A walking group at University College Worcester is making strides in fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, and wants to increase club participation this year. Senior Sports lecturer Haydn Jarrett has been working closely with the Worcester Heart Support Group and cardiac unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, to offer fitness and support to people who may not consider themselves "normal" exercisers. Since beginning 10 months ago, the "Walking For Health" meetings regularly attract more than 20 participants each week. The sessions are aimed at anyone, with or without health issues, who want to enjoy the benefits of gentle, social, exercise. As Haydn is trained in cardiac rehabilitation, people with angina, weight problems, current or ex cardiac patients, diabetics, chronic lung problems, have all attended the hour long sessions held at the University College’s St John’s campus.
 | | Walking for Health |
The sessions begins with a gentle stroll, progresses to a brisk walk, and culminate in a cool down period to gradually raise and lower a participant’s heart rate. The group also stops for a quick 'cuppa' after their exertions, to help build a strong team spirit. "The aim is to improve and maintain the health of all participants and in particular support cardiac work within the community in a supervised environment," said Mr Jarrett. "It’s great social exercise and people with or without health conditions can meet up and have a chat about their experiences, so we'd encourage anyone in a similar position to come along and become involved this year." Sixty-three year old David Evans from St John's, Worcester had a quadruple bypass in August and has been a regular walker both pre and post operation. "I became aware of the club through the Worcester Heart Support Group and the exercise really helped me to build up my fitness and strength before the operation," he said. "The walking makes you feel good and it has become a great way to meet people with similar issues." Eighty year old Joyce Taylor from St John’s attended after her husband Peter was referred to the group to help his heart condition. "There’s a great sense of people being together, and the fact that the walking is supervised really puts peoples minds at rest," she said. Anyone interested in joining the Walking for Health initiative can contact Haydn Jarrett on 01905 855227. | 
