My Story
Karl Gessner
Living an active life is something I have always valued. From a young age, I was encouraged to take part in sport – whether it was cricket, running, tennis or rugby. I was always an enthusiastic participant, and loved being in the “thick of it” competitively.
Now, in my 50's, I’m convinced that staying active has been vital for both my physical and mental wellbeing. That doesn’t mean it gets easier. Injuries, like the shoulder issue I’ve dealt with, can really test motivation. But being part of Brooke Cricket Club, and the camaraderie among the players, keeps me going. That sense of connection and encouragement makes a real difference.
For me, the goal is to keep making small, achievable changes to stay active. I recently set myself the challenge of walking 250 miles over 5 weeks. It’s not extreme – and that’s the point. It doesn’t matter what the target is, as long as it encourages you to move more and enjoy the process.
What I’ve learned is that small steps really do add up. Each walk improves my fitness, boosts my mood, and helps me feel stronger. Staying active isn’t about competing with anyone else – it’s about finding your own rhythm, keeping it fun, and noticing how much better you feel as a result.