Why should I do this Program?

6.7% of New Zealanders (approximately 321,000 people) are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (Diabetes NZ).  The prevalence of this condition in NZ’ers aged 30 -39 years has almost doubled over the last 12 years. This is the most widespread health condition we have.  Additionally, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people are prediabetic. 1 in 4 people in NZ aged over 15 years are said to be prediabetic.

People with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes puts people at risk of early death, heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation of toes, feet or legs.   

But, if you have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, the silver lining is that, in many cases, type 2 diabetes can still be prevented through lifestyle changes.   This Program is being developed to help and support people like you in our community to make those changes. 

For those with type 2 diabetes, this Program aims to improve or reduce your symptoms, help you lessen your health risks by improving your overall health and help you gain confidence 

What does the Program cover?

You can read about the key elements of the Program HERE. 

We have designed this Program to provide you with ‘in person’ expert knowledge and guidance to support you to set and work towards your individual goals and improve your diabetic symptoms.  

You get:

• to participate in an individual lifestyle goal setting process at the beginning of the Program; 

• weekly small group exercise session with a qualified exercise coach;

• an individual personal exercise program tailored to your experience, ability and confidence levels.  It is reviewed halfway through the Program and again at the end. We will leave you with a program you can continue on with after the Program has ended;

• blood sugar monitoring at group exercise sessions;

• a small group nutrition advice session and an individual Q & A session, both with a qualified nutritionist.

• free limited membership to the Exercise Studio Silverstream, Upper Hutt, for the duration of the program;

• support from and weekly access to an experienced diabetes medical professional;

• health testing & tracking - blood pressure, weight, sub-maximal VO2 max and HBA1C;

• access to the MOVE YOU closed Facebook group for peer support and inspiration.

Is the Program online or in person?

The MOVE YOU Program is in person.  We will see you on a weekly basis at the Small Group Exercise Session, and to check in with how you are going.  We give you the support that comes from having knowledgeable and experienced professionals, who get to know you personally, available to be alongside you as you go through the highs and lows of that come from changing health habits.

Can a friend, family member or other support person come with me?

Yes.  In fact we strongly encourage it.  A key element of this Program is that you are supported while you are making lifestyle changes, and a part of this is having the support and encouragement of your friends and family. 

What specific diabetes healthcare professional(s) will be involved and how will they support me?

A very experienced diabetes nurse will attend the weekly group exercise class.  You will have the opportunity to talk to her about anything to do with your circumstances. 

Will I be required to have a blood test?

Yes, you will.  You will be required to have one before the beginning of the Program, and another one in the last week.  This blood test will measure HBA1c, the glycated hemoglobin test (which measures your average level of blood sugar over the 3 months immediately before the test).

What is my time commitment during the Program?

You will be asked to attend the weekly Small Group Exercise Session (approx. 45 mins), and perform your own individual exercise program we prescribe for you at least 2-3 other times a week.   

For more information see the times listed under the Important Dates HERE.

What does the Program cost?

The overall cost of the 10-week MOVE YOU Pilot Program is $ 100.00 per participant if you are a patient at Silverstream Health Centre and you meet some funding criteria.  We will check if you are eligible for the funding, once you have enrolled here.  If you are not, we will contact you to discuss.

If you are not a patient at Silverstream Health Centre, please contact us to discuss on 04 939 6088.

Why do you have group exercise session in a gym as part of the Program?

For some people, increasing their activity levels through the increase of ‘everyday’ activities, such as walking up the stairs at work or standing at your desk for periods of time during the day etc, is beneficial.  However, for others doing that will be insufficient to help them achieve their weight loss and overall health goals. 

Diabetes NZ recommends at least 2.5 hours of moderate (or 1.25 hours of vigorous) physical activity spread throughout your week.  

We know that for some of you, you want to be aspirational - in that you want to and believe you can be doing more than just increasing your everyday activities - but that without help it may seem too daunting due to a lack of experience, confidence or support.  This is a key motivator for this Program.  

