[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Healthy Walking, Experts Will Tell You

Operation of 'Walking Specialized Education' Mentoring Program in Seo-gu, Gwangju

'Walking activity' is considered one of the physical activities that beginners can easily start because it has lower intensity compared to other exercises and has fewer restrictions on equipment and location. However, if one walks recklessly with improper gait, it is difficult to expect proper exercise effects. Local governments are drawing attention by taking steps to foster and strengthen the capabilities of 'walking instructors' to create a proper walking culture.

From this month, Seo-gu, Gwangju, has decided to operate a 'mentoring program' targeting 40 people who hold the 'Walking Instructor Level 2' certification. Over a total of three sessions, mentors and mentees will be assigned by team to directly demonstrate 'barefoot walking' and 'correct walking guidance activities,' share results, and enhance instructor capabilities. On the 23rd, a specialized instructor training session will be held by inviting Kim Ju-hee, the head of the Trailwalking Academy.

Last year, Seo-gu also conducted 'mentoring education' for about 120 walking instructors. Through the 'Together Seo-gu Walking Day' program linked with the Bitgoeul 50+ Job Project, correct walking education was provided to over 11,000 residents.

Not only Seo-gu but also Suncheon City is preparing a 'walking instructor training' program next month, along with 'barefoot walking tour classes' and 'wellness Nordic walking classes.' To spread the walking culture, Suncheon City, which planned the '1st Walking Challenge' this month, aims to raise the citizen walking practice rate to 70% by 2030. Last year, the citizen walking practice rate was 51.5%, an increase of 8.7 percentage points from 42.8% in 2021. At the end of last year, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon Province, also conducted 'Walking Instructor Level 2 Training' and stated that they would "activate proper walking exercise through instructor education equipped with the qualities and capabilities of walking leaders."

Son Suk-ja, head of the Health Promotion Division of Seo-gu, Gwangju, said, "Rather than a vague belief that simply walking is good for health, we aim to foster instructors through proper education and achieve practical effects," adding, "We will create a role model for the activation of walking culture." Seo-gu plans to expand the walking culture in daily life by continuously providing education and activity feedback to walking instructors, guiding residents to receive accurate health information.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.