Ambiance and group formation in walking programs

Abstract

The present report discusses the concepts of ambiance and group formation by means of two experiences with walking groups developed in Primary Care: the program "Walking for Health", in the city of Santo André, state of São Paulo, and the group of the Jardim Seckler Health Unit, in the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo. Both experiences were developed using the body practice concept, which goes beyond the concept of physical activity, placing the person at the center of his/her own actions. The experiences' main focus is health promotion. Ambiance and group formation are fundamental factors to adhere to the walking practice. The ambiance concept is formed by three axes: comfortability, space as a way to produce subjectivity and as an instrument that facilitates change in the work process. Group activities promote citizenship actions, prioritizing solidarity, communication and personal relationships. These two concepts, ambiance and group formation, may be related and perhaps they enable other ways to implement and develop walking groups.