Fitness a pleasure, not a duty

A Nelson City Council initiative may be the best idea yet for getting women of all ages involved in sport.

As a male, I can only guess at the problems faced by women in taking the plunge. Men's testosterone-driven egos make them more likely to enter a competitive event because they see it as a challenge.

It doesn't seem to be that way with women. I don't think it's a fear of failure, although it may be. Whatever the reason, females seem to need much more coercion to get them out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

That's why the Activator Series seems to be working so well.

Under the guidance of Amanda Dykzeul, women are being given a 25-week introduction to sports such as swimming (pool and sea), aquajogging, yachting, rowing, waka paddling, walking, orienteering and cycling (both on and off-road), not to mention getting information on stretching, nutrition and the skills of bike maintenance.

It's a lot of stuff. On Wednesday I talked to two women in their fifties who attended the series last year and are now back for more.

They're lucky to be there. With numbers limited to 100, there's nearly that number again on the waiting list.

Alison Warren, 53, enrolled in the Activator Series last year.

"I've never been particularly sporty, but have always enjoyed a bit of walking, swimming and tramping. While my children were growing up we were very busy with pony club, so that took most of my weekends and spare time. Now they've all left home I have more time for other sorts of recreation.

"I had already joined Curves Gym, started more walking, cycling and swimming, and done one Nelson Women's Triathlon when I signed up to the 2008 Activator. I really enjoyed the series, which is why I signed up again.

"The great thing about the Activator Series is the varied three-week bites at different activities, with lots of good information and opportunity to ask the silly questions. It also got my confidence up, and I've been able to take on a few new challenges: I did a beginner road cycling course with Karen Fulton, a few swimming lessons with Lionel Padial, tried the sea swims, a couple of 10km runs, the Marlborough and Nelson women's triathlons, duathlons and the short triathlon at Rabbit Island and the Tussock Spirit of the Moutere 60km cycle race.

"My goal for this summer is to try all the Activator sports, especially looking forward to waka ama and orienteering, and complete the Wild Coaster and Source to Sea cycle races. For me, achieving the distance in the cycle races is the challenge, and training with a goal in mind keeps me focused and challenging myself."

Pat Halifax, 57, has had a lifelong interest in outdoor exercise, but for the past four years she's worked behind a desk. Just over a year ago, she heard about the Activator.

"I thoroughly enjoyed each of the different activities. We had experienced people who were passionate about their sport showing us how to do it safely and to get the most out of it. At no time throughout the course was I made to feel inferior. We were able to go at our own pace, but encouraged to try that bit harder."

Since then, Pat's done the Nelson Women's Triathlon, some 5km walks and is back in the pool doing 50 lengths three times a week, as well as joining in with the Striders walking group each Tuesday night during the winter.

Mountainbiking has also joined her hit list. With her husband she's off to ride Otago's Rail Trail this month and has her sights set on the Rainbow Rage next year. She says the secret is to keep things achievable.

"I want my activities to be enjoyable, not a duty."

"I have to tell you that the Activator Series is very well run. They have the best instructors who are approachable and friendly and only too willing to help if you have a problem with anything. If there are any women out there who feel their life needs a bit of a lift no matter what fitness level they're at, the series will increase their confidence and fitness level and you will make a lot of new friends. Amanda is amazing and I really appreciate the effort and dedication she has made for the series. I hope it continues to run each year so that the women of Nelson will be able to experience all types of activities and get the buzz out of it that I have."

Although the series is full, women are encouraged to check the website, nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/womens-activator-series and the accompanying blog site and keep in touch with opportunities for women.