Arthritis-Friendly "Walk With Ease" Exercise Workshops Offered in Arcadia

ARCADIA, Fla. - July 3, 2018 - PRLog -- Many people living with arthritis avoid exercise because of the discomfort it can cause—but exercise can actually be beneficial for pain management.  Older adults with arthritis and those at risk of developing arthritis are invited to learn how to exercise safely this July and August in Arcadia.  The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is offering a free six-week Walk With Ease workshop in partnership with Friendship Centers.  Participants will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, starting July 16.

The DeSoto Friendship Center is located at 219 W. Oak St. in Arcadia.

Walk With Ease is a structured walking program from the Arthritis Foundation. The program teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday lives.  Walk With Ease is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit.

A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that 53% of Americans with arthritis didn't walk at all for exercise. A full one-third of respondents got less than 90 minutes per week of exercise—well under the recommended activity level.

"Research shows that walking is good for your joints, and can also improve the health of your heart, lungs and bones," says Sherry Young, Health and Wellness Coordinator for AAASWFL.  "Walking can also help with weight management.  Keeping a healthy weight can lower your risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease, and diabetes."

Walk With Ease helps participants develop successful exercise routines by offering support, information, and other tools.  The six-week group series is led by a certified instructor. Participants learn proper stretching and pain management techniques, build stamina and increase their walking pace.  The program can even be modified to meet the needs of individual participants so that each person can develop an exercise routine that fits their unique goals.

Young adds, "If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease."

Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance and strength, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program also builds its participants' confidence in their physical activity and overall health.

Pre-registration is required.  For more information, contact Sherry Young at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER) or sherry.young@aaaswfl.org.  Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.

The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is one of several health education and self-management programs offered by the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization serving Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.  AAASWFL is the state's designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida.  The organization is committed to connecting adults ages 60 and over and people with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.  More information is available at http://www.aaaswfl.org or by calling the toll-free Helpline at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER).