Exercise
Walking Clubs Provide a Simple, Free Way to Get Fit in the New Year
By
Jan 17, 2012 - 10:51:55 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - DALLAS, Jan. 17, 2012 -- Regular walking is one of the most effective forms of physical activity that delivers substantial health benefits and improves heart health. To make it fun and easy to get moving the American Heart Association created Walking Clubs.

Walking is also easy to start and continue and it has the lowest
dropout rate of any physical activity. By joining or forming an
American Heart Association Walking Club you can connect with others who
share your goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies -- and do it all
free. An American Heart Association study revealed that American adults
are 76 percent more likely to take a walk if another person is counting
on them.

In contrast, research shows 45 percent of gym members will quit going
to the gym in a given year and 30 percent will cancel their membership.
Gym fees per member average about $765.40 a year.

"I encourage our patients to engage in regular exercise, including
moderate-to-vigorous intensity walking programs, and the American Heart
Association's new Walking Clubs are a great resource," said Barry A.
Franklin, Ph.D., Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise
Laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. "The
accountability and camaraderie Walking Clubs provide will help those
that struggle with a regular exercise commitment. Numerous studies have
now identified a sedentary lifestyle and/or a low level of fitness as
independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, for
many people, Walking Clubs may provide a safe and effective lifestyle
intervention to prevent heart disease and stroke."

Joining an existing Walking Club or forming your own is easy:


-- Visit www.mywalkingclub.org.
-- Click on Learn More.
-- Sign-up by filling out the online form and select which you'd like to
do:

1. Start a Club: Serve as an organizer, mentor and motivator for
   your American Heart Association Walking Club. You'll be responsible for
   setting up your group and helping spread the word in your community
   about the benefits of walking. Checking this box doesn't limit your
   options -- you can join a club at any time too.
   -- Join a Club: Join scheduled walks with others, set goals and celebrate
   accomplishments. Sign up now and search for a group based on location or
   similar interests. Checking this box doesn't limit your options -- you
   can start a club at any time too.
   
   
2. Click Submit