Thrive Sports & Exercise Medicine

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Thrive Sports & Exercise Medicine

Dr. Louisa Barter specialises in Sports & Exercise Medicine and Women's Health.

As a GP with a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine (PGDipSEM), she brings 15 years of experience in General Practice, Family Planning, and Female Health.

24/07/2026

✨ The Weight of Change ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Rotorua Library for our talk on “The Weight of Change.”

Perimenopause can bring unexpected changes to your body, and for many women, weight gain can feel frustrating, confusing, and out of their control. But you’re not imagining it and you’re certainly not alone.

✨ Together we explored: ✨

🌸 Understanding perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

⚖️ Why our bodies change-including hormones, metabolism, muscle, sleep, stress, and weight.

🥗 Simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies that work.

💉 The facts about weight-loss medications-how they work and when they may be appropriate, specifically the GLP-1 and GIPs.

🏋️ The best types of exercise for midlife health.

💚 Practical, evidence-based ways to feel healthier, stronger, and more confident.

Thank you for the fantastic questions and conversations-we loved sharing this evening with you!

WeightManagement Hormones LifestyleMedicine EvidenceBasedMedicine Rotorua CommunityHealth

10/07/2026

✨Mānawatia a Matariki!✨

Matariki is a time to reflect on the journey so far, appreciate those who have supported us, and look ahead with purpose.

Wishing everyone a season of reflection, renewal, and hope. ✨

27/06/2026

Getting active isn’t about reaching the top of the mountain overnight.

It’s a haerenga (journey).

Sometimes we look at where we want to be and all we see is a huge mountain to climb. But what if you made it a molehill instead? What if you broke it down into smaller stepping stones, rather than trying to leap over boulders?

Every step counts.

A 10-minute walk.
Stretching while the kettle boils.
Getting up from your desk hourly to move your body.
Parking a little further away.
Dancing with your kids.
Strolling in the sunshine.
Taking the stairs instead of the lift.

Research consistently shows that simply sitting less and moving more is linked to better physical health, improved mental wellbeing, and even a longer life. You don’t have to be training for a marathon to make a difference.

Kia iti, kia kaha. Start small, stay consistent.

Your tinana (body) was made to move, and every bit of movement is a gift to your future self.

Celebrate the little wins. Trust the process. Honour your haerenga.

Kia kaha. You’ve got this. 💚

06/06/2026

Thanks for having me ladies at your pink ribbon event!

Such a fun afternoon tea with delicious food, games and an auction all for a great cause.

And always a privilege to asked to speak about my favourite topic…top tips to thrive through perimenopause!

🩷

14/05/2026

I popped into Forward Health Rotorua today to see Davide and Jenna’s new clinic - such an exciting venture for Rotorua.

I had a body composition and bone density scan, which was a really useful way to see where things are at and get a clearer baseline for the future.

For me, there was a personal reason too as my mum had a history for fracturing her hip, so I was keen to understand my own bone density and make sure I am doing all I can to have strong bones.

I really like the idea of using this kind of information to help future-proof your health; not in a dramatic way, but simply to make better decisions around strength, movement, nutrition and staying active for the long run.

And the good news is, there’s a lot we can do. Exercise, strength training, plyometrics, good nutrition and lifestyle changes can all make a real difference to our bodies and bone health.

It’s not about chasing a number. It’s about knowing where you’re starting from, then making a plan that fits.

09/05/2026

This Mother’s Day, we give thanks and honour our mums 🤍

We lost both my mum and my mother-in-law in the past six months. They were strong, active women who lived with significant long-term health challenges. In their final years, both broke a hip; something that, in many cases, can be prevented.

Their stories fuel my passion for changing our own. This gives us the best possible chance at longevity by building strength... in body and in mind.

This Mother’s Day, I’ll be a little selfish. I’ll head out for a long run, something I love, that keeps me fit and gives me space to reflect. Then I’ll spend the day watching and cheering on our boys at football and futsal...doing what they love most.

Holding gratitude, love, and intention today - for the mums we have, and the ones we carry with us 💛

07/05/2026

Temporary stock issues for utrogestan in NZ mean they are brining some in from elsewhere so your packaging may look different next time you collect your script.

02/05/2026

New season, fresh energy 💥

To all the kids / teens stepping into winter sports right now … just showing up already puts you ahead. Consistency beats perfection.

Give your best each day, not just on game day. Focus on growth, not just the scoreboard. Wins will come, but progress is what lasts.

Fuel your body 🍎
Protect it 🛡️
Recover like it matters 😴

Play hard, stay smart, keep growing. 🌱🏆

19/04/2026

How do you stay active through the colder months?

Shorter days. Cooler mornings. Fewer daylight hours.
Winter in Aotearoa doesn’t mean stopping - it means adapting how we move.

✨ Start small...and allow space for bigger goals
• Small goals: daily hīkoi, 6–8k steps, exercise snacks, computer breaks
• Bigger goals: 3 sessions of exercise a week for a month, a winter training block or picking an event to aim for
Motivation looks different for everyone - sometimes consistency is the win, sometimes it’s having something on the calendar.

🚶‍♀️ Movement counts - all of it
• Dog walks
• Walking or biking with tamariki to school
• Hīkoi with whānau or friends
• Indoor options: strength training, yoga, mobility, treadmill sessions, swimming
• Kapa haka - builds strength, balance, coordination and cardiovascular fitness
• Reducing your sedentary time - stand, stretch & move often - improves longevity

🌞 Seek the morning light
Even a short burst of winter sunshine early in the day helps regulate circadian rhythms, supporting sleep, mood, energy and hormones.

👥 Connection & accountability
Who are you accountable to?
• A training or walking buddy
• A kapa haka rōpū
• Whānau, friends or teammates
• A dog who won’t let you skip a walk 🐾

🧠 Why staying active matters
Regular movement supports:
• Mental health & emotional regulation
• Physical strength, bones & joints
• Hormonal health & metabolism
• Longevity and healthy ageing

🧖‍♀️ Winter self-care is part of the picture
Movement includes restoration:
• Sauna, spa, hot pools
• Yoga, breathwork
• Time to yourself - calming the nervous system

🥣 Eat with the season
Nourish your tinana with:
• Wholegrains
• Adequate protein
• Seasonal vegetables
• Warm, nourishing meals that support immunity and recovery

Winter isn’t about doing more.
It’s about moving in ways that feel realistic, meaningful, and connected - to your body, your people, and your culture.

10/04/2026

Looks like we may have stock issues with utrogestan (progesterone)… hold onto your hat’s ladies …this may mean your pharmacy may limit how many utrogestan you are given at a time for a while….

If you have issues getting hold of any please do not go with out, get hold of your medical practitioner for an alternative.

Article is on

Info from pharmac:
https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/progesterone-2

Address

1221 Haupapa Street
Rotorua
3010

Opening Hours

8:30am - 1:30pm

Website

https://www.thrivesportsmed.nz/

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