The Washington State Department of Health is proud to be able to offer the Self-Directed Walk With Ease program at no-cost to all Washington state residents.
Whether your goal is to manage or prevent chronic health conditions–like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes–or simply increase your overall sense of wellbeing and fitness, the Walk With Ease program is a tool that can support you on your health journey.
Many folks living with chronic conditions may also be living with joint pain, or arthritis. Physical activity and movement can help reduce that pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
For more information on how physical activity affects arthritis and other chronic diseases, visit:
Walk With Ease can support adults living with and hoping to prevent chronic conditions – such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or arthritis. Regular physical activity, such as that provided by Self-Directed Walk With Ease, can help manage and prevent symptoms, including pain and limited mobility.
What is Walk With Ease?
Walk With Ease is a six-week walking program designed to meet you where you are today, so you can enjoy many more tomorrows.
This is a self-directed program where you complete activities on your own using the Walk With Ease guidebook and walking journal. After you enroll, you will register with a start date of your choice and begin walking three times per week. Log your progress in your journal as you go and enjoy a sense of satisfaction upon completion. Congrats! You just did something great for you!
If you use a device like a cane or a walker to help you get around, you can still participate in the program.
How Can it Help Me?
Research studies on Walk With Ease have found it to be safe and effective. It can help you:
- Reduce arthritis pain and stiffness
- Feel less tired
- Increase your stamina, strength, and balance
- Stay Active – preserve Independence
- Feel a sense of accomplishment and improved confidence in being in control of your health and well-being!
Who is Eligible?
All Washington state residents aged 18 and older are eligible. No cost or insurance required.
How Do I Get Started?
- To sign-up, visit the Self-Directed Walk With Ease Portal.
- Create a free Walk With Ease account in the portal and complete the online registration.
- Choose to receive your free Walk With Ease guidebook in the mail (~ 5 business days) or choose the e-book option to begin immediately. If you already have access to a book, choose the option to decline.
- Start the program on your chosen date!
- Log in to your Walk With Ease account each week to track your progress and read the recommended chapters in the guidebook to get the most out of your program.
During the six-week program, you will receive weekly emails to help guide you through the program. These emails will provide encouragement and tips to support your goals.
When you finish the program, you will be asked to complete a short evaluation. Your feedback is critical and will help us continue to improve the program and ensure that it remains available as a valuable resource.
Thank you for your interest in Walk With Ease – happy walking!
*Please note that your responses in the registration form are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).