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Walking Works Wonders Program
How the Program Works
Program Benefits
Where to sign-up
Importance of Trails in Our Community
WALKING WORKS WONDERS PROGRAM
The Walking Works Wonders Program is an 8 week walking program open to the entire community, but with a special focus on those recovering from illness and looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Participants can sign up in person at the Park-to-Park office and the WPSHC and other participating organizations.
Participants receive a booklet containing daily walking assignments, walking journal, motivational and nutritional tips, and fun stuff like activities to try that can make walking more fun.
Walking assignments are coordinated with the WPSHC rehabilitation department, making use of local trails and ensuring they are safe for everyone to follow. Participants can begin the program and begin walking at any time. They will be encouraged to go at their own pace and support one another while developing a healthy walking habit.
Members will be updated on upcoming organized walks and events, and will also be eligible to win prizes such as pedometers for completing program intervals and continuing success with the program.
OUR GOALS:
- Increase opportunities for trail use by providing free, easily accessible and accommodating local trails
- Encourage and motivate hospital patients to walk as part of a rehabilitation and recovery program
- Promote trail use for healthy and active living
- Educate the community on the economical impact and health benefits of trails.
- Insure on going trail building for more accessible trails.
SIGN UP TODAY AND START YOUR JOURNEY FOR A MORE HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE!
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Once registered, you will receive a free walking assignment booklet with an area at the bottom of each page for your personal walking notes or journal entries.
The program lasts for 6 weeks and you can sign-up and start at any time.
We encourage your feedback so we may make additions and upgrades to the program.
If you have any question or concerns please call the Park-to-Park office at (705)746-7663 or toll free at 1-888-213-8134 or by email: info@parktoparktrail.com
PROGRAM BENEFITS
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Research consistently shows that regular exercise and walking combined with healthy eating, is the most efficient way to control weight and combat disease. Research shows that regular physical activity can reduce your risk for several diseases and conditions and improve your overall quality of life.
REGULAR EXERCISE CAN HELP PREVENT:
- Heart disease and stroke- Daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke by strengthening your heart muscle, lowering your blood pressure, raising your HDL ("good" cholesterol) and lowering LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), improving blood flow, and increasing your heart's working capacity.
- High blood pressure- Regular exercise reduces blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Diabetes- By reducing body fat, physical activity can help to prevent and control type 2 diabetes.
- Back pain- By increasing muscle strength and endurance, and improving flexibility and posture, walking can prevent back pain.
- Osteoporosis- Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation and may prevent many forms of bone loss associated with aging.
- Arthritis- Contrary to belief, walking can actually ease the pain of arthritis. There is a huge body of research that shows the symptoms of arthritis are usually relieved by walking, and if people will get up and get moving, they will find that their joints will become less stiff and less sore.
- Blindness- Research shows that regular exercise can even prevent blindness! Those who exercise to the point of breaking into a sweat during exercise at least three times a week are 70% less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.
- Weight Gain- Exercise helps you achieve or maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and increasing energy levels. Your body requires a certain amount of energy to continue the everyday functions you need to sustain life.
WALKING TO HEAL
Many doctors are now recommending gentle walking for people suffering from a range of conditions or recovering from illness or surgery. Please remember to always seek medical advice before starting any exercise program, as it is important not to increase heart rate too suddenly.
The Walking Works Wonders program provides daily walking activities suitable for everyone in our community. Walking assignments start off short and at a gentle pace, slowly increasing the challenge to build strength and endurance over time.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO WE NEED?
Studies show that the average person can gain significant health benefits if they accumulate just 30 minutes or more of physical activity per day.
To become more active throughout your day without re-arranging your schedule, take advantage of every chance to get up and move around. Here are some examples:
- Use local trails to get around town instead of driving
- Rake leaves or shovel snow
- Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator
- Take an activity break -- get up and stretch or walk around
- Park your car a little farther away from your
- destination and walk the extra distance
Daily exercise can be done all at once or in intervals - a 10 minute walk here, an 8 minute jog there...
Regularly accumulating 30 minutes of activity over the course of the day can result in substantial health benefits such as lower blood pressure for up to 11 hours at a time.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ACTIVE?
The good news about regular physical activity is that everyone can benefits from it.
- Seniors- No one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. Evidence indicates that muscle-strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones and can improve the ability to live independently.
- Parents and Children- Parents can help their children maintain a physically active lifestyle by providing encouragement and opportunities for physical activity. Families can plan outings and events that allow and encourage everyone in the family to be active.
- Teenagers- Regular physical activity improves strength, builds lean muscle, and decreases body fat. Activity can build stronger bones to last a lifetime.
- People trying to manage their weight- Regular physical activity burns calories while preserving lean muscle mass. Regular physical activity is a key component of any weight-loss or weight-management effort.
- People with high blood pressure- Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure.
- People with physical disabilities, including arthritis- Regular physical activity can help people with chronic, disabling conditions improve the stamina and muscle strength. It can also improve psychological well-being and quality of life by increasing the ability to perform the activities of daily life.
- Everyone under stress, including people experiencing anxiety or depression- Regular physical activity improves one’s mood, helps relieve depression, and increases feelings of well-being.
WHERE TO SIGN-UP
Sign up for the Walking Works Wonders Program:
In person at: Park-to-Park Trail Association Office: 70 Church Street
Parry Sound, Ontario
P2A 1Y9
By email: info@parktoparktrail.com or by
Phone: (705)746-7663 or Call Toll Free at 1-888-213-8134
IMPORTANCE OF TRAILS IN OUR COMMUNITY
WHY TRAILS ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNTIYS OVERALL HEALTH:
Many people have access to trails in their community but don’t make use of them, or feel that they are important. Here are some things to consider:
- Trails in Parry Sound such as Penny Lane and the Rotary Algonquin Fitness Trail are free, safe, and accessible for motorized wheelchairs
- Trails provide opportunities for many recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding
- Trails provide an alternative link to communities, businesses, services, and attractions
- Trails educate about the value and importance of the wilderness while preserving the environment by designating sections free from human habitation and development
- Trails contribute to economic development, increased property values and increased regional tourism
There are several kilometers of trails in the Parry Sound and surrounding regions to be taken advantage of by hikers, bikers, and anyone else looking for the perfect place to get in their daily exercise routine.
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