Healthy mind and body through Steps to Health
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Finding the motivation to get active can be tough — especially if you’re not feeling like yourself. But when you’re down in the dumps, it’s one of the best things for you. One group of people is getting fit to feel good.
The group is called ‘Steps to Health’. It’s run through the Good Shepherd. They meet once a week to train for a 5 km run. Some of them have never run before — they’re proof that anyone can get active.
Even in the pouring rain, these 20 runners gather every Tuesday morning to practise.
Barb Richardson, runner: “Gets me out of bed every morning in this lovely weather. Go for a great run and you just feel so much better.”
Barb Richardson has lost 70 pounds since she joined steps to health four years ago.
Andy Macdonald no longer needs the antidepressants he relied on before: “It’s really put a lot of gust in me to keep motivated to stay healthy. It’s kept me in the workforce. So I give steps to health a lot of credit.”
Everyone in the group is struggling with some sort of mental health issue. So they’re not just getting fit. Activity is a proven form of treatment for depression and anxiety.
Michelle Letourneau, Steps to Health: “Part of mental health is having medications and talk therapy. But exercise is a big part of it too. And looking after your physical health is what we’re trying to help people to do.”
The friendships members build on the track keep them coming back week after week, year after year.
Bill Pugh, runner: “They’re people like myself. Some people have various disabilities or whatever. But everybody’s kind of trying to better themselves so I’m glad to be part of that.”
On November first, they’ll be running in the Hamilton Marathon Road to Hope.
Esther Pauls, running coach: “So in September we say, you’re gonna’ do the Hamilton marathon. 5 km. That’s your goal, you have to come out.”
With a finish line in mind and the support of their running buddies, they’ve learned anyone can achieve — and even surpass their goals.
Bill Pugh: “I’m just doing the 5 km this time. I may go for 10, we’ll see.”
In addition to mental health issues, some of these runners also have financial challenges. But with enough motivation, anyone can get fit. Some public parks even have fitness stations like these through the City of Hamilton.
