What is the Healthy for Life Walking Club?

• An organized effort to provide a place for walkers around Lincoln County to walk safely in adverse weather.
• A fun way to get fit through incentives, education and group support.

Because we know what a critical role exercise plays in cardiovascular health and weight loss, Lincoln Hospital’s “Healthy For Life” program is sponsoring the “Healthy For Life Walking Club” — an ongoing opportunity to walk with others (or alone) in an exciting, goal-oriented format.

The club will provide an 8 to 9 month goal for you and your walking companions — consider it a tour. We provide the maps, tools and destination. Walk the Lewis & Clark Trail, the famous Route 66 or tour the Hawaiian Islands. When you reach your goal, it’s time to party!

Sound like fun? Grab some friends, family or co-workers and form a team. You can walk together or separately — just track your mileage and have fun.

What tools do you need?

Walking across country is hard work and to help you reach your fitness goal, Lincoln Hospital will provide participants with a packet of information that includes…

• Map and mileage of tour (Hawaii, The Lewis & Clark Trail, Route 66)
• Table to convert steps into miles
• Strategies for tracking miles without a pedometer
• Daily log for mileage records
• Monthly postcards with mileage updates (Route 66 only)
• Ideas for indoor walking locations at local schools
• Information on Robert Sweetgall, the world’s foremost expert on walking and our club guru! Check him out at www.creativewalking.com.

Who can join?

Anyone! Whether you walk in a group or alone, at work or at home, you can be a part of “Healthy for Life.” There are no age or location restrictions.
We do recommend you check with your healthcare provider prior to starting any physical activity program, and those with chronic medical conditions should get a physician’s written prescription to take part.


How do I form a team?

Ask your friends and family who want to get in shape – they don’t even have to live in Lincoln County. Because it is a VIRTUAL walk, you can walk with and track miles for friends anywhere on the globe. If you want companionship when you walk, find people with similar schedules.

How do I track mileage?

There are two ways to track miles.

1. Pedometer: If you don’t already have one, just ask. The club may be able to provide one (we cannot be responsible to replace due to loss or breakage). Lincoln Hospital will provide a chart to help you convert your steps into miles and a map to help you log your and/or your team’s progress “across country.” Remember – 2,000 steps is one mile.
2. Your Car: This is so easy! Get in your car and drive a one mile route from your house. Then drive a two mile loop and a three mile loop. Walk each of them and see how long they take, then, when you want to walk, choose the route that fits your timeline. 15 minute break? Walk the one mile loop. 35 minutes to spare? The two mile loop will work best.

Where do I walk?

Anywhere. Whether you live in town or the country, you can walk! Just keep track of your steps/mileage.
As for bad weather, call your local school for indoor walking times. Gyms at many schools will be open in the early morning, and after class hours when gyms are busy, most schools are offering their halls as a “track” for walkers.

What does it cost?

Nothing! Nada! Zip! The “Healthy for Life Walking Club” is a free service of Lincoln Hospital & North Basin Medical Services — your “Neighbor for Life.”

Walking Facts…

• Walking 3 miles per day at 3.5 mph will increase your lifespan by 7 years!
• 3.5 mph is the optimum speed for walking for fitness.
• 2,000 steps = 1 mile
• To burn off one M&M, you must walk the length of a football field
• Walking not only increases your lifespan, but improves your quality of life.
• Folks who walk at 3.5 mph live longer than joggers and long distance runners.