Squash: for a healthier New Zealand

Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand - accounting for 30% of deaths annually. On a positive note, research tells us that this can be significantly improved if more people were physically active on a regular basis.

Physical Activity Guidelines

The New Zealand Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that:

• Adults should be engaging in 30-60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity, 5 times a week; or vigorous intensity for 20-60 minutes at least 3 times a week (or a combination of moderate / vigorous activities 3-5 days per week); and
• Children should be active for at least 60 minutes every day.

The guidelines also recommend that people should do:

• Full body muscular strength routines twice a week; and
• Flexibility exercises 1-2 days per week.

It is no secret that squash is the world’s healthiest sport and is the perfect way to meet these guidelines.

How you can help others fall in love with squash and live a healthy life

Squash New Zealand believes that group programmes are the most effective way to enable members to fall in love with squash so they choose to play regularly. This means people are much less likely to leave your club if they are participating in social and enjoyable activities.

• Ensure there is a good variety of group programmes that meet the needs of your community
• Be inclusive and support your new members to start the smart way
• Speak to your members frequently throughout their membership
• Gain feedback from your members about days and times that programmes are running
• Provide regular coach development opportunities so people understand why and how they can help themselves
• Inform people about what programmes and other services your club has to offer