PA runs brisk walking workshops to improve seniors’ fitness

Contributed by Karen Ho

About 400 seniors took part in the Brisk Walking Orientation Workshops organised by the People’s Association (PA) on July 4th, 11th and 18th. The workshops are part of an ongoing initiative to encourage seniors to take part in its Wellness Programme so that seniors expand their network of friends, engage in physical activities and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Through the workshops, the seniors picked up correct brisk walking techniques so that they would be able to reap the health enhancing benefits of brisk walking. Brisk walking is a simple, yet effective form of exercise that can help seniors improve their fitness level and stay healthy.

The workshops were not just theory sessions. Seniors were required to put into practice what they had learnt as there was a practical session following the talk. Trainers were around to ensure that the seniors briskwalked correctly.

One of the participants present at the workshop was 58-year-old Mr Goh Ik Ik. He was inspired by the ability of athletes to walk speedily during brisk walking competitions that he decided to join the brisk walking interest group under the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Wellness Programme.

After he tried out brisk walking with the group for a period of time, Mr Goh felt much lighter and is now able to walk far without feeling tired easily. One important tip that he had picked up from the workshop was to swing his arms when he walked, as that would help increase his walking speed.