Goal

• Create a walking group in your neighbourhood and encourage people to be physically active.

Why Walking?

• Easy, inexpensive and convenient.  Keeps you at a healthy weight.
• Great for your health; strengthens your heart, bones and friendships!
• Increases energy levels and improves posture.

Getting Started

• Make it a priority!  Find someone to help motivate you.  It’s more fun with a friend.
• Talk first to people you know.  Have an informal meeting to decide on frequency of walks and where you will meet (e.g. a local coffee shop or convenient corner).
• Choose regular walk times, which will fit most peoples’ schedules.  (e.g. Wed. a.m. & Sat. p.m.)
• Keep walks about the same length, (perhaps shorter at first).  Use a town map, trail guide or a pedometer to figure out distances.
• Advertise!  Promote the walking group through:

−     Bulletin boards at libraries, churches, schools or grocery stores

−     Community newspapers, school newsletters

−     Flyers

−     Word of mouth

• If you’re looking for a specific type of participant (e.g. woman over 30, mothers and strollers) say so in the ad.
• Don’t be concerned about too large a group!  If this happens, there is a real need in your area.  People can split into smaller groups with similar interests or abilities.  Someone else may be willing to form another walking club.
• Keep it fun; try motivational ideas like contests, trivia questions, silly prizes, setting goals.
• Learn about safe stretching from “Walk This Way”, a resource available at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.  If someone joins who is severely out of condition, suggest they check with their doctor before starting a walking program.
• Occasionally, consider joining a well-established fundraising walk.

Where?

• Any safe, secure and convenient walking routes.
• Outdoors – pathways, trails and sidewalks in favourable weather.
• Indoors – malls, fitness clubs, stair climbing, high schools, arenas, churches.

Once Your Group Is Established

• Let us know of your success!  What worked, what didn’t?
• You might like to call Welcome Wagon so they can inform neighbourhood newcomers.
• Share the planning of walks.  Make sure everyone contributes so that you don’t burn out.
• Keep enjoying the many health and social benefits of walking, the activity of a lifetime.

Contact Public Health if you need assistance in getting your walking club started – (519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.

Adapted from material from Good Hearted Living, Middlesex, London Health Unit