Posted on: October 6, 2008

Walk, Talk and Lose Weight

Walking groups put fitness first with friendship coming in a close second

By Dawn Klingensmith
CTW Features

From housework to a headache, there's always an excuse for a busy mom like LaChina Parks not to exercise - but none that she would offer up to six other mothers with equally long to-do lists who nevertheless manage to make time to power walk.

Parks joined a trainer-led walking group with the idea that the others would hold her accountable, and while the women don't hound one another for occasional absenteeism, there is a sense of obligation that compels her to show up.

"It's like an appointment. People expect you to be there," says the mother of two who lives in Atlanta.

Parks' walking group consists of moms and their children. But seniors, dog owners, co-workers, serious speed walkers and folks who simply share the goal of slimming down while socializing also form walking groups. The American Volkssport Association, Universal City, Texas, which promotes noncompetitive physical activity, has more than 300 registered walking groups across the nation. In addition, there are countless groups organized by fitness clubs, medical centers and individuals.

For mothers, walking groups provide a social outlet and an opportunity to solicit parenting advice from other women, Parks says. "There's always a little meet-and-greet at the beginning, and when we're done, people linger to talk," she adds. "For me, aside from getting fit and modeling good behavior for my boys, it's a great opportunity to mix and mingle with other moms."

For seniors, walking reduces the risk of physical disability by a significant percentage, according to a University of Georgia study. Compared with a group of non-walkers, seniors who went for regular strolls reduced their risk from 66 percent in the beginning of the study to 25 percent after four months. Disability was measured by watching how well they performed tasks such as getting out of a chair.

Chatting is a key component, says Sarah Lowe, a certified fitness trainer who leads Parks' group. "Talking is actually a good way to measure the intensity of your workout. You'll want to be panting and sweating a little bit, but you should be able to carry on a conversation with the person next to you."

Parks, 31, says having a paid professional organize and lead the group keeps everyone on track; plus, Lowe offers nutrition advice along the way and intensifies the workout by interspersing jumping jacks, hill climbs and strength-building exercises. But with persistence and planning, anyone can form a walking group by recruiting friends, neighbors and colleagues; posting fliers and online ads; and establishing some agreed-upon guidelines, such as whether to convene rain or shine.

If routes are carefully planned on circular park trails, tracks or around-the-block loops, different paces can be accommodated because slower walkers can be lapped by speed demons and end up at the finishing point at roughly the same time.

Lowe accommodates different fitness levels by suggesting that fitter individuals wear ankle weights.

At its best, a walking group "is not about leisure or lollygagging," Parks says. "You're there for a purpose."