Humans are “designed” to walk. The good news is that walking is a great form of low-impact exercise that can improve your heart health and blood flow/pressure.
Better still, it is free and simple. You don’t need to walk for hours to get the benefits.
These facts have not escaped the attention of the Huntington Beach Senior Center, which offers a regular weekly session aptly named “Wednesday Walkers.” The 30-plus participants, typically ranging in age from 60 to 75, are led by a group of volunteers. They start with a simple warm up program.
Group leader Nathan, who previously worked for a cardiologist, reminds the group of the importance of exercise for healthy bodies. Walking with others, he says, combines the cardio benefi t with socialization.
One participant, Elaine, a retired school district employee and an intrepid traveler, has been coming to Wednesday Walkers for about 18 months. She says she enjoys the comradery and rarely misses a weekly session.
In addition to the friendship aspect, Elaine adds, the group leaders try to incorporate fun excursions to places like the Urban Forest and Shipley Nature Center, keeping the program varied and challenging.
Marina, one of the group leaders, notes that the group is noncompetitive, so everyone can fit in without feeling pressure to perform.
Another leader, Linda, explains that walkers can choose between one of three levels of difficulty. The “Greyhounds” are the fastest of the three groups--walking at a brisk three miles per hour.
Meanwhile the “Strollers” choose to walk a shorter distance and perhaps more slowly.
And the intermediate group, the “Pacers,” cover around two miles in 45 minutes.
“There is something for everyone,” says Don, a retired manufacturing executive.
Silvia, a regular who joined the group two years ago, also tries not to miss any of the Wednesday morning sessions.
“Mostly, it is about getting outdoors,” she says. “I like walking because it connects me to nature, and that improves my energy level. We usually walk one to two miles through Central Park and around Lake Huntington, offering an opportunity to enjoy the ducks and egrets that live here”.
In fact, studies do show that this simple form of exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, while walking in groups connects people with one another.
It even improves sleep. Good night walkers, wherever you are.
Except when it rains all are invited to join the group. Information: surfcityusa.com/listing/huntington- beach-senior-center/860.