Walking Tips

Thank you for your interest in starting an Up & Moving Pasadena walking group. Walking with others helps participants to succeed in their exercise programs because it provides an opportunity to socialize, have fun, and build support. Many find that the group members often provide inspiration and a sense of accountability to each other.

Some Tips for Keeping Your Group Motivated

1. Set up a regular schedule and meeting place. You may choose to keep records of who comes for each walk, or you can leave that up to the individual members.
2. Keep in regular contact with your group members. Consider using email for reminders and keeping in touch. Let any absent members know that you missed them on the days when they did not show up.
3. Consider holding a monthly motivational get together to maintain momentum.
4. Find and share articles or web sites with motivational or health-related stories.
5. Plan pedometer competitions. Pick a week to have each member wear a pedometer. Compete to see who can garner the greatest number of steps. The winner gets a small prize or bragging rights.

Some Guidelines You May Want to Consider When Starting Your Group

1. Who will keep records of the walks? The leader? Each participant?
2. Will you walk if it’s raining?
3. How long will you wait if members are late for a walk?
4. Will you all always walk together, or is it OK to split into smaller groups?
5. Who will keep the schedule and determine the distance or time to be walked?
6. How do group members make up a missed walk?