Health Walks help Gill with her cardiac rehabilitation

Gill first came along to the Danestone Health Walk with Walk Aberdeen as part of her rehabilitation following a heart attack. This is her experience.

Walk Aberdeen Big Fit Walk 2018

I had a heart attack a few years ago and was slowly getting back to being active.  I also have Type 2 diabetes and have always found exercise hard.  During my cardiac rehabilitation programme with NHS Grampian I was encouraged to continue with regular exercise and find a local class where I could maintain an active lifestyle.

 I tried a few classes on and off and finally decided that the offer from Sport Aberdeen’s Active Lifestyles programme would suit me.

It is great to walk with a group of people and get involved in their ‘chatter’.  I live alone so the company has really helped me.  I was also inspired by the ability of the two ladies who walked with us.  Despite being quite a bit younger than them I felt really pushed to keep up with them.

During the walks or over coffee, we heard about Sport Aberdeen’s activities aimed at people recovering from a long-term illness, just like me.  When I investigated membership and realised all that would be available to me, I thought it was an inexpensive way to look after my health.

I have gone along to low impact classes such as Zumba Gold, Fit to Dance and Aqua Zumba.  I don’t attend the Health Walk anymore but would recommend it as a great starting point for anyone.

Health Walks aren’t just a destination, but more of a starting point.  They get you into the habit of being active and let you see your fitness level compared to others.  They were also a great source of information about the benefits of being active, the positive impact this can have on health and everything else that is available for people like me.

Walk Aberdeen is a Scottish Health Walk Network member and offers 17 Health Walks across Aberdeen. Find out more on our website.

Walk Aberdeen is part funded by our Walking for Health fund

Find out about your local Health Walk using our Health Walk map