Beginning on November 6, members of the Preeceville Walking Club have been walking for the betterment of their physical and mental health.
The group plans to conclude its season at the end of April. The walking program is held at the Preeceville Legion Hall and is open to everyone.
“Walking is good for everyone,” said Jackie Blotski, co-ordinator. “It is something everyone can do at his or her own pace. There is small fee this year to help pay for the rental of the hall.
“We walk every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.,” Blotski said. “We have 10 to 12 walkers, mostly women, but with a few men joining in, which is very pleasant to see.
“Walking also helps with weight loss, controlling blood pressure and has numerous other health benefits,” she said.
Walking is the number one preferred physical activity for Canadians. It has many benefits from being a way of getting from one place to another to improving one’s health and sense of well-being, said a release. “Walking makes you feel better and more energetic. It’s a good way to relax, an enjoyable way to visit with family and friends and a natural way to move that is practically injury-free. It strengthens bones and can help control one’s weight.
"Staying motivated is easy,” Blotski said. “Making a habit of walking takes about three weeks to a month. Walk with other people, make a contract with yourself, set measurable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Learn as much as you can about walking, organize special walks with different themes, use walking to help others and make a personal log to keep track of the number of times you walk, how far and how long."
