The U.S. surgeon general recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Local Clarkston residents are doing just that by taking advantage of the warmer weather and hitting the pavement, no matter the age or physical activity level.
Walking has been found to be a very successful cardiovascular workout for heart health as well as a great way to enjoy spring and the changing surroundings.
‘We don’t walk for weight, we walk for health,? Kathy Uchman said.
For the past five years, Uchman, of Clarkston, has led groups of residents on a summer-long training schedule using walking as a tool to run a 5K race by the end of the season. The group is aimed at people over the age of 40, but all are welcome.
Starting early in May, Uchman and her walkers walk for nine minutes and run for one. The sequence is repeated six times, equaling 60 minutes of exercise at the end of the cycle. Each week the running time increases while the walking time decreases so that by the end of the training, the walkers are able to run for a full hour.
‘At first, people are surprised that they can run that far by the end,? Uchman said. ‘Your body will do what you ask of it.?
Meeting three times a week at 8 a.m., Uchman’s group, all different ages and physical activity backgrounds, not only enjoys the physical aspects of the workout, but the time spent with new friends as they walk and catch up on recent happenings with one another.
‘That’s our favorite part: seeing each other,? Susan Curtis, group member, said.
Fellow walker and runner Marianne Anderson couldn’t agree more.
‘When you get up in the morning, you have a hard time going out to run,? Anderson said. ‘But being with a group helps. If I didn’t exercise with a group, it would be boring.?
Anderson will turn 68 later this year.
Uchman stresses to her group the importance of walking and the healthy results it produces for one’s body. She emphasizes that the program is not for weight loss but for a healthier life, which she finds to be much more important. She regularly researches fitness periodicals to find new tips and techniques to give her group members.
‘When you work this hard, you get this boost that you don’t want to put junk food inside of you,? Uchman said of the benefits of physical activity.
Group member Tamara Asbury competed in her first 5K last year at the Clarkston Fall Fun Run and took first place. Tamara is in her 50s.
Uchman based the training program on a book she read that gave her the time-frame model. However, anyone can customize their own pace and style to get out there and get moving.
‘We’ve gotten good results from the group, not just talk,? Uchman said. ‘That just makes it worth it to me.?
Lee Smith is another local resident who can vouch for the benefits of walking and physical activity.
For the past 10 years, Smith has lead the ‘Walk Michigan? group through the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Walking groups throughout Michigan spend the spring and summer walking for better health. At the end of the summer, groups travel to Mackinac to walk across the Mackinac Bridge with the governor.
‘It’s really nice and it doesn’t cost a cent,? Smith, a regular at the Independence Township Senior Center, said. ‘People just walk their own leisurely time.?
Smith coordinates the group as well as hitting the trails herself. The group rotates between different parks and locations in the area.
‘It keeps me in better shape,? Smith said.
Not only does Smith recognize the physical aspects of the weekly-walking group, she also enjoys the people who come out to give it a try.
‘You meet a lot of people,? Smith said. Through her time with the group, Smith was able to walk up north with former governor John Engler.
Smith, just like many others involved with walking or other physical activity programs, suggests giving a new activity a try at least once.
‘People really enjoy it,? Smith said of the program. ‘And I like it, too. Walking is good for everyone.?