Posted by:
Maya Mohan, Department of Public Health
Maya is the Physical Activity Coordinator for DPH, and keeps moving as much as she can.
I'm talking about walking! This doesn’t require a lot of skill or expensive equipment and can be done pretty much anywhere, at almost any time of the year. There are even studies that show that if people were to walk regularly, we would save money in health care costs over the long-term.
You’ve heard me mention the glories of walking in previous posts, so I won’t repeat myself here. That said, if these glories were enough, more people would be walking, right?
Let me point you in the direction of a network of walking clubs in MA called Keep Moving. Walking clubs are great because the “walking” tends to take a back seat to the “club.” In other words, people see walking clubs as a social activity. So, if you’re just going out for a morning walk with your friends or a lunchtime walk with coworkers, you may not realize that you’re also doing something good for yourself. Or maybe you do - but what may matter more to you is that you are spending time with your friends/family/etc. This social aspect of a walking club (or any other activity) helps people stick with that particular activity on a more regular basis. But, do make sure that the walking happens along with the talking - walking clubs don’t work if we’re only working our jaws!
Keep Moving promotes physical activity and socialization to the 50 year old+ crowd. There are over 150 Keep Moving clubs in MA - with 29 clubs in the Greater Boston region alone. Every spring, summer and fall, regional walks occur all over the state to bring neighboring clubs together. These events are free and are open to the public. For more information on the Keep Moving Program click here.
So, in the spirit of saving a buck or two, join a walking club in your neighborhood or at work. You’ll make new friends, strengthen existing friendships, experience MA’s beautiful scenery and get into shape. All of this… for free!
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