Walk This Way: Walking Programs at Work

The lifestyle choices of many Americans have made us the most overweight nation in the world. More than 60% of American adults do not get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Starting with small steps that produce measurable results can encourage continued lifestyle change.

Walking at work is a cheap and effective way to promote physical activity and well-being in the workplace. Almost everyone can walk some distance to start, comfortable shoes are the only equipment required, and there are numerous health benefits like lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Walking is a very safe way to get exercise — people can start with short, frequent walks and build up to longer distances. It is also a great opportunity for co-workers to socialize away from the water cooler. (Sample walking program from the National Institutes of Health.)

Recently one of our editors did an experiment using our Walk A Day™ Journal as an adjunct to her fitness routine. She found it to be very helpful to staying on track with her own fitness goals.

Since I’ve been raving about journaling in our Personal Best® publications, I just had to see how well our Walk-a-Day Journal would work to motivate me with my own fitness goals. After three months of use, and 15 pounds down, I credit my journal for keeping me on track with my walking and weight loss targets. I make sure the journal faces me everyday at my desk, so I can’t ignore its message – get moving! —Diane McReynolds, Executive Editor

Our Health Strides™ walking kit includes includes one 52-week checkbook-size Walk A Day™ journal and one Walking for Better Health brochure. (Download a pdf sample)

The Walking Brochure provides practical advice to help employees start a walking program that works for them. And the Walking Journal makes it easy for employees to track their progress—calories burned, distances walked, water consumption and more. Together, the Walking Journal and Brochure make the perfect pairing for keeping employees on track to better health.

The handy, checkbook-size journal features large space for daily tracking of:

• Walking distance and time
• Servings of fruits and vegetables
• Weigh-ins
• Water consumption

Also includes:

• Weekly health tip to promote healthy habits
• Space for recording weekly goals and accomplishments

Customization

One of the least expensive, yet significant ways to convey your company’s sense of image. Make your company name, logo, url or special message visible for your employees or customers on both the brochure and walking journal.

Walk this Way:

At MapMyWalk.com users can map out walking routes and get distances and elevations. Or check out MyWalkingMaps by Prevention.com. Both sites allow users to register and save walking routes for future use.