Member Benefits
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{{label}}Kate Naess - 3 min read
02 June 2022
Retired Paralympian Kate Naess loves how AIA Vitality encourages her to stay healthy while rewarding her in the process.
I was training three times a day when I first started using AIA Vitality. Naturally, I’d earn my weekly Active Benefit by hitting my exercise goals every week, and I loved it. It always felt like a little accomplishment when I had a notification pop up, telling me I now had five dollars to spend.
Now that I’ve retired and am pregnant, I don't train as often as I did.
Pregnancy dramatically changed my outlook on exercise. The first few months were tough on my body, and I couldn’t go for runs outside. I was demoralised – I loved running, and it was my usual go-to workout. I started losing motivation, and stopped hitting my weekly exercise targets.
This was where AIA Vitality really helped me get back on track. I used the program’s 30-minute benchmarks to structure my workouts. I took up sessions of light yoga and Pilates, and when I was feeling better, I added swimming to the mix. Each time I exercised – even if it wasn’t at the intensity and duration I was used to – I earned points, and that positive reinforcement really encouraged me to keep going.
I track all my workouts through my Garmin smartwatch (which AIA members can get a discount on), which easily syncs with AIA Vitality to award my points.
Exercise plays a huge role in our holistic wellbeing – it's also an easy way to earn yourself up to 100 AIA Vitality Points each day that count towards your weekly Active Benefit.
All: Go for a 30-minute brisk walk or jog around the neighbourhood.
Something: Have a short stretching session from home.
Whichever way you choose to exercise, any effort you make still counts towards a healthier you – give yourself a pat on the back when you’re done. Remember, All or Something!
When I first started using AIA Vitality, I calculated my AIA Vitality Age through the online tool, and I was a year younger than my actual age, which was a pleasant surprise. It's also a great snapshot of my health, just like the app’s other self-assessments.
I make it a point to complete the various self-assessments each year – these include physical health, mental health, and even a guided tutorial on how to check your skin for potential cancers.
These are great check-ins for me, as I wouldn’t normally ask myself these questions when I go to the doctor. Plus, every AIA Vitality Point I earn helps me unlock access to great rewards.
When you earn points, they go towards earning your next AIA Vitality Status. There are four– bronze, silver, gold and platinum – and each status unlocks different tiers of discounts.
The endota spa e-Gift card discount is my favourite reward by far – it's a real treat when life gets a little too hectic. I’m also looking forward to up to 50 per cent cashback on the base fare of eligible Virgin Australia flights, thanks to my Platinum Status.
Earning points also gets you shopping rewards, including gift cards from various retailers. I usually get exercise gear from Rebel Sport, but this year, it was a split between indoor plants from Bunnings and online shopping from Myer.
The beauty of AIA Vitality is how it guides and encourages you to make healthier choices – the rewards and benefits reassure you that you’re on the right track. And no one’s ever complained about a weekend spa treat, right?
Inspired to transition from Para-equestrian to Para-triathlon in 2014 by her late mother, Vicki, AIA Vitality Ambassador Kate Naess continues to build her reputation as one of the best triathletes in the world. A registered Psychologist and mother to two-year-old Henrik, Kate is excited to share her expert health and fitness advice with OneLife readers.
Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Some benefits including Shopping Rewards, gym membership discounts and cashback on eligible Virgin Australia flights vary between AIA Vitality and AIA Vitality Starter.
See here for more details.
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AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health, offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.