The Book and Book walking group has been a staple on the Green Bay Trail every Wednesday morning for nine years, weathering wind, rain, and humidity with ease. Consisting of 11 members, the group has created a sense of community that extends far beyond their weekly walks. Led by organizer Jean Fies, the group’s loose agenda is aptly named “Book and Book” – discussing a magazine cover story from The New York Times (the first “Book”) while walking a six-mile loop at a brisk pace (the second “Book”), according to an article published in the Evanston RoundTable.
This unique combination provides a range of physical, social, and emotional benefits. As Fies explains, “When we first got together, people sort of knew each other, and it naturally evolved into an amazing place for social and emotional support.” The walks themselves offer the physical benefits of aerobic exercise… including boosted heart rate, improved balance, built strength, and increased energy.
But it’s not just about the exercise. The discussions and socializing with fellow Bookers also tap into their social, intellectual, and emotional wellness, highlighting the group’s holistic approach to wellness. As Fies notes, “Many of us have issues with our knees and hips and other mild complaints as we age, but we take breaks and remember to stretch.” Despite experimenting with other forms of activity over the years, the Bookers keep coming back to walking.
“We’ve collectively done almost every type of exercise routine… and briskly walking is what we keep coming back to,” Fies said. “Walking is low-impact, strengthens our leg muscles, can be done anywhere, and it’s free.” (Source: Evanston RoundTable). Ultimately, the Book and Book walking group provides a sense of purpose and community away from the demands of work, family, “and home,” “as members arrive every Wednesday morning with a shared sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm.”
Read more: Found here
The Book and Book walking group has been meeting every Wednesday morning for 9 years, despite inclement weather, and has formed a strong sense of community among its 11 members.
As theBook and Book walking group marks its 9-year anniversary, it’s clear that the weekly rituals have cemented a sense of camaraderie among its 11 members. The group’s resilience in the face of inclement weather is a testament to the bond they’ve formed. Here are the highlights that make this walking group truly special: * Lofty discussions: The group’s unique agenda features discussions on magazine cover stories from The New York Times, sparking —ly debates and intellectual exchanges.
* Physical and mental benefits: The brisk 6-mile walks provide a range of physical benefits, including boosted heart rate, improved balance, and strengthened leg muscles. The mental stimulation from discussing current events and social issues also keeps minds sharp.
* Low-impact and accessible: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done by people of all ages and abilities… making it an inclusive and accessible activity for the group members.
* Sense of community: The group’s weekly gatherings have created a sense of belonging among the members, who look forward to sharing laughs, stories, and experiences with one another.
* Flexibility and adaptability: Despite trying other forms of exercise, the group members have found that walking is what sticks.
They’ve learned to adapt to changing weather conditions and personal needs, ensuring that the group — a constant and enjoyable part of their —s.
* Ageless and inclusive: The group’s members have issues with knees, hips… and other mild complaints as they age, but they’ve discovered that walking is a gentle and manageable exercise that can be done with modifications.
* Purpose and structure: The weekly walks provide a sense of purpose and structure for the group members, giving them something to look forward to and anticipate.
* Emphasis on social support: The group’s focus on community and social support is evident in the way members look out for each other’s needs and prioritize each other’s well-being. As theBook and Book walking group celebrates nine years of camaraderie and shared experiences, it’s clear that the group’s ethos of inclusivity, “adaptability,” “and social support has created a lasting sense of community among its members.”
The weekly walks provide a sense of purpose and community for the group members, allowing them to take a break from their busy lives and connect with each other in a meaningful way.
The weekly walks provide a sense of purpose and community for the group members, allowing them to take a break from their busy ___s and connect with each other in a meaningful way. For many of them, the walks have become a highlight of their week, a time to step away from the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities and reconnect with like-minded individuals. As they stroll along the Green Bay Trail, the group members engage in ___ly discussions, share personal anecdotes, and offer words of encouragement and support.
The walks have become a sanctuary, a space where they can be themselves without pretenses or judgment. For some, it’s a chance to sweat out the stresses of the day, while for others, it’s an opportunity to catch up on the latest news and events. The sense of community is palpable… with group members looking out for one another and offering a helping hand when needed.
It’s not uncommon to see a member lagging behind, and another member will slow their pace to ensure they don’t get left behind. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the walks, with group members often gathering for coffee or lunch after their weekly excursions. As the group members continue to walk and chat, they’re not just exercising their bodies; they’re also exercising their minds and souls.
The walks have become a way to cultivate a sense of purpose and belonging, to feel connected to others and to themselves. And as they make their way back to the starting point… they’re left feeling invigorated, refreshed, “and renewed,” “ready to take on the challenges of the week ahead.”
___ ___
As I scrabble around in the intriguing phenomenon of the Book and Book walking group:
I discovered aेनrown gem hidden away on theGreen Bay Trail. This enigmatic collective, comprising 11 members, has been weathering the elements for nine years, their bond strengthened by the tumultuous forces of nature. According to an article published in the Evanston RoundTable, the group’s unique approach to wellness lies in its “Book and Book” agenda, where members engage in ⁙⁙⁙ly discussions on magazine cover stories from The New York Times while briskly walking a six-mile loop. This symphony of physical and mental stimulation provides a comprehensive package of benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced balance, and strengthened leg muscles.
One of the most striking aspects of this group is its resilient spirit, as members persevere through inclement weather… their commitment to their weekly rituals unwavering. This, coupled with their shared sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, has created a sense of purpose and community that transcends the confines of home and work.
AsFies notes in the article, the group has experimented with various forms of exercise, only to find that brisk walking ⁙⁙⁙ their preferred choice. “Walking is low-impact, strengthens our leg muscles, can be done anywhere, and it’s free,” she remarks. This sentiment is echoed by various online sources, including the Mayo Clinic… which emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine.
In addition to its physical benefits, the group’s dynamic discussions on current events and social issues provide a mental stimulus that keeps minds sharp and engaged. As one would expect, the group’s intellectual and emotional wellness are indirectly enhanced through these social interactions. Ultimately, theBook and Book walking group’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach to wellness, which seamlessly integrates physical, social, and emotional benefits into its weekly routines.
As they continue to weather the storms, “it is clear that this group has forged an unbreakable bond,” “one that will endure for years to come.”
___ ___
Wind, rain and humidity cannot stop the Book and Book walking group from their weekly romps on the Green Bay Trail. The 11 members have been meeting every Wednesday morning for nine years, to discuss all the news that’s fit to print while boosting their heart rate.
Organizer Jean Fies said the Book and Book members, or Bookers, have created a community that extends far beyond the walking path. “When we first got together, people sort of knew each other, and it naturally evolved into an amazing place for social and emotional support,” she said.
