Physical Activity Programs

Physical activity programs provide support, information, and resources to help you succeed in making physical activity a part of your everyday life and improve your overall health. If you prefer doing physical activity on your own, there is a self-led walking program to help.

Walk with Ease – Group Program

Walk with Ease, a program of the Arthritis Foundation, is designed for people with arthritis and also those without arthritis that would like to begin a regular walk program. Walk with Ease is a multi-component program that includes walking, health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. Walk with Ease meets 3 times a week for 6 weeks and is led by a trained leader. Walk with Ease benefits include increased physical activity, increased walking distance and speed, decreased pain, and decreased depression. Learn more at www.arthritis.org/wwe.

Walk with Ease – Self Led Program

Complete the Walk With Ease program on your own with the program workbook. The program workbook provides all the tools you need to develop a walking plan, stay motivated, manage your pain and learn how to exercise safely and comfortably. Contact your local Arthritis Foundation Office to learn more and start the program (http://www.arthritis.org/chaptermap.php). Learn more at www.arthritis.org/wwe.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a community-based exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation specifically designed for people with arthritis. Trained leaders cover a variety of range-of-motion, endurance-building and balance activities, relaxation techniques, and health education topics. All of the exercises can be modified to meet participant needs. Demonstrated benefits of the program include improved functional ability, decreased depression, decreased pain, increased self-care behaviors, and increased confidence in one’s ability to exercise. Led by certified instructors, program classes typically meet for six-weeks, two or three times per week. Learn more at: http://www.arthritis.org/exercise.php.

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a warm-water exercise program shown to reduce pain and improve overall health. The program is suitable for every fitness level and the program is held in a friendly and supportive environment that encourages social interaction among participants. The Aquatic Program will help reduce pain, Gain strength and flexibility, and improve day-to-day life. Led by certified instructors, the program classes meet for six-weeks, two to three times per week and are designed to be a fun, safe way for to exercise and stay fit. Learn more at: www.arthritis.org/aquatics.php

EnhanceFitness (EF)

EnhanceFitness is a community-delivered exercise program proven to increase strength, boost activity levels, and elevate mood. Certified instructors offer a program that focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises. Typically classes meet three times a week for one hour.