When I attended my first Walk with Ease class in January, I had no idea that I would not only find ways to relieve my arthritis pain, but also find a group of walking buddies that have become close friends.

The Walk with Ease Program is a six-week program designed to teach you how to safely make physical activity part of daily life in order to help combat arthritis pain. The program met three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and was very beneficial. When we started, there were 13 of us, including one of the ladies who was not a member of Woman’s Fitness; but, by the end of the program she not only joined, she continues to walk with us three times a week. In fact, of the 13 participants in the program, eight or so of us still walk together several times a week.

Several of ladies in our walking group, including myself, have severe arthritis and we all agree that the stretching exercises and walking has helped tremendously. We’ve taken what we’ve learned, put it into action, and have seen and enjoyed the results. It really helps!

Plus, thanks to the tips from the class, we now know how to combat the discomfort of arthritis pain with physical activity. Outside of the pain, we have all noticed that our energy level, stamina, mood, and even sleep habits have improved from our walking routine.

We feel like we motivate each other, and having a group to walk with has created new friendships. We enjoy spending time together and working together to help one another. When I registered for the program, I never imagined something so wonderful could come from something that brought me so much pain. I’m grateful for the program and the women I’ve come to know.

To register for an upcoming session, click here.