How To Start a Walking Group

Host a kickoff meeting in your home or at a public place, like a neighborhood park or coffee shop. If you’re partnering with a community center, ask if you can hold it there.

Decide when, where, how long, and how often you’ll walk together. Work out some guidelines, like whether or not you’ll walk when it’s raining, and whether members need to notify the group if they can’t make it. Exchange contact information and agree on a starting date.

Set group goals, such as increasing the amount of time you walk each week, or incorporating more difficult terrain, like hills. Sign everyone up for an online program like AARP’s free “Get Fit on Route 66,” which lets you take a virtual trip across America as you keep track of the miles you’ve walked.

Encourage members to set individual goals, like eating a healthier diet. Investing in a step counter can help them track their progress and stay motivated.

Keep the group interesting by joining charity walk-a-thons or 5K races, organizing an all-day or weekend hike, or spinning off a dinner or book club.

Help each other stay motivated by inviting local speakers to talk about fitness and healthy eating. Contact your local health department, university, or sports medicine clinic for suggested speakers.

Recognize group members who have lost weight or improved their health thanks to the walking group.