Most Americans don't get enough physical activity which is important for good health. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get exercise, and the Towpath Trail is one of our area's most treasured natural resources.
Healthy Steps is a free walking program offered by Akron General and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition that encourages people of all ages to step toward better health by walking and discovering the rich beauty of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
All participants will receive a monthly newsletter and health tips. Everyone is entered into drawings for walking shoes, gift certificates and other prizes. The participant with the most steps will receive a grand prize of 4 tickets to the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad's Polar Express! (You must submit a tracker form at the end of the program to be eligible. See printable form below.)
1. Register Online
2. Print Your Tracking Form
3. Start Walking and Counting Your Steps. *Free pedometers are available for the first 500 participants. You must pre-register no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 5 p.m. in order to receive your free pedometer. We strongly encourage you to register early for your chance to receive a pedometer. Pedometers will be available at the Kick-off Event and at the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Office at 520 South Main Street, Suite 2452, Akron, OH 44311, during normal business hours.
12 Noon at Lock 3 in downtown Akron. Attendance is not necessary to participate in Healthy Steps.
Keep your trackers until the end of the program and bring it to the Summit County Fair on Thursday, July 30, for one FREE admission. Can't make it to the Fair? Mail the form to The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition at 520 S. Main Street, Suite 2452, Akron, OH 44311 or email it to: oecc@ohioeriecanal.org at the conclusion of the program for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Polar Express!
(1) Kick-off your commitment to a healthier lifestyle by joining us for our first walk. We will begin at Lock 3 in downtown Akron and visit the future sight and headquarters of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition - The Richard Howe House. – .5 mile each way
(2) Enjoy some sightseeing in Downtown Akron as you start your walk at Memorial Parkway and make your way south to Lock 2. – 2.2 miles one way
(3) Begin your walk at Center Road and head north to Eastern Road enjoying the new trail across from the PPG property – 3.4 miles one way
(4) Meander through the lovely Cuyahoga National Valley Park as you begin your walk at Lock 29 and go north to the Boston Store. – 2.3 miles round trip
(5) Walk on water as you take the newest section of trail - the floating towpath! Begin at Summit Lake Park and head south to Wilbeth Road. The opeing is planned for late July. – 3 miles round trip
Join us in a guided hike. Here is a schedule of guided hikes offered by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition volunteers.
Challenge yourself and challenge your friends to aim for more steps on the Towpath Trail each year.
Gold - average 10,000 steps a day
Silver - average 7,500 steps a day
Bronze - average 5,000 steps a day
If you have any concerns about starting a walking program, be sure to talk with your health care provider about adding or increasing your exercise through walking.
Before Starting an Exercise Program
Risks of Inactivity
Determining Your Body Mass Index
www.mypyramid.gov
