘game plan’ that sets realistic exercise goals and doesn’t overdo it. The Aviva Get Fit Challenge will show people how to lose fat, gain muscle tone and improve everything from sleep patterns to their diet.”
First time mum, Claire Finnan said, “I had a baby girl ten weeks ago and I really want to get back in shape for me and my family. My biggest obstacle right now is time. It’s difficult to be away from a newborn, so I plan to give 100% of my energy to every fitness session and use baby Katy-May as my personal inspiration.”
Source : Aviva new release
