By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It’s all about taking that first step.

Getting motivated to walk regularly might seem difficult at first, but once you get going you’ll be on your way to good health.

Walking as part of a group can be a positive experience and can help get you motivated. Just ask regular walker, Nan Goshorn.

Goshorn, who moved from Farmington to Fox Run, with her husband, Bob, enjoys walking with a group of people on a regular basis at the community. “Wellness Coordinator Tony (Logan II) is a great motivator . . . He motivates everybody,” Goshorn says.

Walking and nature are good combination
“It’s just an enjoyable experience. We go back in the woods and walk. It’s nice to be in a group, that’s the best part of it,” she says.

Currently, the group consists of approximately 15 walkers and meets five days a week.

“Our walks are about one to one and a quarter miles long and last  roughly  30 to 45 minutes,” Logan says. “The path that we take is from the Ascot Clubhouse, around the entire perimeter, through the nature trail, and back to the clubhouse.”

Experts say ‘stick to it’
Walking offers a myriad  of benefits both physically and socially.

“Walking programs can be very effective in helping people get into shape, improve their  cardiovascular fitness levels and, to some degree, lose weight,” saysCaroline R. Richardson, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the  University of Michigan Medical School.

Richardson adds one key benefit is that people tend to stick with walking programs. “Walking does seem to be better than more vigorous activities for adherence.”