Joanne's Active Teams story

Joanne Aston, 58, from Littleborough, working in Todmorden

I have always been active, but probably even more so over the last 35 years, especially after having my children.

Being active has always been something I enjoy. Whether it's walking, running, getting out into the hills, spending time in parks or following canal paths, I love being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Alongside outdoor activities, I've also enjoyed a variety of gym classes over the years, including kickboxing, Body Combat, Zumba, step, yoga and Pilates.

I've experienced a couple of major health issues during my life, which temporarily affected some of the activities I could do. However, I genuinely believe that my base level of fitness helped my recovery and enabled me to get back on track more quickly.

One of the things I love most about walking and running is that they're accessible. Apart from the initial cost of a good pair of trainers or walking shoes, they don't cost anything. Just as importantly, they give me time to be mindful and have a positive impact on my mental wellbeing. Sometimes all it takes is putting my headphones on, getting outside and giving myself the headspace to put things right.

The impact of Active Teams

I don't think Active Teams has necessarily made me more active, but what it has done is create conversations – and positive conversations at that.

It's encouraged people to think about what they're already doing, what they could do more of, and how active they really are. It has brought colleagues together, created opportunities for support and motivation, and sparked some healthy competition between teams.

That said, I've also had conversations with people who have felt pressure. Some have compared themselves to others and felt they weren't doing enough. It's easy to fall into that trap and start creating barriers for yourself.

What I've tried to encourage people to recognise is that being active looks different for everyone. Not everyone can run every day or get to the gym regularly, and that's absolutely fine. Active Teams isn't about competing with the ultra-fit or the people who exercise every day. It's about motivating and encouraging people to think more about moving and finding ways to be active that work for them.

Even I have felt occasional pressure. When people have said things like, "You're really going for this, aren't you?" I've found myself explaining that I'm not actually doing anything different. I'm simply recording the activities I would normally be doing anyway.

More than just physical activity

As someone who was already active before joining Active Teams, I don't think the programme has changed how much I move, how happy I feel or how confident I am. I already enjoy being active and love the feeling of being energised, building strength and maintaining an active lifestyle.

What it has done, however, is create valuable conversations across the practice and within teams.

In particular, it has opened up discussions around women's health, ageing well and the importance of maintaining strength as we get older. More women are talking about how staying active now can help us remain healthier, stronger and more independent in the future.

The reality is that the exercises we do today help us with the everyday tasks we'll need to perform later in life:

• Farmer's walks = carrying shopping bags.

• Romanian deadlifts (RDLs) = picking up bags and objects safely.

• Squats = getting up from a chair, sofa, bed or toilet.

• Shoulder presses = lifting items onto higher shelves.

When you think about it that way, strength training isn't just about fitness – it's about preparing your body for everyday life.

One of my favourite quotes comes from someone I really admire, marathon runner and Guinness World Record holder Christine Hobson:

"Strength training isn't just for the gym. It's what helps you carry shopping, climb stairs, move the sofa and tackle everyday tasks with a little more ease."

I think that sums it up perfectly.