I was proud to partner once again with the City of Graham Recreation and Parks Department on a wonderful community initiative, Graham Walks.
The Fall 2018 Graham Walks Program lasted for 5 weeks from Sept. 5-Oct. 10. It’s a self-paced program to help participants get at least 7,500 steps a day. Incentives include the opportunity to win one of several grand prizes.
As you can see on the graphic below, the results were impressive. 176 people participated — a record number. Everyone did an amazing job!
As part of Graham Walks, I presented a free noontime walking workshop in downtown Graham called “Stretch & Stride.” I led participants through a routine of stretches that are great for walkers, and then we took a group walk.
Participants who turned in their walking logs and met the goal received a weekly promotional giveaway, and then a t-shirt on the last day of the program.
As a sponsor of Graham Walks, I was excited to offer one of the grand prizes — a curated gift basket of walking accessories. We drew the winner live on Facebook. Congratulations, Lisa Sandridge!
I’m really honored to be a sponsor of Graham Walks. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Aaron Davis and the Recreation and Parks Department; to connect with the community; and to promote walking and parks, which I’m passionate about. Thank you to Aaron for including me in this amazing program!
Take online exercise classes and workshops with me! Try it for free!
Kim G says
October 29, 2018 at 1:45 pmThis is such an awesome initiative! This summer, I started taking lunch time walks, around 30 mins, to help break up the work day and it’s so amazing. I always feel more energized when I come back to work and I like that I’m getting in movement during the work day. I have an office job so unfortunately I sit a lot.
Michelle Rogers says
October 29, 2018 at 2:26 pmThat is a super idea, Kim – way to go! I spent many years in an office job, and I wish I had taken walk breaks earlier rather than later in my career. It might have spared me the back, neck and shoulder issues that came from sitting. Once I started taking a break to go outside and walk at lunchtime, I started feeling much better, physically as well as mentally.
Kimberly Hatting says
October 29, 2018 at 2:00 pmThis is great! What a great program to get people interested in fitness. Walking is such an easy and inexpensive way to get exercise.
Michelle Rogers says
October 29, 2018 at 2:28 pmThanks, Kim! I’m a big advocate of walking. It’s what started me on my weight loss and fitness transformation, and it’s the reason I’m where I’m at today!
Darlene says
October 29, 2018 at 3:01 pmWhat a great initiative.
I used to walk everyday in my old job. But I had others to join me.
In this job. I do not. When I first started, I would walk at lunch. I have since gotten lazy.
We do have a program called Virgin Pulse where you get points for healthy habits. We can earn up to $400 a year.
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:58 pmThat sounds like a great incentive! It’s hard to get in the habit of a lunchtime walk, but in my previous office-based job I did it and it really helped me a lot both mentally and physically. If nothing else, it’s a nice escape!
Renée says
October 29, 2018 at 3:15 pmLove it! I’m all for people getting active. Walking is such a great way to get started and in fact, to BE active you don’t even have to do anything more than walking!
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:55 pmSo true!!! That’s a message I’m always trying to get out.
Jenn says
October 29, 2018 at 5:06 pmThat’s awesome! I love seeing people encourage and motivate others to get out there and move! This is going to really make such a world of difference to so many people.
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:54 pmThanks, Jenn! It’s awesome seeing the community come together to support a program like this.
Jenny Albertson says
October 29, 2018 at 5:09 pmLove it! I usually don’t go on a lot of walks except in the summertime, but recently I haven’t been able to run due to injury so I’ve been adding more walks in and I was so surprised with how amazing it was!
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:53 pmI lost 60 lbs with power walking. I call it my version of running!:D
Deborah Brooks says
October 29, 2018 at 5:42 pmI love this idea! I hope the participants keep it up and continue walking
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:52 pmThanks, Deborah! I do, too.
Coco says
October 29, 2018 at 8:43 pmWhat a great program and great participation too. And five weeks seems long enough that many will be hooked and keep it up.
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:52 pmThanks, Coco! This program has been running for a number of years and they seem to have hit a magic formula for success!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
October 30, 2018 at 8:31 amWalking is the #1 activity people in our communities want to do. We often fit in walking meetings into our working day!
Michelle Rogers says
October 30, 2018 at 5:51 pmThat’s awesome, Anna!!