Joanna's walking technique wins over sceptical journalist

Lucy was researching an article on walking for The Telegraph and decided to attend one of my Walking Spa Breaks to find out more about walking with technique.

"I was very sceptical about how life-changing Joanna's walking technique really would be and presumed that like all the things that promise lasting impact, this would be another fad that I would enjoy at the time and let slip. Having enjoyed running for 2 years, going 3 times a week for 20 minutes each time, I felt good in that I was active and therefore managed to get through the week with less guilt (!), but I didn't experience any weight loss or shape change."

During the demonstration that I give in our first practical walking session at each Walking Spa Break, Lucy started to think about the different impact that my technique could have on her muscles, engaging muscles in the leg and buttocks that were never engaged through jogging but work hard when walking 'correctly'.

"It was this that made me make a life changing decision and I gave up running in favour of walking. I considered myself very active, running, looking after the kids, walking the dog and cycling too. By going to the Walking Spa Break and working directly with Joanna, I learnt that I needed to aim to achieve 7,500 steps during my day and that meant really putting in the effort to get the results I wanted. Instead of cycling into town, I now walk. I no longer jog, preferring to walk and frankly I have been astonished at the difference that this has made."

In the first week, Lucy lost 2lbs and was much more toned. Now, having continued to walk, her jeans feel looser and her whole body, much firmer and fitter.

"I knew that jogging wasn't sustainable as I was having back ache and some pain in my knees but I never dreamt that walking would be the answer and deliver better results to my body shape. I felt silly at first using the arm technique but it works. I'm astonished at the difference that walking has made to my body shape. I am completely converted and have even converted my husband which is some task!"

In 10yrs of jounalism this is the first thing that has genuinely made a lasting contribution to her health. She is a walking convert and believes that walking is something she will be doing forever as it is truly sustainable.

I am delighted on so many levels with Lucy's progress. Firstly, as Lucy says herself, journalists can be very sceptical about the promises I make when teaching people to walk. It sounds like such a simple instruction that people doubt its credibility and effectiveness. To have converted Lucy is a huge achievement and to have her independent recommendation of what I teach is wonderful. I'm also delighted that she has been able to motivate her husband to walk with her and enjoy it too. Walking is so flexible that you can do it on your own, in groups or with a partner or friend - it isn't ageist or sexist and that's another thing that I love about it.

Aside from the pleasure that I have had from Lucy's feedback, I'm also really pleased that she has found an exercise that she will use for the rest of her life which is gentle on her body and yet results driven. My fulfillment comes from seeing you taking my techniques and using them positively in your day to day lives. A big thank you Lucy for your support and congratulations on continuing to walk well.

© Joanna Hall 2013