Prioritising exercise while trying to juggle a full-time job or look after children or elderly relatives is always a hard feat – especially as we get older.

Every time we try to follow a healthy routine, life somehow always manages to get in the way, despite our best efforts to eat better, move more, smoke less and get more sleep.

Now there seems to be no excuse for us to not fit in a short burst of exercise during the day, however, as Hertfordshire County Council’s new One You campaign is encouraging people aged between 40 and 60 to make healthier choices in very simple ways.

Getting involved in the walking netball classes at the William Penn Leisure Centre, in Shepherds Lane, Rickmansworth, is one of the council’s top choices for keeping active regardless of age or ability, as it is a slower paced version of the original sport.

Usually, my attempt at being healthy involves taking a short stroll to the nearest supermarket to buy a cheap tin of soup during my lunch break at work, but this week I decided to break the daily mundane habit and try one of the midday sports classes instead.

I had a slight feeling of dread as I walked into the sports hall and saw everyone warming up, as I hadn’t played netball since I was a teenager at secondary school and knew I would be a little out of practice.

Needing some reassurance, I introduced myself to the other players in a bid to discover why they enjoyed getting involved in the non-contact sport, even though they hadn’t played it since they were younger either.

Ellie Travis, from Ruislip, thought her sporting days were over after having surgery on her spine three years ago, but says walking netball has “changed her life”.

The 46-year-old said: “I loved it straightaway. The first session was such good fun and all the ladies were so welcoming.

“I now find myself looking forward to classes, as for that hour I can set aside all my aches and pains and feel young again.”

Mel Hopkins, 58, from Berkhamsted, stopped playing netball 16 years ago as felt too old. However, the class at the leisure centre, which is running throughout the summer, has helped her get back into her favourite pastime.

She said: “It is a great class. I played for years but stopped when I was 42 as I seemed to be too old to be part of most teams.

“When I saw this though, I knew it was a great way for me to get back into the sport.

“It’s also very sociable, as we’re all good friends and often go out for meals and drinks.”

I was surprised at how simple the game turned out to be, despite a few changes to the rules. In walking netball, you are not allowed to hold the ball for more than four seconds but you can take an extra step once a player has received the ball, which reduces the impact on landing and improves the momentum of the game.

Even though there was no running involved, it was still hard to keep up with the other players and I discovered my best position was as the goal keeper.

It was an enjoyable hour and seems like an interesting way to keep fit while also making friends and rediscovering lost youths.

Richard Roberts, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “Making healthy choices now is one of the best things we can do to make sure we stay physically active and mentally alert as we age.

“It’s easier than you think to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing - and the summer is a perfect time to start." 

To find out more about the campaign, visit: hertfordshire.gov.uk/oneyou

Or follow #HertsOneYou

To join the walking netball class in Rickmansworth, visit: threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/walking-netball

Watford Observer: