Happy Feet Fitness

I recently finished the nine week Couch to 5K course with the Happy Feet Fitness crew, and am currently enjoying moving through the next stage of my journey with them, the 5K and Beyond group.At the age of 59, after spending 18 months trying to work up the courage to do something about my flagging health before it really got to be too late, my daughter told me about a new running group that she had just joined. She told me that they had a new slant on the whole, running for health thing.If you get breathless, it’s just as likely to be because you’re laughing, as it is because you’re running!No-one runs past you with their nose in the air because you’re a bit slower than they are. In fact, the folks at the front, frequently turn around and run with the folks at the back, and have a chat. So no-one is ever left behind. Or belittled. And we’re all shapes and sizes. And ages. And with very mixed abilities and backgrounds.Everyone supports each other, runners and leaders alike.Come and join our Happy Feet family – it’s a real hoot. You’ll have a ball - and get so much healthier

After becoming a Mum, I found it really difficult to get back into any kind of fitness. I tried running alone, but it was a real challenge to motivate myself. I'm one of those people who needs regular exercise to manage stress, so 4 years of not doing much wasn't great. After a bit of digging on the internet, I found Happy Feet Fitness and have not looked back!I've been running with them for several months now, and have just finished training for my first half marathon. I'm so pleased to have found HFF - the trainers are wonderful and the people who run with the group are lovely. The thing I love most about HFF is that everyone is actually *human*: it's okay to love cake, a beer or two, and to love running. HFF celebrate its members for getting their backsides outside, whatever shape that backside is in. We all have our own goals and HFF support us to achieve those goals - whether we want to walk a bit more or to run a marathon.Thanks team HFF

What is not to like about this group of like minded individuals. I joined a few years ago now on a recommendation from my Pilates instructor. I was nervous about joining, wondering if I would be accepted, if I could run the distance, if anyone would like me. I need not have worried. Marie and Rhi welcomed me like an old friend. They have coached me, supported me and listened to my problems. I have made life long friends when I didn’t think I would ever get another bestie. In amongst all this mental health support, Happy Feet have also helped my fitness levels and helped me return from injury. This is the best group I could have ever joined. Granted running is not for everyone, this is why there are walking groups too or if you are feeling adventurous the couch to 5k. Happy Feet Fitness caters to pretty much everyone. If you are going to make one positive step today, message Marie or Rhi.

What can I say about Happy Feet Fitness..well where do I start?I was first introduced to HFF back in June 2016 by my daughter. I was 46, overweight, seasonal asthmatic and not very active anymore. I had never been a runner due to a number of reasons. No desire to run being one but my primary reason was due to a medical issue with my one leg (I won't bore you with the details..)I joined the C25K group and immediately felt at ease. Nobody judged, mocked or anything else. Instead you were just encouraged by all the team leaders, you made new friends and went home feeling like you'd achieved something. Admittedly back at the start, the homework runs were a killer but that was then..I soon became hooked and running has become a really good part of my life. It's great to meet up with the different members on the variety of nights and run together as a team. No-one is ever left out or made to feel stupid or inadequate. We all spur each other on.I have met some truly inspirational people in this group, all running for their own reasons. I now find myself wanting to run more. I now Park run, run twice a week and will be starting a 5k-10k group to ready for the Worcester 10k in September 2017. I have completed numerous 5k fun runs / charity runs and it's all down to the leaders of HFF making it such a warm family of people. It allows you to distress after our hectic days, have abit of banter as we all run together, yes that's right together. NO-ONE IS LEFT OUT..I never thought this was for me but now I wouldn't miss out on it. Who knows I may even try for a half marathon next year..Thanks Team HFF, Marie, Rhiannon, Phil, Jonny, Susan and Ali. You do an amazing motivational job of getting us off the couch and getting us active. The number of members you have speaks volumes and is a true testament to you all.We are all different ages and abilities but come together as one HFF family.Craig Merrell - Worcester.

Completed couch to 5k. Friendly non judgemental and professional. Promoting running as a social mindful pastime and isn't like many groups that push you to do what you don't want to. Anyone can join and works for all

Fun supportive and there for you.Couch to Half Marathon graduate XThank you Happy Feet Fitness :)If you have ever wanted to feel better go and join them.

Cannot stress what a fabulous business this is. Groups include, walking, running & couch 25k. I've been a member for a long time. Friends made with chatter along the way. Support is always there, open to all abilities, with no one being left behind.Highly recommend.