“Exercise is a great way to get the body back in balance. It is an escape. You focus on what you are doing and everything else goes out the window.”
Majella Knobel, from Sydney’s Lower North Shore is an ambitious and driven career woman who is currently working as a Project Manager for Westpac. Due to a number of health conditions and complications including Kidney failure, she started losing her sight when she was 22 and by 25 had lost all her remaining vision.
“I first got involved with Achilles running club in 2010 after moving to Sydney from Melbourne. I found out about them through my orientation and mobility instructor at Vision Australia,” she said.
Achilles allows people who have disabilities to enjoy the health giving benefits of walking and running in a supportive and social environment.
Diagnosed with blocked arteries at 27, Majella prefers to powerwalk. “Achilles are great. They found me numerous guides who matched what I wanted to do. It’s about getting out and going at your own pace,” she said.
The group meets at the Art Gallery in Sydney and visit different places depending on a members ability and what they are training for. After every session is an opportunity to make social connections over a cup of tea of coffee.
“As part of my weekly fitness routine, Achilles helps to keep me on this planet. After I had my heart attack, I knew how much more important it was to stay in the best shape I can.”
If you want to enjoy the benefits of walking and running, Achilles is for you - whether you have a disability or are keen to be a volunteer guide. Learn more about becoming a member at www.achilles-sydney.org.au or email us at [email protected]