Tai Chi is a series of movements and poses that originated in the Orient. It is a system of self-development with relaxed, fluid movements and recognised as being good for stress, balance, blood pressure and general health. It is a meditative form of exercise to which practitioners attribute physical and spiritual health benefits. Some studies have found the practice to reduce stress and relieve certain ailments.
Striders Walking 3 is for people who like to stretch their legs on a lengthy/strenuous walk in the country with a chat in good company.
Walks are held on alternate Friday mornings, we meet at a pre-arranged parking place and manage about a two hour walk before going for an optional lunch.
Some of the walks are old favourites but we also include some exciting new ones. Our walks are around 4-5 miles long, enabling group members to experience the beauty of our local area. Some ground is more rugged than others when it can take a little longer to complete the walk.
It is very important that stout footwear is worn. Proper walking boots or strong trainers that you don’t mind getting muddy. We do not walk if the weather is really bad, but always check with the leader before the walk, usually Thursday evening.
All walks are led by members of the group and it is expected that everyone takes a turn (support is available if wanted).
Please note : from a safeguarding perspective, dogs are not allowed on our organised walks.
Strollers 3 is for people who want a steady walk. The distance is usually 2.5 to 3 miles on mainly flat terrain, but occasionally there may be an incline which each person tackles at a pace that suits them. We have a range of walks in different locations which include getting ourselves out into the countryside and the sea shore. There are often things of interest to look at - churches, old houses and even new interesting buildings.
Our walks would not be complete without our lunch breaks. This is optional as it is not always possible for people to stay but, for those who do, we have found some very enjoyable eating places - those who do not come up to standard are not visited again!
All the walks are decided in advanced with three programmes a year - Winter/Spring, Summer and Autumn. Group members are involved with the decision making with some volunteering to lead a walk if they feel able.
Please note : from a safeguarding perspective, dogs are not allowed on our organised walks.
We only stopped a moment - to pay our respects
Are you coming?
Deer near Stoughton
Just in case you want to exert more energy.
2018 - the bluebells at Clanfield
If it's your turn to buy the tea - then we will let you know.
Towards the end of a walk at Wickham packed with visual treasures.
If you have a favourite walk that you would like to share - then apply to become a walk leader.
This Strollers group was formed in August 2021 for those who like a more leisurely walk and easier terrain than those undertaken by the Striders but more strenuous than the Stragglers.
Walks are roughly 3-4½ miles and wherever possible on reasonable terrain with a minimum of obstacles such as stiles. The group meet once a month with the walk taking approximately 1½-2 hours.
Details of the walk and where to meet are circulated in advance to group members. The walk usually finishes where there are facilities for refreshments.
We appreciate any group member volunteering to lead a walk and are open to suggestions for future walks.
Any member of Waterlooville u3a is welcome to join, non-members can join a walk as a “taster” session, thereafter they would need to join to be covered by u3a insurance.
On Friday mornings 11:00 am-2:00 pm Alternate Friday mornings
We meet on alternate Fridays, weather permitting. Walks are easy and generally about one and a half to two miles long, ending with an optional lunch in a nearby pub. The walks are varied, with members offering to plan and lead, and walks are planned in advance. Our walks are usually in the Portsmouth area, but can be Fareham, Wicor, Havant, Emsworth, Bosham or Stansted. The walks provide gentle exercise in fresh (sometimes bracing) air with good companionship, conversation, fun and food! Please note - from a safeguarding perspective, we do not allow dogs on our organised walks.
The very first Waterlooville u3a Strollers were formed in August 2016 for those who like a more leisurely walk and easier terrain than those undertaken by the Strider group. Walks are between 3 and 4 miles and wherever possible on reasonably flat terrain with a minimum of obstacles such as stiles The group meet on the 1st Friday of the month and details of the walk and where to meet are circulated in advance, the walk sometimes finishes where there are facilities for refreshments Walks take place either around the Stansted estate, Portchester Castle area or around the foreshore at Emsworth. Any member of Waterlooville u3a is welcome to join, non-members can join a walk as a “taster” session, thereafter they would need to join to be covered by U3A insurance.
(NOTE : During the winter months of November to March we start at 1:30 pm and in the summer months of April to October we start at 2:00 pm)
The Walking Striders 2 group walk in the area of eastern Hampshire and West Sussex within a radius bordered by Chichester to the east, Petersfield to the north, the Solent coast to the south and Wickham/Droxford/East Meon to the west. Occasional walks beyond that region are with the agreement of the group. The walks incorporate woodland, farmland and coastal footpaths. Hiking boots are recommended as suitable footwear but wellington boots are sometimes preferable during the winter season and stout trainers might be acceptable in the driest summer months.
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture and strength to improve your core muscles whilst making you more flexible. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
The instructor for our Pilates group is fully qualified to lead the groups but is not a member of Waterlooville u3a. She carries her own public liability insurance as an instructor. However group members also have public liability insurance cover via their membership of Waterlooville u3a and its affiliation with the national u3a and Third Age Trust. Each weekly session is 60 minutes long and all group members share the costs of hiring the hall and the instructor.
Pilates 1 was our first such group and started up in October of 2013. It is still going strong and the popularity of Pilates is so great that we now have several groups that meet on different days and times. These groups mostly operate at full capacity but we always hold a waiting list of members interested in joining the group so when a space arises it is offered to the member who is at the top of the list.
As the name suggests, we all have some form of walking difficulties. Therefore, we try to keep our walks to a maximum of a mile on a flat surface, preferably where sitting places are available if necessary. It is an informal group, with no styles or hills and may well involve stopping off somewhere for tea/coffee!
In June 2021 we enjoyed a lovely summery stroll around Hilsea Lido :
