Links > Resources: Walking Programs

Benefits of Walking

10,000 Steps a Day: Ways to increase the number of steps you take every day.
Walking Handbook: The handbook discusses the benefits of walking, how much walking is enough and offers safety tips and ways to find time during the day to walk. You’ll also find stretching diagrams and descriptions.
Why 10,000 Steps a Day?: Information on the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day and ways to increase the number of steps you take each day.

BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Walking Program Resources: The BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) has produced several walking program resources, including:
- Walking Program Resource Guide (for communities/worksites/individuals interested in creating and enhancing a walking program in their community).

Walk Leader Handbook (resource for people leading the walks).
Walking Handbook (distributed to participants of walking programs, for use on walks).
Pedometer Handbook (helps walkers in choosing a pedometer and using it effectively).

Start! American Heart Association’s Walking Program: A campaign calling on all employees and their employers to create a physical activity culture at the workplace through walking programs.
Stepping up Your Physical Activity: Walking to Improve Your Health: A feature article from the Canadian Health Network (CHN) with tips on starting a walking program, how to set goals, how to monitor your progress and ways to overcome barriers. A pedometer section also provides helpful information.
Walking: The Activity of a Lifetime: A printable resource with information on the benefits of walking, tips for planning a walking program and walking stretches. This resource also includes information on the number of steps you should take per day, a sample walking program, and a walking log.

Alberta Centre for Active Living, Pedometer Information Sheet: A pedometer is a simple device used to measure the number of steps you take in a day. This information sheet from the Alberta Centre for Active Living shows you how to use a pedometer to track your steps. Also available in French.
How Can I Use a Pedometer to Help Me to Be Active?: An article from the Health Living Unit of the Public Health Agency of Canada on how a pedometer works, what to look for when buying a pedometer, how to wear a pedometer and what pedometers can and can’t do.
Walking: Canadians’ Favourite Activity: Information on how walking improves your health, how much you need to do every day and tips on how to fit walking into your daily life. You’ll also find information on how to use a pedometer.

Hot Tips for Winter Walking: This article focuses on the benefits of walking and offers advice on clothing and temperature factors to consider when walking in the winter.
Selecting Walking Shoes: Provides information on how to select the right pair of walking shoes.
Stretching Advice for Runners and Walkers: Pictures and descriptions of stretches for walking and running.
Walking Shoes: Features and Fit That Keep You Moving: Provides information on how to select walking shoes that properly fit your feet.