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!
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This 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.
That 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.
This is great! What a great program to get people interested in fitness. Walking is such an easy and inexpensive way to get exercise.
Thanks, 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!
What 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.
That 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!
Love 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!
So true!!! That’s a message I’m always trying to get out.
That’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.
Thanks, Jenn! It’s awesome seeing the community come together to support a program like this.
Love 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!
I lost 60 lbs with power walking. I call it my version of running!:D
I love this idea! I hope the participants keep it up and continue walking
Thanks, Deborah! I do, too.
What a great program and great participation too. And five weeks seems long enough that many will be hooked and keep it up.
Thanks, Coco! This program has been running for a number of years and they seem to have hit a magic formula for success!
Walking is the #1 activity people in our communities want to do. We often fit in walking meetings into our working day!
That’s awesome, Anna!!