Are you looking for a fun way to kick start your week that doesn’t involve sitting in front of the TV and mindlessly snacking on junk food?
Go from the couch to the finish line with Move It Mondays, a program from Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well in partnership with the West Georgia Track Club. Even if you’re new to walking regularly for exercise, Move It Mondays will help get you 5K ready in just eight weeks. The program includes weekly group sessions featuring a combination of walking and running.
Tailored for beginners with flexibility for each person to adjust to his or her individual needs, Move It Mondays pairs beginners with experienced joggers from the West Georgia Track Club. According to the American Heart Association, 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week can reduce the risk of cancer, depression, heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and more.
A meet and greet will be held on Monday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton in Classroom 3. Regular weekly meetings for the program will begin on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on the walking trail on the Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton campus. Parking is available in the Clinic Avenue Parking Deck.
For those ready to tackle a 5K, Tanner is sponsoring the West Georgia Track Club Inaugural Road Race on Saturday, March 12. The event will include a 5K and 10K that will showcase the Carrollton GreenBelt. Both races begin at 8 a.m.
“Whether you’re a former runner looking to get back on track or lacing up your running shoes for the first time, Move It Mondays will provide the training and support you need to reach your health goals,” said Patricia Mitchell, wellness and prevention coordinator at Tanner’s Get Healthy, Live Well.
Move It Mondays was created to provide an intimidation-free environment for people who are new to running. The West Georgia Track Club regularly hosts group runs, but beginners often worry about being left behind.
“A lot of people would say, ‘Oh, I can’t come out there. You guys are too fast. I’m a walker,’” West Georgia Track Club President Christin Woodard said. “We want to share our passion with the community, no matter what your ability is. We’re not there to judge. We’re just there to work out together.”
Woodard stressed that there is no need to feel intimidated.
“It’s all about having someone that you can go out and be active with,” she said. “It’s also about meeting new faces, having accountability and continuing to move your health in a positive progression.”
Ready to learn how to go the distance? Download this flier for more information about Move It Mondays. For more information about the 5K, visit West Georgia Track Club’s Facebook event page.