Physical activity is proven to benefit our mental health and also reduce risks in every major cause of death for every demographic in New Zealand – everything from diabetes, and Cardiovascular disease, to strokes and cancer, and from suicide to dementia.

Fit for Office (F4O) is all about using MPs own journey with physical activity to help encourage all kiwis to be physically active. 

This three-week initiative uses heart rate monitors to measure MP’s activity and has a leaderboard (on an App) to add in a fun, competitive edge for MPs – the leaderboard is not publicly viewable.

Participating MPs will track their physical activity, and are encouraged to share their journey (photos and stories) as well as showcasing the benefits of exercise not just for the public but for those in leadership positions.

F4O is about showing that no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always time to prioritise your health. 

If you are a MP who is not participating and want to, please email richard.beddie@exercisenz.org.nz for more information.

• Wednesday 5 March 08.15am  – Launch at Parliament & distribution of Myzone heart rate monitors.
• Friday 7 March 12.01am – Competition begins.
• Monday 17 March – Mid-point update on participants achievements. Media will likely do a story about this.
• Friday 28 March 11.59pm – End of Competition – top ranking participants on the leaders board will be announced (don’t worry, we won’t share the details of those ranked lower – all physical activity is worth celebrating)

The run sheet for the launch event can be found here.

We encourage MPs to record some video of their personal journey (recorded in landscape mode to be TV friendly) that we can share with media (they have asked for it already).  Any updates and posts of workout and activities are also encouraged.

Here are some sample social media posts that you can use for social media.

Introduction:

• I’m taking part in Fit for Office an initiative where MPs physical activity is tracked to show how important it is for us all to be physically active. Follow me to watch my progress.
• As part of my commitment to be physically active today I am…

Follow up posts:

• How are you staying active today?
• What is your favourite form of physical activity?
• I’ll keep you updated as we progress – share your best tips for how you keep active when you are busy?
• What do you think are good ways to encourage friends and whānau to be active?
• By staying active you are reducing your risk of chronic diseases, lowering your blood pressure, improving heart health and enhancing your sleep.
• Staying active helps mental health – new activity patterns foster feelings of clam and wellbeing, release endorphins which help lift your spirit energise your mind and keep you motivated.

The following are some factoids that can be used in your posts

• Physical inactivity costs the New Zealand economy $2.3B a year*
• Physical inactivity costs $650M a year in increased taxpayer funded healthcare costs*
• World Health Organisation recommends 150mins per week of moderate physical activity or 75 mins (1hr15mins) of moderate to high intensity physical activity.
• Physical activity can increase lifespan by 10+ years.
• Physical activity helps with the reduction of: heart disease, stroke risk, cancer, dementia and improves mental health.
• Physical activity has been shown to be the most effective intervention for depression, anxiety and stress. ^

Sources:

*Deloitte – Economic Health & Societal well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health and Fitness Sector – NZ.

^British Medical Journal – Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and stress.

Remember to tag us in on any posts you make about Fit For Office

• Facebook: ExerciseNZ
• Instagram: exercisenewzealand
• #fitforoffice2025

 This information sheet contains:

• General Information on the initiative
• How to set up your App and join the competition
• How to use the monitor to gain MEP points (the competition)
• Some exercises you may consider doing

Useful links and videos

• Getting started with your Myzone-Switch – Click here
• How can I Find/Update my Myzone-Switch Firmware Version – Click here
• Am I Wearing the Correct Strap for my Myzone -Switch – Click here
• Myzone-Switch FAQs – Click here

Troubleshooting

• Why won’t my Myzone-Switch connect – Click here
• How to connect your device to your iPhone – Click here
• How to connect your device to your Android phone – Click here

Myzone Fit For Office Concierge

Rod Brooks is F4O’s dedicated tech support for all Myzone related issues rod.brooks@myzone.org