What Is The Walking Club?

The Walking Club, presented by the CardioVascular Institute, was created by physicians, nurses, physiologists and physical therapists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) as a way to inspire anyone and everyone to start a regular walking program. Walking has multiple benefits for both physical and mental health. It's easy to do. You can do it alone, with family members, in groups or with your favorite pet. Best of all, it's free.

The Walking Club is actually a "virtual" club – that's because people have so much to do these days that it can sometimes be tough to find time to walk. We at BIDMC have developed a set of tools that can be adapted to a program that best suits YOU.

Our materials can be found here. You'll find printable sheets to help you set goals and track your progress. Also included, is a 20-page kit to help businesses create a walking club for employees and a kit for schools (designed at a 7th grade level). This year, six Boston public schools are participating in the Walking Club.

Other tools include a BIDMC pedometer APP for your iPhone or Android. And e-Cards you can personalize and send to friends or family to try to motivate them to start a walking program.

All of these tools are free, for your unrestricted use.

If you have any questions or do start a walking program, please let us know by emailing us at walking@bidmc.harvard.edu. We want to collect and post stories of what walkers in the community are doing to stay motivated—as an inspiration to others. Thank you for joining the club! And happy trails!

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