Tamworth Osteopath leads Tamworth Atlas 10k Team to success at Lichfield, Staffordshire Run

Sunday 10th September was the day that the Atlas 10k team led by Tamworth Osteopath John Williams completed their fitness and obesity programme.

Running the Lichfield 10k race alongside club athletes from all over the midlands, the Atlas team ran every step of the way to claim success and prove that if you exercise on a regular basis, you can achieve what many thought impossible.

What began as an obesity challenge 10 months ago where many of the squad members would get breathless with walking just 100 metres, has resulted in a life changing experience

Team members included Helen O’Reilly, Samantha Turnbull, Johanna Smith, Karen Whitehouse with fitness coaches John Williams and 76 year old triathlete Tom Dixon.

Best time achieved was by Johanna Smith who clocked 62 minutes for the Lichfield 10k
This was truly remarkable considering 50 year old Johanna was clinically obese, a 60 cigarettes a day smoker and was breathless from just a short walk.

10 months later, after taking part in the Atlas 10k obesity and fitness programme, Johanna has shed over 4 stones, regularly runs 5 miles and she is now a non smoker. Her long term goals are to run a full marathon in the future.

Johanna was awarded the prize for the person losing most weight which was a day for two at the Eden Spa at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire. This was kindly jointly donated by Eden Spa and John Williams of Atlas Pain Relief Centre.

The squad are to continue training and intend to enter the Tamworth 10k run next year.

Tamworth Osteopath John Williams suggests exercise is good for you, however, special population categories such as obesity require professional guidance. Most people are capable of exercise and non weight bearing activities such as swimming or cycling can burn calories without heavy wear on the joints.

If you have concerns about your ability to exercise safely, you should consult your doctor or exercise specialist. Specialist advice and a fit to exercise check up can be obtained at Atlas Pain Relief Centre in Lower Gungate, Tamworth by telephoning 01827 59943 or visit the website www.atlaspainrelief.com