“Following a routine appointment with a nurse at my local surgery, I was told a few home truths about being overweight (nothing I didn’t know already), however, the way in which I was told was really quite hurtful. This was the push I needed to make me seriously think about how to make some changes to my lifestyle. I needed to think consciously about what I was eating, also drinking (the wine would have to go) and start planning meals a bit more etc etc. I was offered a referral to Slimming World which I accepted. So this was the start…
Having decided that the answer was not just a diet alone, some regular exercise would be needed, but what to choose? Being overweight, I couldn’t face going to the gym! Around the same time, there were some free Norfolk Nordic Walking Taster sessions being organised by our Aviva Wellbeing Group at work. I thought this could be it, a good way to incorporate some regular exercise, so signed up. Anyone can walk, right? Well, as it turns out, there is a bit of a technique to master, but in the capable hands of our instructor, Rebecca, I soon had my ‘NWUK Passport’ and was on my way.
Just over a year ago when I started, I was the one always at the back huffing and puffing, trying to keep up with the others. What a difference a year makes. Now it’s a different story. I can’t believe how much my fitness has improved over the year. Some niggling hip pain from osteoarthritis is now non-existent. I am no longer at the back of the group, nearer the front. I have bags more energy, so much so, I have joined Rebecca and the Norfolk Nordic Walking Team to compete in the 2020 Marriott’s Way Half Marathon in February, being nearly eight stone lighter!
Rebecca runs two workout sessions a week up at Broadland Business Park which I regularly attend (shifts allowing). As these sessions take place straight after work, I just love the convenience of it. I can get straight out of the office after a stressful day at work and we soon get walking at a brisk pace to blow away the cobwebs. The hour flies by.
I cannot recommend this form of exercise enough. It has helped me immensely over the past year. In fact you could say, it has changed my life. If you don’t know what to do to get a bit more active, please try this. You will be welcomed into a friendly group of like minded people of mixed ability and I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
THE AMAZING PAM LOST 8 STONE – Here’s her story
I am currently on a trip up the coast from Perth in Western Australia with a group of young back packers (I am 72). Yesterday I did a challenging 3 1/2 mile trek into Kalbarri Gorge with some abseiling included. My younger friends and the guide were impressed with what I achieved with remarks ‘my mother could not have done that’ and ‘do you go to a gym’ from a young Chinese lad who wants to be able to do this when he is my age. I could not have achieved this without you Ian and all the resistance training circuits, trek fit at Ryland, Hill walking in the Clent Hills and your team of walk leaders, Elaine, Malcolm, Carol