By MONIQUE KOERNER
Cottonwood Extension District
Many people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.
The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with
· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis
· Education about arthritis management
· Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness program
Walk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.
How does it work?
Groups meet for 6 weeks, three times per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long your group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants, who walk at their own pace.
Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one las time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.
Who can participate?
The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.
If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.
If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.
How do I register?
To participate in the course, you complete and return an application. Please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email [email protected] or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. to fill out the application. The cost is $15 to participate. You receive a book with the class. Classes will meet most Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 1:30pm at Hays Recreation Center gyms. Classes begin April 3, 2024 and end on May 17, 2024.
Walk with Ease is running concurrently with Walk Kansas and can be a great way to start shifting your habits! You can participate in one program or both programs.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected].