How Walking Transformed Sandra Madden's Health and Built The 925 Fit

Daily routines in the Madden house involve peaceful moments of answering emails, rushing to get the kids to school, racking up morning steps and essential coffee runs.

Sandra Madden, founder of Galway walking pad business The 925 Fit values walking as more than just managing health, but as a way to transform energy levels and mood for those with busy sedentary work lives. Here, Sandra opens up about her degenerative disc disease, how walking transformed her health – and her life – and how to boost focus during the work week.

Morning madness

My day usually starts around 7am. I try to get some email answered; it’s a quiet moment before my kids, who are 12 and 5, wake up, and we’re straight into the morning rush of school lunches and uniforms and breakfast negotiations. 

Set yourself up with steps

If I can get some steps in the morning, it sets me up well for the rest of the day. When the weather is good, I do the school drop-off and then continue down to Coole Park and do the 5 km there. If it’s grey and raining, I’ll go for a coffee and then hop on the walking pad in the office and start tackling the day. 

Movement and weight management

I live with degenerative disc disease, so I’ve always had to be mindful of how I move and how I work. Walking daily helped me lose a lot of weight – I lost 30 pounds just walking at my desk while I was working remotely. 

The power of walking

Rehabbing a herniated disc in my back in May last year changed everything. That recovery made me realise how powerful low-impact movement like walking is. 

Just small bursts of movement throughout the day can transform your energy, your focus and even your mood. 

Small bursts to boost focus

I wish more people knew that working a desk job doesn’t have to mean sitting all day. There’s probably a bit of a false belief that movement and productivity are at odds, but walking while you’re working can boost both. You don’t need a gym or a dramatic routine. Just small bursts of movement throughout the day can transform your energy, your focus and even your mood. 

The heart warming impact

The most interesting part of my work is seeing how deeply the product resonates with people. It’s not just a treadmill, it becomes a daily habit for them and changes how they feel in their bodies. 

Juggling it all

The most challenging part of my work is the juggle. I’m a mum of two busy, sporty boys, a founder and a customer service agent all rolled into one. I’ve always had an interest in health and wellness, even before I realised how transformative walking would be for me. 

Everything happens for a reason

It’s funny how life has a way of re-routing you. Looking back now, it feels like I didn’t stumble into this, like maybe I was always meant to land here. 

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