First Step Training Program - 2008

Would you like to be more active? Would you like to get started in Exercise? Want to have more energy? Would you like a trimmer, fitter, toned body?

Then take the First Step! C’mon out and join our program. We can help you get started!

First Step is a six-week beginner's walk and/or run group for men and women. You’ll have experienced coaches to give you one-on-one instruction in how to get started. The coaches were beginners once themselves. They understand what it takes to get going. They know how to do it. They will freely, kindly share their knowledge with you.

The program will begin on Wed 26 March. All meetings will be on Wednesdays. We will start by getting baseline measures on your fitness. We’ll check blood pressure, weight, percent body fat, and your aerobic fitness level. We’ll then tailor a training plan to your personal needs. The plan will help you to progress gradually and safely to meet your goals. We can help you to build your cardiovascular endurance, lose a few pounds/inches, tone your body, and gain more energy.

We will meet together weekly on Wednesdays. We will bring in some great guest speakers to discuss a variety of topics with you: Practical Nutrition, Stretching-Flexibility, Exercise Gear – Shoes and Clothing, Staying Motivated to Maintain Your Exercise Program, Walking/Running as a Lifestyle. We will ask you to keep a good log of all your weekly running/walking. A coach will work together with you to keep you on track.

You will “graduate” on Wed, 30 April. We’ll again check the same baseline measures to evaluate your progress in the program. We’ve had great success in the past First Step Programs. Most participants have been very pleased with the improvements they made in their over all fitness. We hope that many of you will continue into our Next Step Program and continue to build your fitness.

The First Step Program will meet at the Wilde Lake High School on Wednesday mornings at 6 am. We’ll workout together for one hour. The early morning hour will provide us with beautiful sunrises, less winds and warmer weather than the afternoons. We will also find easy parking at the school, and you'll finish by 7AM before the morning traffic gets going.

To join the program, please print out the First Step Application and PAR-Q Form (see "Program Information", above), complete the forms and mail them to address shown on the forms.

Note: Please ensure you are a member of the Howard County Striders prior to completing the FIRST STEP application and pay for each program individually.  Sign up to be a Howard County Strider for the 2008 calendar year (to register, see link under 'Program Information', above)

Questions: Please phone or email Joe & Sandy Boys: 410 772-8866