For many people, walking would be the best form of exercise. It is something we learnt at a very early age and a form of exercise which can very easily become part of our everyday life. Pat Butt is one of our walkers who has improved her fitness through walking. This is her story:
‘I joined the SE Fitness walking group almost a year ago in my 69th year. I considered myself fit and healthy but felt I needed something other than my current activities to take me even fitter into my 70’s and beyond.
The walking group can be as energetic and demanding as you would like it to be. As long as you can walk reasonably well, Sally and her leaders emphasize that speed is not important – there is always someone else walking at your pace to chat to, or, it is quite alright to stride ahead if one wants to speed up the pace. Walking with the group once or twice a week has encouraged me to walk where perhaps in the past I would only have driven. I can now walk faster and for longer than I could have 20 years ago! Last May I did the Great Midlands Fun Run (walking of course) in 2hrs 15 mins (8.5 miles) which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Although I have lived in Sutton for most of my life and have walked in Sutton Park for many years, it has occasionally been quite exciting to discover areas never before visited. After one hour of breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty of our park with like minded individuals, I arrive home feeling invigorated, well stretched and ready to tackle the day’s tasks.