Walk with Ease (WWE)–Group

About the program:

• Walk With Ease (WWE) is a group program that combines self-paced walks with discussions about health-related topics.
• Note: The program is also available in Spanish for Spanish speaking adults.

Objectives:

Walk With Ease aims to:

• Improve balance and strength.
• Improve arthritis symptoms.
• Increase strength.
• Increase walking pace.
• Improve confidence in one’s ability to manage arthritis symptoms.

Target Audience:

• Adults with arthritis.
• Older adults.

Key Activities:

• Review guidebook.
• Group education and discussion about arthritis and health behaviors.
• Group walks at their own pace and for the distance of their choosing. Participants spend 10 to 40 minutes walking.

Setting: Community/ Group-based workshop.

Suggested Class Size: Groups can be any size, but the Arthritis Foundation (AF) recommends no more than 15 participants per leader.

Duration: Participants meet three times a week for six weeks. Each session is about 60 minutes.

Cost:

• Participant cost: Between $5 (if bought in bulk) and $11.95 to cover the participant guidebook.
• Leader/ Host Costs:
  • $89 for leader training and certificationexternal icon.
  • No licensing costs for the host site.

Program Requirements:

• At least one group leader with Arthritis Foundation WWE certificationexternal icon. The Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) offers the WWE certification for $89. The Arthritis Foundation recommends that the group leader be first aid certified.
• One leader for every 12 to 15 participants.
• A safe and accessible place to walk. This can be an indoor track, mall, neighborhood, or walking trail.
• WWE guidebook (available in English and Spanish).
• Each participant needs shoes that are safe for walking.

More Information:

• Walk with Easeexternal icon
• Walk With Ease—Information for Health Care Providers pdf icon[PDF – 494KB]external icon
• Walk With Ease—Information for Patients [PDF – 456KB]external icon