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Health and Heart Walk Programs

Franciscan Health and Heart Walking Programs and Log

Walking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. A regular walking program can help reduce the risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart muscle and lowering your blood pressure and resting heart rate.

At Franciscan, we support several walking program that can help you get the exercise you need!

Free Personal Health Walker Log

To track your walking progress we offer a free personal progress log for you to record your personal improvements by either steps or by miles. As your steps and your miles add up you will be able to receive both rewards and health and fitness tips.
St. Joseph Healthy Steps at the Tacoma Mall St. Joseph Healthy Steps at the Tacoma Mall - St. Joseph Heart and Vascular Center, part of Franciscan Health System, has teamed up with the Tacoma Mall for the St. Joseph Healthy Steps program. Walk the 1 1/8 mile long mall regularly and earn rewards. For more information about the Tacoma Mall and for mall hours, go to www.simon.com
Club Fit at the Commons Mall in Federal Way Club Fit at the Commons Mall in Federal Way - Franciscan Health System offers the Club Fit walking program at the Commons Mall half mile mall track in Federal Way. For more information and mall times visit, www.tcafw.com.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium - Take a Walk on the Wild Side encourages everyone to take a walk on the one mile designated path in the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium as part of a regular fitness program. For more information about the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and for zoo hours go to, www.pdza.org.
Trek Trackin’ Passport to Better Health Trek Trackin’ - Trek Trackin’ Passport to Better Health is a walking program to encourage you to take a hike for your heart. Passports given to participants will provide free access to the North West Trek’s mile and a quarter core area and five miles of nature trails. You also have a chance to win a behind-the-scenes Trek Tour. For more information about Northwest Trek and visitation hours go to, www.nwtrek.org.
Start! American Heart Association’s Walking Program Start! American Heart Association’s Walking Program - Together with the AHA, Franciscan is proud to lead the way as the sponsor of the Start! Walking program in Pierce County. This Groundbreaking program calls on Americans and their employers nationwide to get active and stay healthy though walking. You can participate as an individual or you can get your company involved. To find out how you can walk your way to better health, visit www.americanheart.org today!

Tips for Walking Success

  • Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Warm up and cool down. Do some light stretching or walk 5-7 minutes as a slower pace before and after your walking workout.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water before, after and even while you walk.
  • Start gradually and build up distance over time.
  • Pace yourself. You should be able to comfortably carry on a conversation while walking. If you need a little more exertion, you can increase your heart rate by pumping your arms as you walk.
  • Bring a buddy with you to help you stay committed.
  • Set a goal and work toward it.