Walking is a sport that can be enjoyed by most people. It is low-intensity compared to running, but, as with running, delivers significant health benefits. Atlanta, Georgia is well suited for walks of many kinds and has a chapter of a walking club and enough meet up groups for anyone's taste. Consult your physician to determine the best level of activity for you, then choose the program that fits your participation level.
Walking Club of Georgia
The Walking Club of Georgia, or WCOG, is a statewide walking club sanction by the USA Track and Field Georgia Association. The WCOG offers groups in fitness walking, racewalking and hiking. It offers racewalk clinics, weekly fitness walks, participation in local races and monthly hiking adventures. Weekly, the fitness walkers meet Sunday mornings in Brookhaven and evenings at varous locations in Midtown. The hiking group goes to the mountains for six-mile, easy to moderate hikes. You must supply your own lunch and water. Racewalking is walking for speed. The WCOG offers free racewalking lessons on the first Sunday of each month at the Dunwoody High School track. You must be a member of the club to participate in the events. Membership is $24 per year for individuals, $29 for families.
Atlanta Professionals Walking and Talking
The Atlanta Professionals Walking and Talking meetup group was formed to provide an alternative to the usual unhealthy method of networking--eating. The idea of the group is to be able to gather professionals in an atmosphere that is more relaxed, provides health benefits and makes it easier to mingle with the members of the group, rather than being stuck in a seat at a table. The group sponsors evening, morning and lunchtime walks that meet up at Cochran Shoals. Bathrooms are available at the park. The walks are from 40 to 50 minutes.
Pink Pole Balance Walking
The Pink Pole Balance Walking group takes fitness walking to another level. By using the poles, as you would in cross-country skiing, you also derive the same health benefits you would if you were cross-country skiing. The group also has an altruistic side as it partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a foundation that raises money for cancer research. For every pink balancing pole sold, $5 is donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Participants in the walks are grouped by their level of participation and range from beginner to expert. They meet mornings in Chastain Park.
Benefits
There are many health benefits gained by walking for exercise. The Mayo Clinic recommends walking for fitness and notes that it lowers LDL Cholesterol, raises HDL Cholsterol, lowers weight and blood pressure, reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and improves your mood. If you haven't exercised for a while, start with daily walking sessions of five to ten minutes each, then gradually increase the time until you are comfortable and are reaching your target heart rate.
Injury Prevention
Always be sure to warm up prior to your walk then start your stretching exercises, to minimize the risk of muscle pulls and strains. Finally, ensure that you are wearing comfortable shoes and are properly hydrated throughout your walk.
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