Online walking program to begin Monday to promote increased physical activity

The “Get WalkIN” virtual program, offered by Purdue Extension Tippecanoe County in partnership with the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, teaches individuals about the benefits of walking as they get up and move. The goal of the program is to promote increased physical activity by providing information and support for those starting or maintaining a walking routine.

It is important, however, to remember the social distancing guidelines in regard to COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintaining 6 feet of social distancing remains critically important to slowing the spread of the virus, especially when out in public, even for a walk around the block. The CDC also is advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus, which also follows the Protect Purdue Plan.

It nevertheless is possible to adhere to both the CDC guidelines and the recommendations of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which state that each week, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (or combination of both). Supporting the Healthy Boiler Program’s physical health and behavioral health pillars, the GetWalkIN program provides ongoing support and information throughout the program’s duration. Additionally, the program supports the social wellness pillar by creating an online support system that allows participants to engage socially without face-to-face interaction.

Once registered for the email-based program, participants will begin to receive emails offering support and information. In total, participants will receive 16 emails; two per week the first four weeks and then one per week for the remaining eight weeks of the program.

GetWalkIN runs for 12 weeks from March 1 through May 24. Interested individuals can register by Feb. 26 via the Healthy Boiler Portal — the registration link can be found under the “Engage” tab, “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage — or by emailing Purdue Extension Tippecanoe County at anoll@purdue.edu. 

Healthy Boiler workshops are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.