79740

As the Fit 4 Office (F4O) Challenge concludes, Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) has congratulated all participating Members of Parliament for prioritising movement, proving that even the busiest schedules can accommodate physical activity.

Over the past three weeks, 11 MPs from across the political spectrum tracked their activity using Myzone heart rate monitors, demonstrating the benefits of regular movement while engaging in friendly competition.

The challenge set a baseline goal of 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs), with top performers exceeding 3,000 MEPs - an exceptional display of commitment. MEPs measure exercise intensity based on heart rate, rewarding effort rather than just time or distance. The longer participants sustained an elevated heart rate in an active zone, the more MEPs they earned.

Top Finishers
Recognising the top performing MPs who led the way in total MEPs, ExerciseNZ noted that the battler to be lead exerciser remained fierce throughout the challenge, with Julie Anne Genter, Celia Wade-Brown, and Mark Mitchell each leading at various points while Ayesha Verrall also held the top position for several days, demonstrating a strong commitment - primarily through running.

Their efforts highlight the broader dedication to movement and exercise within Parliament, setting a strong example for all New Zealanders.

The top finishers and their final MEP totals as of 11:59pm on 27th March were:

• Julie Anne Genter - 4,758 MEPs
• Celia Wade-Brown - 4,455 MEPs
• Mark Mitchell - 3,703 MEPs

ExerciseNZ also acknowledged Jan Tinetti and Ayesha Verrall, who each surpassed 2,000 MEPs doubling the initial challenge goal while Mark Mitchell recorded the most regular high-intensity workouts, exemplifying leadership as Minister of Sport and Recreation.

Commending all MPs for their dedication, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive, Richard Beddie stated “the Fit 4 Office Challenge was designed to inspire movement and show how achievable it is to prioritise physical activity.

“Seeing MPs embrace the challenge, support each other, and set an example for New Zealanders has been fantastic. This isn’t just about competition - it’s about reinforcing the message that every movement counts toward better health.”

Movement Matters - Beyond the Challenge
Though the F4O Challenge has ended, ExerciseNZ emphasises that the need for regular movement continues. Physical inactivity costs the New Zealand economy over $2.3 billion annually, including $650 million in healthcare costs - highlighting that movement isn’t just a personal benefit but a national one.

ExerciseNZ, alongside Myzone, thanks all MPs for their participation and commitment to leading by example, adding “their efforts demonstrate that, despite demanding schedules, physical activity is achievable for everyone.”

Image: ExerciseNZ's Richard Beddie (centre) with Talani Meikle from GRC Partners and Mark Mitchell - New Zealand Mark Mitchell Minister of Sport and Recreation - at the start of the F4O Challenge.

Related Articles

31st March 2025 - Myzone appoints Jo Walker as Head of Brand and Communications

19th March 2025 - New Zealand Members of Parliament reach halfway mark of ‘Fit 4 Office’ Challenge

3rd March 2025 - New Zealand Parliamentarians set to get ‘Fit For Office’ in national exercise challenge

21st February 2025 - New Zealand’s fitness industry set for significant growth in 2025

30th January 2025 - ExerciseNZ urges New Zealanders to make movement an essential part of their daily lives

27th January 2025 - Myzone establishes global industry advisory group 

21st January 2025 - Myzone announces key appointments to its global leadership team

30th December 2024 - ExerciseNZ urges New Zealanders to set exercise goals that stick in 2025

11th December 2024 - Myzone appoints Tom Davies as Global Marketing Director

1st December 2024 - Les Mills Christchurch named New Zealand’s Supreme Exercise Facility for 2024

30th November 2024 - Awards celebrate best of New Zealand’s fitness industry

20th November 2024 - Federal Parliamentarians join with AUSactive to launch 2024 Fit for Office challenge

8th November 2024 - ExerciseNZ backs Movember men’s health initiative

19th September 2024 - Myzone appoints Vahid B. Zadeh as Chief Technology Officer

9th July 2024 - ExerciseNZ invites entries for 2024 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards

15th December 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie contributes at World Health Organization meeting

26th May 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie critical of New Zealand Government’s focus on elite sport spending

13th April 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie at the formation of new global organisation World Active

21st February 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie appointed to IHRSA Board of Directors

28th December 2022 - ExerciseNZ survey shows New Zealand’s fitness industry has bounced back

2nd October 2021 - New Zealand fitness leaders appointed to IHRSA’s global health and fitness council

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.