Local walking group motivates members to keep in shape
“People come, and they go,” said Ann Jaszewski, “But I, myself, have been doing this for about 15 years.”
Jaszewski, a resident of Gilroy for most of her life, is one member of a walking group that meets every Wednesday morning to exercise and enjoy each other’s company. The eight women, in their early 50s to late 80s, walk six to eight miles in two hours; many also walk on their own or with other groups as well. They walk in San Martin, Gilroy and Morgan Hill, depending on whose turn it is to host the group. Suzanne Jaszewski, Ann Jaszewksi’s daughter-in-law, added that the group also takes “field trips” to local destinations such as San Francisco and Monterey.
These women aren’t alone in recognizing the benefits of exercising together. In its guide, “The ACSM Fitness Book,” the American College of Sports Medicine says exercising in a group can be beneficial because it can make an otherwise dull fitness routine more fun. When an exercise program is enjoyable, participants are more likely to continue. The ACSM also noted that some aerobic exercises are safer when done in groups.
The women walk early in the morning, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. They vary the paths they take, but try to stick to open areas such as Christmas Hill Park or roads with less traffic. They chat as they exercise, taking a moment now and then to admire a well-kept yard or an attractive home. “We get to see things at a walking pace,” said Ann Jaszewski.
Women have joined the group for a variety of reasons. Ann Jaszewski values the exercise walking provides, but also acknowledges the benefits of spending time with friends. “It’s really good therapy for the mind,” she said. “For me, it’s special. We’re support for each other.”
Virginia Acton, of Morgan Hill, had similar reasons for joining the group 15 years ago. “It was mostly for health, to lose weight, and the friendship,” she said.
“We never stop talking,” said Margaret Blair, also of Morgan Hill. “That’s a stress reliever. When you have someone to talk to, and you’re friends, it’s wonderful.”
Along with the mental and physical benefits of walking together, being part of a group motivates many of the women to continue exercising. “You don’t want to let your group down,” explained Suzanne Jaszewski.
Acton added that being with a group made exercising more fun and easier to keep up.
“To go out and walk with a group is wonderful. That is motivation,” said Blair. “It’s a little harder to get up in the morning, get yourself dressed and take off, but when you know you’re meeting your group, it’s wonderful.”
Hiking or walking has been a big part of many group member’s lives. “Some of us have hiked Europe, hiked the Alps, the Canadian Rockies, the Nepali Coast of Hawaii. We were very seasoned hikers,” said Blair. “Now that we’re older, we’re walkers,” she joked. Some of the women have participated in the Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco and the Wharf to Wharf 10-kilometer race from Santa Cruz to Capitola; Ann Jaszewski plans to participate this year.
The benefits of walking helps the group combat the effects of getting older. At an age when many others stand to lose mobility and independence, the women of the walking group are energetic and strong.
Strolling along the road, they hardly seem old, and, said Blair, “You know what? We don’t feel old.”
For more information on fitness programs, visit the American College of Sports Medicine at www.acsm.org. ACSM also provides certification for fitness professionals, and has a searchable database of trainers in the United States.
