In-Person (Group) Walk with Ease​

How Does Programming Work in Story County?
The local Walk with Ease program in Story County is coordinated as a partnership between the ISU Department of Kinesiology, Ames Park and Recreation Department and Mary Greeley Medical Center. The group-based programs in Story County are FREE, but are conducted as research studies to enable the outcomes to be evaluated. The studies on the group version have specific requirements but individuals can also enroll in unsupervised self-directed version or a guided self-directed version (See the Virtual option). 
 
What do the Group Versions of Walk with Ease include?
  • Access to a print / online book
  • Online resources designed to assist with goal setting and self-monitoring.
  • Supervised walking and exercise sessions designed to improve fitness and function
Training on behavioral skills to sustain a healthy active lifestyle
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​What are the requirements for the Group Walk with Ease Studies?
Walk with Ease in Story County is being offered as part of an ongoing research program designed to enable us to evaluate and improve programming over time. One study is evaluating potential benefits for reducing risk of falls but another study is evaluating generalized benefits for older adults.  The studies are open to inactive, older adults, but eligibility for the fall prevention trial is specific to those with documented risks based on a clinical evaluation. The only physical requirements are passing a safety screening showing participants are safe to begin exercise and being able to stand for at least 10 consecutive minutes, without increasing pain. The use of a walker or cane is permitted.
 
What are the Details of the Group Walk with Ease Studies?
The Group Walk with Ease studies in Story follow the standard Walk with Ease program guidelines with participants attending in-person, group-based walking sessions 3 days per week for 6-weeks. Each session is 1 hour in duration and is delivered by a trained Walk with Ease leader with assistance from trained ISU Kinesiology students. Participation is limited to individuals that meet the specific study requirements and that enroll in the study. The fall prevention study is offered at the Mary Greeley Lifetime Fitness Center in Story City (MWF: 11-12:00 am and at the Ames Community Center in Ames (MWF: 1:30-2:30). The other study for generalized benefits is offered at the ISU Exercise Clinic (Forker Building) on the ISU campus (MFW: 10:00-11:00 am). Details are provided on the WWE Specific Information Form.

Enrollment Information
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the interest form below and a team member from CHPcommunity will help you assess your eligibility, and depending on program interest, request a referral from your health care provider confirm your safety and eligibility. If you are interested in participating in a research evaluation, a member of the research team can provide informed consent documentation and answer any additional questions you may have. For additional information or any questions, please feel free to contact us at walkwithease@iastate.
General Overview of Walk with Ease
Walk with Ease is a 6 week program designed to help individuals establish regular patterns of
walking. The program is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (link to CDC endorsement) as an evidence-based program for older adults. 

The group program option consists of 3 self-paced, one hour long walking sessions each week for 6 weeks, with a goal of increasing walking ability each week. Sessions are held at predetermined times and locations to help create a consistent walking routine and to allow interactions with peers and program leaders.