Ambassador Program

Fitness Ambassador Corps We believe that peer encouragement is the strongest catalyst for people to engage in increased fitness activity. Lifelong Fitness Alliance has established its grassroots network of fitness evangelists called Fitness Ambassadors to provide such a catalyst.

Fitness Ambassadors can choose to work with either with existing organizations that serve adults as well as organize their own weekly or periodic activities or focus on the Stepping Strong program. For the Fitness Ambassador with their own idea of the program they wish to support Lifelong Fitness provides a complete workbook on the actions they need to take from initial surveys of interest to forms which must be filled out. For Fitness Ambassadors interested in the Stepping Strong walking program, they are trained on leading the groups and supplied with the information for each weeks discussion. In both case, Lifelong Fitness is available for consult ion, advice,and guidance.

Our Fitness Ambassadors provide information, opportunity and incentive to older adults in their communities to get and stay fit.

Being a world-class athlete is certainly not a prerequisite for being a Lifelong Fitness Ambassador. Fitness Ambassadors are everyday people simply passionate about helping people stay as fit and well as possible.

A Fitness Ambassador could be your brother who only recently took up walking, the woman who delivers Meals on Wheels, the person who lives next door, your priest or rabbi…or it could be you!

Do you want to make a personal commitment to improve fitness for mid-life and older adults? If so, Lifelong Fitness Alliance wants you!

Please contact Patricia O'Brien for more information on how to be a Lifelong Fitness Ambassador.

How to start an ambassador program in your community Fitness Ambassadors are active members representing Lifelong Fitness Alliance in the community. Most activities begin with the organization of a walk, run, or bike ride (or other sports). Lifelong Fitness supplies the materials to organize these events and helps with the publicity. It is important to have a co-leader at the outset to keep continuity. Events are held once a month beginning at the same time of the month and place each time.

The expansion of the Ambassador role can encompass several additional activities, at the discretion of the Ambassador. Additional activities could involve setting up monthly discussion group meetings on topics of importance to fitness for older adults.  We also arrange co-sponsored meetings with major health clubs or senior organizations in the community, creating local publicity about our membership or an event related to our membership, and giving out awards locally at competitions involving seniors on our behalf. Lifelong Fitness can often locate and obtain professional speakers and conference leaders who value the opportunity to talk to our member groups.

Contact Lifelong Fitness if you would like to become an Ambassador in your area. It can be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Stepping Strong Ambassadors

If you interested in getting more information on the Stepping Strong Program, leading a Stepping Strong walking group, or assisting in any way contact the Lifelong Fitness office at (65) 361-8282 or one of the following Fitness Ambassadors. With the expansion of the program to more communities and in working with AARP we are in a continuing seeking more people to lead these small group. We provide full training and materials.

Dee Chase	San Jose	(408) 268-5321	chased@sbcglobal.net
Mike Collins	Palo Alto	(650 327-1973	mike@lifelongfitnessalliance.org
Mary DeNoce	Cupertino	(408) 255-4055	mdenoce@yahoo.com
Don Gladstone	Los Altos	(650) 941-4647	dagladstone@yahoo.com
Wendy Lewis-Rakova	Menlo Park	(650) 326-2025 x 225	wendyLR@penisulavolunteers.org
Carolyn Nelson	Santa Clara	(408) 984-8965	cnelson@bucksworld.biz
Patricia O'Brien	Menlo Park	(650) 281-9199	patricia@lifelongfitnessalliance.org
Don Rapp		(650) 361-8282	RappDP@aol.com
Beth Rundquist	Palo Alto	(650) 361-8282	beth@lifelongfitnessalliance.org
Norm Thomas	Pasedena	(626) 795-6131	normthomas@sbcglobal.net
Denise Wellik-Peterson	Minnesota	(612) 202-0448	dmwellik@juno.com