Walking has many benefits regardless of whether or not you walk alone or in a group. There are many health benefits from aiding in reducing high blood pressure to helping reduce obesity rates. There are mental health benefits as well. Walking helps relieve stress, aids in a better nights sleep and be can be a time for reflection or socialization. Walking is an easy way to start changing your life for the better.

Walking Groups

There are many ways to find a walking group. Churches may have bulletin boards with others looking to walk and fellowship, as well as workplace bulletin boards. Your local health department or American Heart Association may also offer several groups of different fitness levels. There are also many places to find groups online.

Steps to Starting Your Own Walking Group

So, what to do if you have no local walking groups or you just haven't found one that is convenient to attend. Well, of course, you can start your own.

Step 1: Decide where and when you want to meet. Will it be monthly, weekly, daily? What time do you plan on walking? Are you going to walk at a local park, trail, or neighborhood? Are you going to have a specific goal such as getting ready for a particular event or will it be year round.

Step 2: Once you decide on the where and when you need to get the word out. There are many way s to do that. Fliers in your community, at churches, coffee shops, grocery stores and other local businesses. Use your social networking sites to get the message out that you would like others to meet you for some walking fun. You can even create events on Facebook to launch each meeting. Also call your local health department and American Heart Association so they can add your group to their walking group lists. There are walking forums you could post to let others in your area know you are starting a group.

Step 3: So you know where, when, and you got the word out. Now grab a friend and be there every time you said you wanted the group to meet. It might take some time to get a good group together but it will happen. Take photos of your walks and the fun you have, post them to your social media sites. Continue to post photos as your group grows.

There will be times that there will be many participates and other times when only a couple of people can participate but be consistent and before long your walking group will flourish and give others a great place to get healthy by simply walking.

Post in the BellaOnline Walking forum about your walking group, location, time and any other pertinent information. Also stop by and let others, who may be thinking about starting a group, know what you are looking for in a walking group.