TOLEDO, Ohio — Summer is here and our area is enjoying a nice stretch of beautiful weather. With more sunny and mild days in the forecast ahead, now is the perfect time to spend some time outside.
That’s why the city of Toledo, community partners and WTOL 11’s own Amanda Fay hope to see you on Saturday for the kickoff of this year’s “Let’s Get Moving” program.
Let’s Get Moving is a walking program that encourages the community to get up, get out and get moving.
The bi-weekly program is hosted by the city of Toledo’s Parks and Youth Services, along with Mercy Health, Area Office on Aging, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Health Department, Zepf Center and Metroparks Toledo.
The walks are low-impact and scheduled at various locations across the city, with incentives for anyone who participates in 10 bi-weekly walks. Awards and giveaways will also take place throughout the program.
The kickoff event will have Mercy Health on-site for free health screenings. Neighborhood Health Association and Community of Hope Free Clinic will also share resources available for residents to encourage being proactive when it comes to personal well-being.
With accessibility and inclusiveness in mind, golf carts will be available for anyone who may find the 3-mile walk (equivalent to a 5K) challenging. Water and light refreshments will be provided.
Join “Good Day on WTOL 11” anchor Amanda Fay at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ottawa Park’s Liz Pearson Shelter House for the kickoff event.
"When the city asked me to part of this program, I was excited to jump on board," Amanda said. "A couple years ago I bought a Fitbit in an effort to combat my rising cholesterol and track just how many steps I was getting a day. I quickly noticed a change in my health when I started reaching my step goals."
Now, Amanda finds ways to walk. That includes doing simple things like taking walks while on her lunch break at work to meet her step goals.
The weather doesn't stop her either. Sometimes she simply walks the hallways on a rainy day to reach her daily target of 10,000 steps.
"I want people to know, you don't have to run a marathon or even a 5K," Amanda said. "You just have to move and I'm hoping to encourage the community to move along with me."
All events are open to the entire community and have a monthly theme. The bi-weekly program will also feature guest speakers. With the exception of the kickoff event, all walks are Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Check out a full schedule for Let’s Get Moving and register yourself or a team at toledo.oh.gov/get-moving.
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