One way to take advantage of cooler temperatures is to take a brisk stroll on and around this campus with newly organized walkers groups.
Kinesiology Chair Bill Richardson gave walkers in four groups who met Monday east of Candler Physical Education Center a few tips on how to fully prepare for starting a walking regimen. His remarks were aimed at participants in the new SAC Walkers program, sponsored by the Wellness Committee.
Walking should be approached like any other physical exercise, Richardson said. Good shoes as well as stretching can help performance and ensure a better workout.
Walking makes use of some of the body’s large muscle groups and promotes blood flow and increased heart rate, which help develop cardio endurance.
A good walking pace may burn only six calories a minute compared to nearly twice that for runners, but since many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer can be controlled to an extent by regular exercise, it’s important to consider adding any form of exercise, Richardson said.
Dawn Brooks, chair of the Wellness Committee, solicited input from faculty and staff and received more than 50 responses.
Walkers meet at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the mall east of Candler, although times and routes are up to the walkers.
Excess body fat is a cause for many health problems, and walking is considered “primarily a cardio exercise and calorie-burning exercise,” Richardson said.
“People get hung up on miles. Really, minutes is what we’re after,” Richardson said. “A brisk pace can get you 3 miles in 45 minutes.”
A well-balanced exercise plan consists of some form of exercise at least four days a week for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes, he said. People in walking groups tend to be motivated to keep regular exercise schedules.
To access the committee’s Web site, click here.
For more information on SAC Walkers, call Brooks at 486-1023.
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