Andrew and Maria move for togetherness
“We don’t have a specific goal to reach some predefined level of physical form. We just want good health.”
Andrew and Maria have built a life around open air, movement, family, and shared adventure. For them, staying active means health, freedom, achievement, and memories passed between generations.
For Andrew and Maria, movement has always belonged outdoors.
“Physical activity in open air plays a very important role in our lives,” they say.
Since childhood, both of them remember walking in woods and parks, playing with other children, biking, skiing, and swimming with their families. Movement was fun. It meant being with adults, being with other kids, and feeling a sense of achievement.
That connection continued as they became parents.
“Playing with our kids, it was amazing to watch them grow stronger and more capable,” they say. “Till today, activities are connected to fun, interaction with others and physical achievements.”
Now, movement also connects them to their grandchildren. Andrew and Maria want to stay fit and healthy so they can keep up with them, bake with them, swim with them, ski with them, and create memories that last.
“We hope they will also have memories of good times spent together,” they say, “and that will pass it to the next generations.”
Their favourite parts of activity are simple: being with nature, fresh air, freedom of movement, and the feeling of achievement after doing something vigorous.
The pandemic changed their social world, but it also made open-air movement even more important. With limited interaction with friends and family, walking and biking became acceptable, enjoyable, and steady.
They also learned an important lesson on the water. One summer morning, perfect for kayaking, they went out on the lake. The wind was light at first, then stronger. The waves grew. Getting back took a long time, and just a few metres from shore, a wave filled the kayak with water.
They were safe, grateful for the people who helped from the beach, and completely wet.
“The lesson learned,” they say, “check the weather and respect any wind on the lake.”
Andrew and Maria move for togetherness.