walkingimage2Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown community is invited to take part in another “Strides for Change,” walking program.

The activity starts Monday, January 18, 2016, and runs through Friday, April 29th,  Monday-Wednesday-Friday at James River Family Fitness (Formerly the James River YMCA) indoor walking track, from 1-p.m., to 1:50-p.m.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, University of Jamestown, Foss Wellness Center, Program Director, and Kinesiology Instructor Madeline Ranum was joined by University of Jamestown senior soccer player Bailey Borass, who is majoring in Exercise Science.

Madeline said that Strides for Change is an eight week exercise program, designed to instill a healthy life style for individuals in the community.

Madeline said with new years’ resolutions popular this time of year, many people are looking at gym memberships, new equipment, etc. to help them get in shape. But studies show that none of that is required for better health. An activity as simple as walking can drastically improve health in several ways. Some of the major ways walking plays a role in health:

1) Counteracts the damage caused by sitting

2) Protects your heart

3) Helps maintain a healthy weight

Guidelines set forth by The AHA, CDC, and ACSM recommend a MINIMUM of 150 min. of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (ex: brisk walking) weekly to MAINTAIN health. That’s 30 min. 5 days a week.

Studies show that less than 30% of Americans are achieving these recommended guidelines.

The purpose of the program is to help improve those figures by providing an opportunity to make it easier for people in thecommunity to meet those guidelines.

Bailey added that the program is under the close supervision of UJ exercise science students who are there to walk and talk with every step of the way.

Included is Heart rate & Blood Pressure monitoring, provided throughout the sessions to make you sure participants are exercising at an effective yet safe intensity

The activity is safe in a social environment to stay motivated by meeting others with similar fitness goals

The cost is $20, free with JRFF membership

Or $10 if referred by a JRFF member

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and good pair of tennis shoes.

contact Madey Ranum at 701-253-4106 at the University of Jamestown to sign up.