iWalk

iWALK is a walking initiative in Sonoma, California designed to support a culture of active and healthy living. The initiative aims to 1) inspire people to begin walking regularly; 2) inspire people to join existing walking groups or form new ones with friends, neighbors or co-workers; 3) increase the number of walking groups in Sonoma County; 4) make Sonoma County communities more “walkable.”

To achieve these goals, the initiative provides a web-based calendar of community walking events, a database of walking groups, and walking tools such as a calorie calculator. In addition, the initiative provides walking starter kits, maps of walking trails in the area, and information for employers on how to instill a culture of fitness in their workplace.

iWALK is the first of seven community health initiatives led by Health Action, a partnership of community leaders and organizations committed to improving health and health care for all Sonoma County residents. It is funded by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services as well by grants from Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma County, and The California Endowment.

The goal of iWalk is to encourage and support regular walking and exercise among Sonoma county residents.

The iWalk initiative is helping Sonoma county residents experience the physical, mental and social benefits of regular walking and physical activity. As of March 2011, over 1,500 individuals registered for the iWalk Challenge, committing to at least 150 minutes of exercise each week from February 7 to May 7, 2011.