Seniors who are committed to maintaining an active lifestyle but are concerned about potentially hazardous winter conditions might be interested in considering the local indoor urban pole walking program.
Sundre Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society and Peaks to Prairies Primary Care Network are collaborating on the initiative that aims to offer people an opportunity to stay active without worrying about slipping on ice, said Greg Stopanski, an exercise specialist with Peaks to Prairies.
Walking indoors in a safe environment with a flat, even surface also eliminates the possibility of tripping over obstacles buried under snow, such as rocks, he said.
The program runs year-round. While a group meets Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings for outdoor excursions, the urban pole walking group gets together at the Sundre Community Centre every Thursday afternoon from October to June, he said.
The urban walking poles offer several benefits, including improved stability as well as reduced joint stress, which facilitates the effort of maintaining a pace. The indoor walking program also features some other exercises that focus on stretching to keep limber as well as others that aim to strengthen a person’s core, he said.
On average, adults and seniors should complete a weekly average of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, or about 30 minutes five days a week for maximum health benefits, he said.
Adopting a more active lifestyle not only improves people’s health but also by extension reduces the long-term cost of health-care services by preventing potential ailments from developing in the first place, he said.
For more information as well as free urban pole rentals, contact the GNP office at 403-638-1011 or drop by in person during regular hours.
