Annie Whittle’s Inspiring Journey to Stay Active and Fit
Annie Whittle’s Active Lifestyle
Actor Annie Whittle is on a mission to stay active, and her routine includes swimming 50 lengths of her local pool, gardening, and enjoying community dance classes. But how does she keep up with this active lifestyle? Let’s dive in.
Swimming: Her Exercise of Choice
Annie’s love for swimming began at school, but she didn’t start swimming seriously until she was about 30. Her role in a film called Trial Run, where she played a marathon runner, required her to swim a mile and a half a day. She also ran with Allison Roe in Auckland Domain and cycled, which kept her extremely fit.
These days, Annie swims at West Wave in Henderson, her closest swimming pool. She does 40 to 50 lengths of freestyle, avoiding tumble turns due to discomfort. She prefers swimming alone and chooses her times carefully to avoid sharing lanes.
Walking and Dancing
Annie lives near the Waitākere Ranges and enjoys walking in the area, especially on Scenic Drive. She walks with her husband Ian and their dog Ted, a playful black Labrador. Unfortunately, many bush walks have been closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
Annie also participates in a seniors dance class at the Titirangi community hall. She loves the companionship and music, although she found Zoom classes during lockdown frustrating and had to pull out.
Gardening: Her Happy Place
Annie has a large garden that she has nurtured for 35 years. Gardening is her joy and happy place. She spends hours outdoors, even in the rain, achieving tasks and feeling accomplished.
Growing Up Active
Annie grew up in Christchurch with parents who loved the mountains. She spent holidays in Arthur’s Pass National Park, skiing in winter and walking and climbing in summer. While she wasn’t a fan of team sports, she enjoyed individual activities like ballet and fencing during her university years.
The Importance of Staying Active
Staying active is crucial for Annie, especially since her family has a history of arthritis. She wants to maintain her mobility and avoid the severe disability her mother experienced. As an actor, she also needs to stay fit for potential roles.
Annie’s next project is a play called Grand Horizons, directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand. She plays Nancy, a character in a 50-year marriage facing unfulfilled dreams and resentments. The play is real, hilarious, and thought-provoking, and Annie is excited to return to theatre after focusing on TV work.
Conclusion
Annie Whittle’s commitment to staying active is inspiring. From swimming and walking to dancing and gardening, she finds joy in movement and encourages others to do the same. Her story reminds us of the importance of staying active for both physical and mental well-being.
