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Walking is a wonderful way to be active. It's cheap, simple, doesn't require practice, and almost anybody can do it. With a little creativity and planning, even people with busy schedules can find ways to incorporate walking into their routine.
Here are some of our tips for incorporating walking into your daily life:
- Park the car farther away from your destination
- When shopping, take a couple of extra trips around the store
- If you take public transportation, get off a couple stops early
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
- Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. You'll be ready for activity wherever you go.
- At work, use a restroom that is further away or on a different floor instead of the one that is closest to you.
- At work, hold walking meetings whenever possible. Do laps inside your building or, if the weather cooperates, take your walking meetings outdoors.
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Walking Club Guide
Download the Walking Club Guide here!
If you are unable to find a walking club in your area or if there
are some that are already established but don't meet your needs
or the needs of others in your community, consider forming
your own club. This Walking Club Guide has been developed
to assist you in the process of creating and sustaining a walking
club of your own.
Local Walking Clubs
Interested in joining a walking club?
The Chaska Community Center sponsors a free walking club for adults. Participants can track their mileage on the Community Center's indoor track or on a measured outdoor route. Mileage is recorded on a sheet at the Community Center front desk and staff will display in the track area. For more information, contact Megan Driscoll, Assistant Programmer at 952-448-3176 ext. 7741.
An informal walking group meets daily at Waconia's Gazebo in City Square Park. There are no leaders but different routes and distances are posted every week so anyone who shows up can decide on the size of the groups and where to walk. Walks take place everyday at 7:00am and 7:00pm.
Safety
Before you lace up your sneakers, here are some important safety tips you'll want to keep in mind:
- Walk on sidewalks
Always walk on the sidewalk if there is one available. If there are no sidewalks and you have to walk on the road, always walk facing traffic.
- Dress to be seen
Wear bright colors or reflective clothing so drivers have an easier time seeing you.
- Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections
Stop and look left, then right, then left again before you step into the street. Always obey traffic signals.
- Be alert for turning vehicles
Drivers are often busy checking traffic and turning which increases their chance of not seeing pedestrians.
- Vary your route
Don't walk the same route at the same time everyday. Not only is it safer, it's also a lot more interesting.
- Find a walking buddy
There is safety in numbers. If you go out without a companion, tell someone which route you will be taking and what time you expect to return.
- Carry an ID
Always carry some form of identification in case of an accident or emergency.
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Take a step in the right direction... start a walking club!
Before you start your walking club, identify a few people to help you get the club started. They can help you with promoting the club and coordinating the initial meetings.
- Getting prepared:
- Select a date for the walking club kick-off event and start promoting the club six weeks in advance.
- Develop promotional materials, such as posters and flyers. Choose a theme and display it on all printed materials.
- Make sure to include date, time and location of the walking club kick-off event.
- List a contact person and their phone number or email address.
- Post posters and flyers in various places around the community, such as parks, fitness centers, community centers, grocery stores, doctor's offices, the library and post office.
- Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to promote any program. If members enjoy club activities, they are likely to tell their friends. Always encourage participants to bring a friend.
- Stage a kick-off event:
- Circulate a sign-in sheet to get contact information for all interested participants (e.g. name, telephone number, email).
- Discuss and agree on the logistical arrangements of the group (i.e. when the walks will occur and approximately how long each walk will last).
- Find out if participants are willing to have their contact information on a club roster that will be distributed to the entire group. The roster will facilitate socialization among members and encourage people to check in on each other if someone misses a walk.
- Select a walking route:
- Establish your first walking club route around a nearby park or along well-kept sidewalks in the area.
- It's best to begin with a route that's no longer than two miles.
- Utilize the interactive maps on our website to help you identify good walking routes.
- Get moving:
- Greet members when they arrive so they feel welcome and relaxed.
- Make sure no one feels isolated during the walk and that each person is walking at a comfortable pace.
- Finish the walk with refreshments and socializing.
- Have water available or encourage members to bring their own water bottle.
- Sustainability:
- Receiving community recognition is important for participant motivation. Help the club to receive recognition by highlighting it and its members in newsletters. Including testimonials from club members is a good way to inspire others.
- Encourage participants to track their steps in a log book.
- Organize walking challenges with prizes and incentives such as t-shirts, water bottles and pedometers.
- Gain the support of businesses in the community. They will receive publicity and their donations will help pay for prizes and incentives.
- Create a positive and friendly atmosphere within the group so that participants feel comfortable and safe.
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