Fitness After 50

Fitness After 50 is a walking program at the indoor track at Phoebe Northwest. All walkers must sign waivers to use the indoor track at Phoebe Northwest.

Learn More About

• Safe Driving and AARP
• Read the latest issue of Keynotes
• Fitness After 50 walking guidelines
• Fill out this interactive form and be a Golden Key member!

Guidelines for Walking

1. Golden Key members must become a Fitness After 50 member to walk the track at Phoebe Northwest. No guest walkers will be allowed. To become a Fitness After 50 member, you may pick up your name tag at the Golden Key office in the main hospital any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  You must wear your name tag while on the track.
2. Prior to beginning a walking program, contact your physician for his/her approval and any special instructions. Always follow your doctor's advice!
3. Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid heavy clothing. Use layers that can be adjusted for your comfort.
4. Heavy handbags slow you down and interfere with your body's natural rhythm. You may want to wear a fanny pack.
5. Wear comfortable walking shoes that support your feet well. Rubber-soled shoes with tread are best. Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that slip or slide may cause blisters. Cushioned socks will also help protect your feet. Shoes with black soles will not be allowed on the walking track.
6. Walk at a pace that works for you. Start slowly with a short distance. Gradually increase your distance and pace.
7. If you feel dizzy, hot, sick or have any pain above the waist, stop walking and seek immediate help from your walking partner or a Phoebe Northwest employee.
8. Be sure to carry necessary identification and medication when you walk. Let those with you know what to do in the event of an emergency.
9. Always replenish fluids.
10. Please sign in when you arrive and sign out upon leaving, listing the number of laps completed when you leave.

Warm Up

The purpose of warming up is to prepare your body for exercise and help prevent muscle pulls, strains or soreness. Begin with slow walking and gentle stretching to help ensure an injury-free session.

Warm-up Exercises

1. Begin by walking at a slow pace for three to five minutes.
2. Leg stretch (stretches ankles and calves)
   • Standing an arm's length from the wall - place hands on wall. Move the
     right foot back, with both feet pointed straight ahead.
   • Move the left knee and hips toward the wall.
   • Slowly stretch the back heel down toward and slightly bend the back
     knee.
   • Hold stretch for 15-20 seconds.
   • Recover. Reverse legs. Repeat. Do this stretch twice on each leg. Never
     bounce because this can tear muscles and tendons.
3. Arm circles (arms, shoulders, and upper body)
   • Swing arms in small circles 5 times forward and 5 times backwards.
   • Repeat with medium circles.
   • Repeat with large circles.
4. Thigh stretch (front of upper leg)
   • Raise right leg bent at knee toward the back.
   • Standing up straight, grasp right ankle with right hand. Gently stretch leg
     to the back and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat several times with
     alternating legs.
5. Foot Massage
   • Start with heel down and toes off ground. Roll foot so that toes are down
     and heel is off grounds. Then roll back to heel.

To begin walking your way to health with the Fitness After 50 members, call Bland Cleesattle at (229) 312-2418.