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Activity tool 5. How to start a walking club

Introduction

Walking is the most popular form of physical activity for Canadians. It can be done by anyone, at any age and at little or no cost! As a regular physical activity, walking is a safe way to develop a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Any excuse for a walk is good, whether it's for staying in shape, getting a breath of fresh air, improving digestion, sleeping better, feeling better, taking time for thinking, or having time with friends. Some people enjoy walking alone and others like to walk in groups.

Walking clubs are a great way to meet other active people, stay fit and discover safe and new places to walk in your neighborhood. Some walking clubs are formal with fees, programs and special leaders. Others are informal with just a group of friends who agree to walk together. Some clubs walk outdoors. Other clubs walk indoors at malls, recreation or leisure centres.

Where to start

You may already have a walking club in your area. Call your local community centre, seniors' centre or municipal information line to locate the walking clubs near you.

If you can't locate a club that suits your needs or interests, or if you want to form a special club just for your centre's members, start by finding other like-minded people who are enthusiastic about starting one with you.

Answers to the following questions will help guide you in forming the walking club that best suits your group:

Who does what?

If you are setting up an informal walking club, dividing up tasks will be easy. It may be as easy as deciding when/where you'll get together for your next walk.

If your goal is to have a more structured walking club at your seniors' centre or legion, you will need people who will take care of the following work:

• Coordinating the overall walking club operations
• Managing the walking club finances
• Recording minutes of club meetings
• Planning and organizing the walking club activities
• Promoting interest in the walking club (You can make posters, brochures or answer questions about the club activities.)

Planning for walks

• Find a good gathering place for your walk
• Decide on the days and times for your walks
• If outdoors, decide on the route (keep safety, access and attractiveness in mind. You will also need access to services such as benches, toilets, phones)

These decisions need to fit your members' needs and your organizers' ability.

Each walking session includes four parts:

Safety awareness

• Advise club members to consult their health care provider before starting a physical activity program such as a walking club.
• Remind and encourage walkers to go at their own pace.
• Be prepared in the event of an emergency (have a first aid kit, a plan for managing an emergency, and access to a phone).
• If you are walking outdoors, know your route and have access to first aid help.
• Ensure that walkers are wearing suitable shoes and clothing.
• Ensure that walkers have enough food and water for long outdoor hikes.
• Make sure the route is safe and hazard-free.
• Check with your legion or seniors' centre regarding liability insurance requirements.

Motivation and Spirit

Take time to think about how to motivate people in your legion or seniors' centre to join a walking club. Here are some ideas to keep your members interested and their spirits high.

• Name your club.
• Personally deliver an invitation to 15 or 20 of your members asking them to come on a walk. Have refreshments afterwards.
• Walk for a cause. Have a membership fee and donate to an agreed on charity.
• Celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
• Change your route or meet up with another walking club several times throughout the year.
• Design your own walking club logo for a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
• Remember that members may rely on the walk to get out of the house.
• Welcome everyone at each walk, and remind them of the next walking date/time/place.
• Share jokes, recipes, books and stories.
• Keep track of how far your club has walked. Total up the minutes or distances. Track it on a calendar.
• Talk about your goals in the group and why walking is important to you.
• Have guest speakers come in to talk about walking tips and safe routes, fitness, health, falls prevention, history or other topics of interest to your group.

Starting a Mall Walking Club

Adapted with permission from: “Forming a Walking Club”, KINO-Québec

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