Rocky Mount Today

By 8 a.m. on weekdays, Ray Hinnant, Samuel Farmer, and Bill Woodard are ready for their one-hour workout at Wilson Medical Center’s walking track. The trio has made walking a daily routine without needing to coordinate in advance.

Hinnant, 69, Farmer, 70, and Woodard, 75, each prioritize their health and have become regulars at the facility. Hinnant shared wisdom from his late aunt: “You have to keep moving your body. If you don’t, it won’t move when you want it to move.”

All three men hail from Wilson's Stantonsburg Road area. Farmer and Woodard served in the Army while Hinnant was with the Air Force. Hinnant and Farmer worked together for over forty years at Kerr Glass; Woodard spent more than thirty years at Firestone.

Despite their ages, they maintain youthful appearances but see walking as essential. Hinnant finds it helps manage his blood pressure and weight. Farmer had hip replacements ten years ago; Woodard follows medical advice to stay active.

Woodard recalled his doctor’s words: “He told me I need to get out here and walk... ‘Keep doing it.’” Farmer appreciates the dirt track at Wilson Medical Center for its joint-friendly surface.

“This is my exercise regimen,” said Farmer. “Walking is better for your breathing... It’s probably the best exercise you can do.” He added that having companions makes it more motivating.

The group values their camaraderie. Even if one member misses a session due to scheduling conflicts, others usually attend. Their routine began during COVID-19 and shows no signs of stopping.

“We’ve done it so long... talk and even try and solve some of the world’s problems,” said Hinnant about their morning conversations.