We strongly believe that, with the right people and in the right supportive atmosphere, everyone can participate in gym exercise classes and experience the physical, mental and emotional benefits that come from doing so.

What will the group exercise session be like?

The classes will be limited to only those who are participants in the Program.  They will be circuit style classes (this just means that you work individually on a type of exercise for a short period of time before moving onto the next one), which allows our qualified exercise coaches to provide you with any modifications or extensions suited to your individual strengths and weaknesses.  The exercises typically done in the classes will be a mixture of cardio and light resistance done at a moderate intensity (which some studies show is most effective at controlling HBA1c levels). But, bear in mind, you do everything to your own ability.

The idea of group exercise makes me uncomfortable, how will you support me to overcome this?

Fair enough, the idea of ‘group work’ is enough to put anyone off.  But, that’s not what this session is about. Read this questions HERE where we describe how even though its a group class, you actually work individually.  The huge benefit of doing the class as a group is that you share the experience with other participants.  These are people who are likely to have similar goals and challenges. It provides the opportunity to learn, laugh and share experiences/stories while you build new habits.  

If you’re worried about what the gym is like, read this question HERE.  If you’re worried about what to wear to the gym, read this one HERE.  Finally, if it sounds good but you are still really concerned about this part of the Program, we will work alongside you to suggest options that help you to overcome your concerns (e.g. it may be that initially you can watch the first session while walking on the treadmill until you have the confidence to try one or two of the exercises etc).  Please just let us know in advance by talking to us individually, or by emailing us at

What will happen in the individual exercise sessions?

With the help of the exercise coach, we will work with you to come up with an exercise program designed especially for you.  

What is the Exercise Studio like?  Will there be other people using it when I am there?

It is a small studio located within Silverstream Village complex alongside Silverstream Health Centre and Inform Physiotherapy.  The Studio has a limited membership and most members are people aged 40 +.  Many of the members come from the Silverstram area and the Studio has a welcoming community feel.  It is designed to be small and inviting, with lots of natural light and high quality equipment. You can read more about The Exercise Studios HERE.

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Most likely there will be others in the Studio when you are there.  However, it is a small Studio so there will not be many, and if you are not a 'gym bunny' you will fit in nicely.

What exercise clothing do I need to have?

You do not need any special items of clothing or shoes to participate.  We simply recommend clothing that you are comfortable moving around in. Consider wearing a couple of layers, so you can remove items if you get hot and still remain comfortable.   With shoes, you don’t need to invest in expensive sport's shoes. We suggest simple casual/sports shoes that you are comfortable walking in and that don't rub or constrict your feet in anyway.

How will my health indicators be measured?

We focus on respecting your privacy and your dignity.  Through-out the Program your health indicators will be measured in private at your one to one session with our exercise coach.  You are welcome to have a support person with you at this session if you want. You will weigh yourself (with us) at the beginning, middle and end of the Program only - not every week. You will be weighed in your clothes but without your shoes.  

We acknowledge that for some people knowing their weight may be an emotionally loaded event. We recommend that you do know your weight, at least at the start and end of the Program, so that you can track your progress.  However, if you are strongly against this, we will still record your weight (for the purposes of the Program) but not disclose it to you unless you ask. If this is the case, please let us know in our first one to one session.

What happens if I cannot attend a group exercise class?

We do not offer ‘catch up classes’ as the Program is designed around you making a commitment to yourself about your health and therefore prioritising your attendance. However, we do understand that emergencies and sickness do arise.  Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend a group exercise class

What information will you get from my GP?

If you are a patient of Silverstream Health Centre, when you enrol, we contact your GP to confirm you meet the attendance and funding eligibility criteria.  This means confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria on the enrolment request form. If you are confirmed as a participant, the only information we seek from your GP is your HBA1c results from you required blood test before the Program starts, again at the end and 3 monthly for the 12 month follow up period.

What will happen to my health information during and after the Program?

We will take reasonable steps to keep your health information secure.  You can read more about what health information we will collect from you, why, and when and to whom we may disclose it HERE.   If you have any concerns you can contact our Privacy Officer at support@moveyou.co.nz.