DALLAS, Jan. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regular walking is one of the most effective forms of physical activity that delivers substantial health benefits and improves heart health. To make it fun and easy to get moving the American Heart Association created Walking Clubs.
Walking is also easy to start and continue and it has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. By joining or forming an American Heart Association Walking Club you can connect with others who share your goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies – and do it all free. An American Heart Association study revealed that American adults are 76 percent more likely to take a walk if another person is counting on them.
In contrast, research shows 45 percent of gym members will quit going to the gym in a given year and 30 percent will cancel their membership. Gym fees per member average about $765.40 a year.
"I encourage our patients to engage in regular exercise, including moderate-to-vigorous intensity walking programs, and the American Heart Association's new Walking Clubs are a great resource," said Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D., Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. "The accountability and camaraderie Walking Clubs provide will help those that struggle with a regular exercise commitment. Numerous studies have now identified a sedentary lifestyle and/or a low level of fitness as independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, for many people, Walking Clubs may provide a safe and effective lifestyle intervention to prevent heart disease and stroke."
Joining an existing Walking Club or forming your own is easy:
- Visit www.mywalkingclub.org.
- Click on Learn More.
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Sign-up by filling out the online form and select which you'd like to do:
- Start a Club: Serve as an organizer, mentor and motivator for your American Heart Association Walking Club. You'll be responsible for setting up your group and helping spread the word in your community about the benefits of walking. Checking this box doesn't limit your options – you can join a club at any time too.
- Join a Club: Join scheduled walks with others, set goals and celebrate accomplishments. Sign up now and search for a group based on location or similar interests. Checking this box doesn't limit your options – you can start a club at any time too.
- Click Submit
According to an American Heart Association survey, only 15 percent of American adults achieve the association's recommended level of moderate aerobic exercise, which is 150 minutes per week. As part of the My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative with multiple solutions from the American Heart Association, Walking Clubs encourage Americans to take up walking. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day will improve circulation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and promote weight loss. Also, for every hour of regular, vigorous physical activity, like brisk walking, life expectancy may increase for some adults by two hours.
Walk with Walgreens is a proud national supporter of the American Heart Association's Walking Clubs. To learn more, visit www.mywalkingclub.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.
The American Heart Association logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9940