Walking a great way to get exercise

What type of physical activity is free, can be done in all kinds of weather, does not require special equipment, and is great for your health? You guessed it: walking.
The Surgeon General recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and that children and teens get twice as much: 60 minutes. Years ago, before we had laborsaving devices to do our work for us, most people had more than this amount.
Walking is an easy way to bring activity into our lives and has wonderful health benefits. Research by the National Institutes of Health shows that walking can help lower your blood sugar level, control your blood pressure, maintain your bone health and manage your body weight.
People of all ages and in almost any physical condition can do it. For adults, only 30 minutes a day is all it takes! Break up your activity into 10 or 15 minute sessions if that works better for your schedule.

WALK GEORGIA BEGINS MONDAY

Walk, dance, swim, yoga: Move more, live more, Georgia! Walk Georgia is an online community promoting physical activity for all Georgians. Track your physical activity and earn points by logging it through the Walk Georgia website. Walking the dog, biking to work, going for a run and gardening all count as physical activity in the Walk Georgia program.
We have a “new” Walk Georgia this fall! If you have participated previously in Walk Georgia, you’ll have a new experience this time. New things to look forward to include entering data from your mobile device, setting personal goals, recording more activities and joining groups.
Rather than participating on teams of four, you can create or join groups. You can create your own group at work, among family and friends, with organizations or at church. There is no limit to how many people can join your group.
The new Walk Georgia accumulates time and points rather than miles. Time, type of physical activity and the intensity of your workout will determine how many points you earn.
The goal that the Bibb County Task Force has set is for participants to meet USDA physical activity guidelines. We encourage adults to be physically active at least five days a week for 30 minutes, or a total of 150 minutes per week. Youth are encouraged to be physically active 60 minutes every day. Keep in mind, active play counts toward a child’s physical activity time.
Participants who meet the goal after six weeks will be eligible for a Walk Georgia mid-point incentive.
Top individuals, groups and schools will be recognized in December at the Walk Georgia Recognition Event held at the Wellness Center.
Register Monday at pilot.walkgeorgia.org to participate in the 12-week, free, online program. Walk Georgia runs Sept. 8-Nov. 30