Publish date: 16 January 2023
A key feature of the West London Get Fit campaign is sharing staff stories of staying active to inspire and motivate colleagues. We asked Chief Executive, Carolyn Regan to share how she balances staying active with the demands of a busy work schedule.
What activity do you take part in to stay active?
There are a few activities that help me stay fit, although I always aim for improvement. I wear a Fitbit watch to monitor my daily steps and set it at an ambitious 15,000 steps a day (roughly about 6.5 miles of walking), but if I get to 13,000 that’s a good result.
What works for me is moving before, between and after meetings. Getting out and about to see services in operation. Meeting staff and service users benefits my knowledge and learning as well as my daily exercise.
What are the mental and physical benefits of staying active for you?
My go to exercise is yoga which I practice once or twice a week, usually at 6.15 am. Yoga is great for flexibility, excellent for mental and physical health and I really enjoy it.
I also enjoy gardening - come rain or shine. It involves lots of bending down and being outdoors, which is good for your health - I absolutely love it.
Have you set yourself any challenges to stay active for 2023?
Yoga and gardening are two activities that help me switch off and I thoroughly enjoy them. My challenge for 2023 is to do more of them both.
What are you doing to get fit and join the community?
Share your stories with us, email communications@westlondon.nhs.uk and use the hashtag #WestLondonGetFit on your social media posts.