Walking is one of the most underrated activities when it comes to improving our health and well-being. And for older adults looking for a low-impact exercise, it can have tremendous benefits- including expanding your social circle!
According to Harvard Medical School, walking “doesn’t get the respect it deserves, either for its health benefits, its value for transportation, or its role in recreation”. Unlike running, where both feet leave the ground causing more impact on your joints, walking keeps you grounded—literally! It’s a low-impact exercise that’s perfect for older adults looking to stay active and healthy.
Getting the Most Out of a Simple Exercise
The key to maximizing benefits from walking is to maintain a brisk pace. The Mayo Clinic highlights several health benefits of regular brisk walking: it can help you maintain a healthy weight, manage or prevent conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Walking also strengthens your bones, lifts your mood, and improves balance and coordination. With these impressive benefits, it’s clear that making time for a daily walk can lead to a healthier and happier life.
Walking is rarely seen as a top priority in our health & wellness routines- but with so many impressive benefits, it’s easy to see why it should be.
Join the Fun with "Walking with Friends!"
Walking might be simple, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Enjoy some company this summer with our "Walking with Friends" program at the Oshkosh YMCA. This ForeverWell program for ages 55+ is the perfect way to combine exercise with socializing. Meet up with fellow Y members at various parks and trails around Oshkosh for a fun outdoor workout. Best of all, this program is free for Y members! Just check the schedule online or at the front desk and join us for a delightful morning walk.
Discover Pole Walking Workshops
Looking to spice up your walking routine? Our Pole Walking Workshops, led by the experienced Andrea Van Dyn Hoven from Care Patrol, offer a fantastic twist on traditional walking.
If you’re looking to support your joints, walking with a set of poles can help relieve stress from your knees and back, as well as improve your posture, stability, and balance, and boost your confidence while walking.
Pole walking is also hugely beneficial for those with mobility issues. For those who are recovering from an injury, or are diagnosed with arthritis or Parkinson’s, walking with poles can provide much needed support and improvement with form.
Join us for these dynamic sessions this summer and see how adding poles can make your walk even more effective and enjoyable. Whether you participate in one workshop or all, you’ll gain valuable tips and techniques to enhance your walking experience.
Walking: A Simple Step to Better Health
Incorporating walking into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful way to improve your health. Whether you’re joining friends for a walk in the park or trying out pole walking for the first time, the Oshkosh YMCA has programs tailored to help older adults stay active and engaged. Walking is not just about exercise; it’s about connecting with others, enjoying the outdoors, and taking steps towards a healthier life.
Put on your walking shoes and join us at the Oshkosh YMCA. See you on the trails!
Updated June 2024