A brisk walk, some fresh air, early-morning sun, the ceaseless chirping and, of course, less traffic fumes — do you need more reasons to be out in the wee hours of the morning! That’s what got the Noida Expressway Walkers (NEW) together, and there has been no looking back since.
For the last six months, over 200 members from more than 15 high-rise societies along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway have been getting together at 5.30 am daily — and also on weekends — for what they call a “power walk”.
Activities end at 7.30 am at the C Block park of Sector 85, with open-air stretching exercises.
NEW member Anushree Sen, a resident of Omaxe Spa, a high rise in Sector 93B, didn’t like going out for walks, but now it’s almost a passion with her. She completed the 15-km walk just two weeks ago. Sen gushes, “We know each other, so it has become like a big family of walkers. It’s really helped me to keep myself fit and also stay in a great mind space.”
Pradeep Panda, a resident of Purvanchal Royal Park in Sector 137, and also the founder of NEW explained the motivations behind such an initiative. “Walking in a group is fun, motivating and safe too. Sometimes, truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
Since June 2018, the group has organised four Destination Walks at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Jahapana Green Park, India Gate and Lodhi Gardens. The next destination walk is set for Nehru Park.
The group also organises interesting activities like Monthly Destination Walk and Couple Walk.
“Last month, we had 100-km challenge for the group, but for this month, the whole group has to complete 10,000 km by September-end. We had done 4000 km by September 15. These walks rejuvenate our health and minds, and also provide an excellent opportunity for interpersonal bonding,” Panda added.
The NEW plans to organise a walkathon for Noida very soon.
