Tongan fitness guru boosts Pacific health outcomes

A fitness programme combining medical knowledge and fitness is supporting health gains for Pacific communities.

Personal trainer Motekiai Tangi was pleased to see the success from Fitness Sci-Tec, a collaboration with medical and fitness professionals.

“We have people who are now able to walk. We've got one patient who was receiving insulin as well as metformin … and he's gone from taking one pill to half a pill.

“And he's gone from not being able to work to now being able to work, now he's on a work-ready program.’’ Shares Tangi.

Motekiai Tangi with colleague/Photo - Facebook Fitness Sci-Tec

The customised fitness programme was initially started for patients suffering from medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure and is offered at five clinics across Auckland.

‘’We approach the problem from evidence-based practice”, said Motekiai.

“We look at, ‘What is the relationship between diabetes and exercise? How do we best provide exercise or nutrition that is in line with the current situation?’”

Fitness activity/Photo - Facebook Fitness Sci-Tec

Pacific people top the obesity rates in Aotearoa, at 68 per cent. Counties Manukau had the highest rates of individuals living with a high weight.

More than a quarter of Pacific children in the country are obese, with predictions a quarter of the New Zealand population could be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the next 20 years.
Motekiai is passionate about helping people and was excited when the programme was expanded to other health conditions, including cancer.

“We've got patients with arthritis we can manage in-house with the skills and qualifications that we have. We can manage up to stage three in remission, but it's dependent on the patient's condition.’’

The programme was hailed as a success story in a report by the Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti.

Tangi hoped the ministerial recognition and ongoing success would lead to Fitness Sci-Tech being offered at more medical practices.

Watch the full interview here: