Fitness Experts Promote Walk To Work Day

WASHINGTON -- It's time to get out of your car and on your feet, fitness experts say.

Friday marks the second annual National Walk to Work Day, sponsored by the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition. The idea is to get people to find simple ways to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives.

The council said with overweight and obesity at epidemic levels in the United States, there's a need to encourage exercise and proper nutrition throughout all segments of the population -- children included.

Dr. Susan Finn, council chairwoman, said there are easy and inexpensive ways to fit 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily schedule. She said even if you can't walk to work, you can do things like bypassing the elevator and taking the stairs, parking a little farther away from the office or mall entrance, and taking a walk during your lunch break.

"There is no quick fix for obesity, but making small lifestyle changes -- whether it is walking to work or reducing daily caloric intake -- will help Americans lead healthier lives," Finn said.

The campaign is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations. Their goal is to inspire all Americans to incorporate walking into their lives by making it a pleasure, not a chore.

"I'm encouraging every American to walk to work on Friday, April 2," said HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson. "For those of you who live too far away to walk to work, find another time to walk during the day. Walk before work, walk after work, walk during your lunch break, or if you smoke, give up your smoke break and go for a walk -- without your cigarettes. And take a co-worker with you. Just by taking a few simple steps we can all live healthier, happier, longer lives."