Walk with Ease

The Walk With Ease Program is a community-based, group walking program

specifically designed to help individuals start and maintain a safe walking routine.

Trained instructors cover how to warm up and cool down, stretch, and set personal

exercise goals. Each class also includes health education topics related to arthritis and

exercise. Participants must be able to stand for at least five minutes.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Participants completing the program report experiencing:

· Improved functional ability

· Decreased depression

· Decreased pain

· Increased confidence in one’s ability to exercise

WHAT IS PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS

Classes meet three times per week for an hour. One session is 6 weeks long. After the

initial session, participants are encouraged to maintain their walking routine by forming

independent walking groups. Each class offers:

· Pre-walk discussion covering topics related to exercise and arthritis

· Warm-up and stretches

· Self-paced 10- to 40-minute walk

· Cool down and stretches

· Social interaction

Walk With Ease can also be delivered in a self-directed format with a workbook and

weekly interaction with a trained leader to guide the participant.