How To Launch a Walking Program
by Shannon (Griffiths) Fable (Founder & CEO of Sunshine Fitness Resources)
Walking is the one activity we all do that transcends generation, socioeconomic status, education level, athletic ability and gender. Beginning a walking program is an ingenious way to open your doors to the thousands of community members who need help. To start a program consider these tips from Shannon (Griffiths) Fable, group fitness director at Lakeshore Athletic Club in Colorado, founder and CEO of Sunshine Fitness Resources and IDEA member since 2003.
Getting Started
To get a walking program going for nonexercisers, first research existing programs and determine whether any of them would be a good fit for your community, schedule and area of expertise. If not, plan your own program. Then begin marketing, setting a launch date far enough ahead to give you ample time to consider all logistics.
With so many program options--some already created, others you would plan yourself--how do you choose?
Step #1: Decide Whom You Want to Attract. Are you interested in reaching outside your facility, beyond the typical clientele? Or are you primarily concerned with providing a new cardiovascular program to satisfy members not currently under trainer or instructor supervision?
Step #2: Look at Yourself. You must be able to embrace walking as a viable exercise program that is ripe with possibilities. You must also be excited about working with the target clientele. If you understand the benefits of walking but are not suited to this type of training or population, perhaps someone else on your staff is interested. The key is identifying a champion eager to work with this unique group and provide a positive experience, paving the way for a future in which fitness is a lifestyle.
Step #3: Determine Your Overall Goal. Is this a program that will cycle onto the schedule each season with official start and stop dates? Or will it be an ongoing class that participants pay for as they go? Are you hoping to springboard other ideas off your original walking program as people progress? Your answer to this last question will have a significant impact on where you begin.
A smart idea when starting a program for nonexercisers is to set up a free informational meeting. Focus on the benefits of walking and include guidelines on getting started, along with compelling research about the health advantages and quality-of-life improvements that walkers enjoy. You might even offer free giveaways, such as mileage trackers or pedometers. Toward the end of the meeting, describe your program and invite attendees to join.
Considering Logistics
When brainstorming the type of program you want to offer, also ask yourself the following questions:
Is this a structured walking program with stop and start dates, or is it an open program (participants can join at any time, and they can pay a certain price per walk or buy a "package")?
How many times per week will the group walk? Will you provide options (with different prices for different frequencies)?
Where will you walk? Remember that nonexercisers probably want to be out of the eyes of "fit folks" and may not even like to come near a fitness facility.
What time will you meet, and how far will you go? Keep in mind that an hour seems like eternity for some.
What will participants get (pedometer, e-mails, mileage/step tracking, informational handouts)?
At your first session or as members register, set additional guidelines, verbally and in writing:
- Will you walk if it’s raining or snowing?
- Will you allow cell phones and headphones during walks?
- Will members notify you if they can’t make it, or will the group just walk with whoever shows up?
Before you start your program, educate yourself about appropriate warm-up and cool-down strategies, as well as injury prevention. Research proper form and technique, and keep in mind that walking programs are not simply scaled-back running programs. One advantage of a preset program is that it will provide safety education.
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