Walking to Wellness
Anyone can reap the benefits of getting more movement into their day. The Walking to Wellness Program components are tailored for kidney patients who may struggle with energy levels.
Walking to Wellness
The Kidney Wellness Hub is pleased to provide the Walking to Wellness program. There are so many benefits to walking for kidney health that we have created two options to support you. Anyone can reap the benefits of getting more movement into their day. These plans are tailored for kidney patients who often struggle with energy levels and then start to lose some of their strength and mobility. However, whether you are starting with little movement, limited mobility, or already moving quite a lot you too can benefit from Walking to Wellness. Below you will find the various components that make up the program.
Exercise Snacks Plan
The Exercise Snacks Plan was created to help everyone build more movement in their day, promoting better kidney health and overall wellbeing. Exercise snacks are 2-10 minute bouts of movement following meals. Use the Exercise Snack Plan to help you build your strength, stability, and endurance to reduce your potential risk of injury while walking and prevent chronic disease.
Science shows that short bursts of exercise can be even more beneficial than longer workout sessions. “Best of all, once regular exercise becomes a normal part of your weekly routine, muscle becomes more sensitive to blood sugar and is capable of consuming more of it – even on days when you’re not exercising,” says researcher and assistant professor from the University of Toronto Jenna Gillen. Just eight minutes of activity after each meal is all it takes to meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. These small bursts of movement can make a big impact on your health. Start incorporating exercise snacks into your daily routine and feel the difference—it's easier than you think.
Learn how to use the Exercise Snacks Plan and explore the benefits of exercise for chronic disease management. We’ve also partnered with the University of Toronto’s Kinesiology Department, giving you the opportunity to book a personal session with a senior kinesiology student to receive a customized plan that meets you where you are and helps you get started.
On-Demand Videos
Give Exercise Snacks a try and prevent chronic disease. You can also book an appointment with Kinesiology students to get you started at the right level.
Build strength, stability and endurance to reduce the risk of injury while walking.
Prevent stiffness and promote recovery using these cool-down exercises after walking.
In-Person Walking to Wellness Meetups
In-Person Walking to Wellness Meetups are coming to communities near you soon. Volunteer hosts will establish weekly in-person meetups at a community centre or track in your community. Participants are invited to register and drop in as their schedule allows. If you are interested in being a volunteer host in your community registration is now open. Hosts will be supported with collateral materials, training and a walking plan to help get everyone started. Register your interest today! Communities with the most interest will be prioritized to start first.
Current Locations
Vancouver (RayCam Cooperative)
Location: RayCam Cooperative Community Centre
Address: 920 East Hasting, Vancouver BC
When: Fridays 10:00-11:30am (starting Jan 31)
Vancouver (Mount Pleasant)
Location: Mount Pleasant Community Centre
Address: 1 Kingsway, Vancouver BC
When: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30am (Feb 4 start)
Victoria
Location: Silver Threads Victoria Centre
Address: 1911 Quadra Street, Victoria BC
When: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am (Feb 5 start)
Prince George
Location: CN Centre
Address: 2187 Ospika Blvd, Prince George BC
When: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am (Mar 27 start)
Richmond
Location: Minoru Park Track
Address: 7191 Granville Ave, Richmond BC
When: Saturdays, 10:30–11:30am (Feb 8 start)
Surrey
Location: Bear Creek Park Community Walking Loop
Address: 3750 88th Ave Surrey BC
When: Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm (Feb 5 start) or
Saturdays 9:00-10:30am (Feb 8 start)
Coming Soon: Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Whitehorse
Want to volunteer to get a meetup started in your community?
The Kidney Foundation is looking for enthusiastic individuals who would love an opportunity to improve the health and wellness of their community while building their coaching and leadership skills. If you are interested, you can find more information on this volunteer opportunity to help us with the initiative to build healthier communities through our Walking to Wellness program.
Don’t see a community meetup near you?
Email us to let us know you’re interested at kidneywellnesshub@kidney.ca.
Also, give our virtual Exercise Snacks a try. These 2–10-minute personalized movement breaks are guided by kinesiology and help you stay active from anywhere while preventing chronic disease.
Dates: Friday April 4, Thursday April 17, Friday May 2
Time: 12:00-12:30pm PST
Location: online
Join us bi-monthly for a Exercise Snack Watch Party and Check-In to learn how to easily increase your daily activity. The Virtual Exercise Snacks plan can help everyone build more movement in their day, promoting better kidney health and overall wellbeing. Exercise Snacks are 2-10 minute bouts of movement following each meal. This plan will help build your strength, stability, and endurance and reduce your potential risk of injury while walking.
Participants will then be able book an individual session online with a senior kinesiology student to receive their personalized plan and join every two weeks for a progress check-in.
If you have previously registered for Exercise Snacks, you will automatically receive the link to join these sessions.