How Women Walking for Weight Loss Band Together
Walking Fitness Goals Are Best Met in Groups, Here's How to Start
May 31, 2009
Women walking for weight loss can gain accountability and build friendships through walking groups. If women aren’t aware of a group that meets in their area, why not start one of their own? Here are some quick tips for getting a walking fitness group organized, walking regularly, building friendships, and burning calories.
Women Walking for Weight Loss Find a Group
Finding other women walking for weight loss who want to burn calories while pushing strollers or walking while kids are in preschool is easy. Most women crave the fitness and camaraderie this commitment offers. Women who are members of an organization for stay-at-home moms can get the word out by posting a note on the group's online message board, floating the idea in the monthly newsletter, or asking to make an announcement during a business meeting. Moms who haven’t joined an organization can talk to friends who live nearby or post the idea on an online forum for moms in the area.
Women Organize the Walking Group
Once women walking for weight loss receive a response, it’s time to get together and hammer out the details. If the walking group is larger than anticipated, women might want to discuss breaking into smaller walking groups according to areas of town or individual walking goals. Leaders should make sure to address the following questions at the initial meeting.
- How can group members be contacted if plans change?
- What time of day is preferred for walking?
- What rout should be taken?
- How often should the walking group meet each week?
- Is there an indoor rout designated in case of rain or cold?
- What are the walking group’s fitness goals?
During this first organizational meeting, the group's organizer can take notes on these and other important concerns such as group safety and group goals. Once these details are settled, it is time to get moving.
Women Set Fitness Goals for the Walking Group
It’s both fun and motivating for a walking group to share common goals. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s 12-week walking program can be an excellent place to start. Within less than three months, all women can walk their way into this 40-minute brisk walking workout
To promote morale, walking groups can settle on a name and logo to design T-shirts. Women walking for weight loss might also plan group hiking excursions or sign up to walk charity events as a team.
The accountability of walking buddies will help ensure fitness remains part of women's busy routine. Walking alone is a nice opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment, but women walking for weight loss shouldn’t pass up the bond they’ll experience as they set goals and achieve success with friends.
