Make Fitness Fun

By Curt Myron

I’m one of those types who can stare at my treadmill every day and go on to other things. Seeing the machine just doesn’t motivate me, although I hear it nagging me.

Fortunately, I don’t need the treadmill that often because I have a much more effective source for motivation to exercise — the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and its program of events.
AVA is an association of 320 clubs in the U.S. that promotes a healthy lifestyle through non-competitive sporting events. These clubs stage over 3,000 events per year and cover every one of the 50 states. In fact, the USA is one of 50 member countries that belong to an international volkssport movement.

Although 98% of the events are walking, AVA clubs also offer swimming, cycling, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, skating and soon, boating (meaning rowboat, kayak or canoe events).

Regardless of venue, each event has a standard distance — 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) for walking, frequently with a half-distance offered as well. But there are longer distances too and so many events that you can choose your walking preference, whether city street, mountain trails, historical sites, or parks.

Walking events come in two types. The first is what we call a traditional event, which is a one-or two-day event where many people gather, like a fun run or a charity walk, without the competition. The second is a self-guided walk which can be done any day of the year. With 1,800 self-guided walks in the USA in 2009, it’s hard not to find something nearby that appeals.

So where does the motivation come into play? AVA has an optional inexpensive achievement program that allows any participant to track their achievements in terms of number of events or distance completed. Like 50,000 others, I carry books that record my events and distance and stamp them with each event stamp when completed. Cost is minimal. Collecting stamps costs a maximum of three dollars per event — cheaper than most snacks!

To add more variety, AVA also sponsors theme books, where I complete events on islands or converted railroad beds, or ones that feature historical churches, firehouses or veterans’ memorials — even wineries! Completion of any book earns a reward of a patch or pin that commemorates the achievement.

While all the mementos are a nice incentive, what really keeps me coming back is the friendships I have established along the way. My club organizes several events each year and members often walk our established routes together and work together to invite the public to join us.

Some clubs may charge a small fee to offset costs, but usually, a person can participate for free. Who says you can’t get something for nothing? There is no obligation to participate in the achievement program, join a club, or buy anything, but you may choose to do so. The sport is big enough for you to participate on your own terms.

I love travel and seeing new places and have completed walks in 47 U.S. states and 22 countries. I love seeing other cultures and meeting new people and new languages, all while getting regular exercise.

But there are others who just want to see their own neighborhoods, or train for competitive events and use the sport to for their own goals. Whatever your choice, your participation can build a support network of valuable friendships to provide strong mental health as well as a strong body.
My next challenge is to walk the Portland Marathon in 2009. I’ve never participated in a competitive marathon, but look forward to the experience of joining all those crazy people.

So, I pretty much ignore my treadmill without guilt except on rainy, dreary days. And I’m in pretty good shape. My doctor calls me his diabetic poster person. Maybe so, but I’m in it for the fun.
If you want to take AVA for a test walk, check out the website at www.ava.org. You can find directions to any event in the United States, read a description of each event, and contact clubs directly for more information. Come walk with us. You won’t regret it.

Curt Myron is President of the American Volkssport Association and an avid hiker/walker. He’s completed over 1,150 volkswalks and is three-quarters of the way to his distance goal of 10,000 volkssporting miles.