The Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer Walk With Ease starting Monday, September 8, at Walworth Memorial Library. Created by the Arthritis Foundation, Walk With Ease is a structured walking program designed to help individuals with arthritis manage their pain and establish daily walking habits.
Walk With Ease offers support, information, and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. Led by certified instructor Rebecca Way, MSW, APSW, the six-week program teaches participants proper stretching and pain management techniques, helping them build stamina and improve their walking pace. The program can be modified to meet participants’ needs, allowing them to develop exercise routines tailored to their unique goals.
“Research shows that walking is good for joints and helps improve heart, lung, and bone health,” says instructor Rebecca Way. “Walking can also help with weight management, which can reduce the risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease.”
The information and strategies taught in the program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength, and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program has also been shown to build participant confidence and improve overall health.
Walk With Ease will be held every Monday, September 8 through October 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Walworth Memorial Library, 525 Kenosha Street, Walworth, WI 53184. Pre-registration is required. This workshop has a suggested contribution of $10. For more information, contact Edie Africano at (262) 741-3309. Always check with your physician before starting any exercise program.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
