Start! is the American Heart Association's cause initiative that encourages all Americans to live longer, heart-healthier lives by taking up walking and other healthy habits as part of their daily lifestyle. National Start! Walking Day is Wednesday, April 8, and Start! is calling on all Americans to walk for 30 minutes at work or in their free time. Did you know that for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise, like very brisk walking, you may gain two more hours of life? Start! champions walking because it's accessible, free and has the lowest dropout rate of any other type of exercise.
The Start! initiative has several key elements that can help consumers get on track with a daily physical activity regimen. The American Heart Association collaborated with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to develop free, downloadable Start! Walking Plans for people at various ability levels who want to develop a regular routine.
MyStart! Online, a free, Web-based fitness and nutrition tracker allows members to log miles, map routes, locate nearby walking paths that have been deemed as "walker friendly" and connect with other members to provide encouragement and support.
The Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition Program recognizes employers who encourage the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.
Start! Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s premier fund raiser, enables people to improve their health by walking while helping fund the fight against heart disease and stroke. More than 425 Start! Heart Walks are held each year nationwide.
For more information about the Start! initiative, visit startwalkingnow.org
