Let Purdue Extension help you Get WalkIN’.
Are you ready to get moving, improve your health and enjoy life more?
Get WalkIN’ is a free 12-week email-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension Jackson County.
Molly Marshall, health and human sciences educator for Purdue Extension Jackson County, said participants can sign up, walk on their own and receive emailed support and information.
The program is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and encourage people to get moving.
Participants will receive a total of 16 emails — two per week for the first month, then one per week for the next eight weeks.
"Walking is a popular form of physical activity and good for your health. Only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity," Marshall said. "Lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and being overweight."
She said regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and falls in older adults.
"Walking is an excellent way for most people to increase their physical activity and an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle," Marshall said.
Walking is accessible to almost anyone, doesn’t require specific skills or abilities to perform, can be performed alone or with others and is adaptable (i.e., can be performed at any chosen intensity) and inexpensive.
"Walking can serve many purposes. It can be a way to exercise, have fun, get to school, work or other nearby destinations," Marshall said. "Importantly, making walking easier can help communities by improving safety, social cohesion and local economies and reducing air pollution."
According to the American Heart Association, walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active.
Now is the perfect time to start a healthy habit and receive the physical and mental health benefits of walking.
People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them a sense of well-being, according to the mental health and wellness website helpguide.org.
They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories and feel more relaxed and positive.
Walking and regular exercise also are powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges and can have a positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD and more.
Plus, it relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better and boosts your overall mood. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better.
Get WalkIN’ also is for those who have started to walk and lost interest or motivation.
Participants will receive emails that provide encouragement, motivation, information about health and wellness and more.
For those who want to get walking, feel better, have more energy and create a new healthy habit, the program begins April 6.
Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys. To register, contact Marshall at [email protected] by April 1.
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What: Get WalkIN’ email-based walking program through Purdue Extension in Jackson County
When: 12-week program, beginning April 6
Cost: Free
Register: Contact Molly Marshall at [email protected] by April 1
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