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The association was started last fall by a group taking part in a weight-loss challenge sponsored by the Department of Housing Parks and Recreation and the Nutrition Club.
Tamara Rayner one of the co-founders of the club, said one Saturday fitness walk turned into a regular Saturday walk. Then Sundays were added. She said so far they have walked 128 miles.
“Walking with an organized group is good for motivation, safety and fun,” Rayner said.
She said they usually have five to 10 people join in the walks and the club has around 20 members so far.
Walkers, race walkers and joggers meet at 5 a.m. Saturdays at the Church's Chicken parking lot at Five Corners and walk to Canegata Ball Park and back. This route, about six miles long, is led by a guide/leader wearing a reflective vest. The guide is equipped with a radio, and as a precautionary measure stays in communication with the last pair of walkers. The walk, on sidewalks with a couple hills, takes from two to two and a half hours.
Yvonne Stanley and Keenisha Brown had just finished the walk Saturday and said they were feeling great and had a lot of fun walking and talking.
There is a shorter walk in Frederiksted on Sundays that is about three miles. The walk starts at 6 a.m. at the Frederiksted Ball Park and goes to the public pool and back to the park. Co-founder Pristeen Hamilton is the leader for the beginner's walk. There is an advanced group, led by co-founder Nakisha Joseph, that has done the “Beast” – Cane Bay and Scenic Road to Rust Up Twist.
Ray Hamilton, another co-founder, said the goal is to get beginners to move up to more miles and advanced walks.
“Sometimes I do the advanced walk to challenge myself and see where I am physically,” Rayner said.
Hamilton said safety is always a priority of the club. Rayner said they recommend walkers get their doctor's permission before they begin the exercise program.
“People see healthy life changes even starting at a slow pace,” Hamilton said. “It is good to see people move from the back of the group to the front as they progress.”
The club would like to increase membership, which would allow it to increase days and routes with more guides. Rayner said they will try to get doctors on board to promote the club to their patients.
“Doctors tell you to lose weight and exercise, but they don't give you a plan on how to make exercise fun and energizing,” Rayner said.
Those wishing to join VIWCA or learn more about it can call Rayner at 908-884-3797.