Barriere residents who like to walk don’t need to worry about the weather.
Jenifer Oja facilitates the walking program sessions in the gymnasium at the Ridge for people who like to stay active and have some fun as well.
Oja says she is a volunteer for the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre (NTVIC) who offer this activity for the cost of $2 per person, per session.
“Anyone is welcome,” says Oja, “Men and women of any age group or fitness level.”
She notes that there are usually 18 to 20 people attending a session, and that the one hour sessions run from 1 – 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
“We don’t follow a tight structure,,” explained Oja, “Everyone follows their own fitness level.”
Each hour long session is divided into 15 minutes for the various activities included in the walking. This includes a warm-up walk to start, followed by faster walking and upper body movements.
Oja says that just as important as the activity is water time, “When each person stops for a drink of water to make sure the body remains hydrated”.
Attending a session one sees that the routines are not boring, there is laughter and friendly chatting throughout, especially during an activity when balls come into play. Walkers use the balls in gentle exercises that also include getting them into the game baskets up on the wall.
The last 15 minutes of the hour are spent doing no impact aerobics and stretching.
It is a real privilege to offer this opportunity to Barriere,” said Oja, “This provides a means for people to socialize, exercise safely, and all for an affordable fee.”