Exercise Can Be As Simple as
Walking in the Neighborhood

The JCC is joining with the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and Abbott Labs in offering a new fitness program that may be as simple as taking a walk through the neighborhood.

"Walking in the Neighborhood is a free program where participants set goals through distance or number of steps, and either as individuals or on teams or walking clubs," said Beth McCullough, JCC Fitness Program director.

Designed by the Central Ohio Diabetes Association as a way to encourage people living with diabetes to use walking on a regular basis to help control their blood surgar level and overall health, the JCC is taking the program one step further (pun intended) to urge everyone to use walking as a physical activity to assist in preventing diabetes and obesity related diseases.

JCC member (and JCC Fitness Member of the Month for March) Joe Russell is assisting in the program as a volunteer by mapping out various walking routes. His route maps are available by contacting McCullough.

"Walking is an activity in which everyone can participate, and it doesn't require any fancier equipment than a good pair of walking shoes," said Russell.

McCullough said that when program participants have met their goals for one week, they will receive a free pedometer, a lanyard, and a walking or training diary. "When they have met their goals for a longer period of time, they receive a free t-shirt," she added.

"If participants would like to join a club or a group, we can facilitate that, and participants also will be able to compete in various contests and races periodically," said McCullough.

"The goal is to inspire better health and fitness...one step at a time," she said.

For more information and to register, contact McCullough at (614) 559-6207.