5k Events

Team GOsmart will be participating in 5k events around the country. Team GOsmart encourages you to come out to a local event and learn more about how to put your best foot forward to better health.

Walking is still #1
It’s amazing how something so easy could be so good for you.

Despite all the fads and fitness options available today, walking is still the #1 fitness activity among adults, according to the National Sporting Goods Association¹.

The Pedometer is your new personal trainer
Pedometers combined with daily goals make walking even more effective.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (11/21/09), researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that the use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and weight loss, as well as improvements in blood pressure.

Walk your way to a fit lifestyle
Research studies further suggest that walking can:

• Reduce body fat
• Help reduce or maintain body weight 
• Help with overall flexibility
• Increase mental well being
• Reduce risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• Reduce high cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce risk of colon cancer
• Increase bone density and help prevent osteoporosis
• Help with osteoarthritis
• Reduce risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes

Every step counts
Experts recommend walking 10,000 steps per day for optimal health benefits. For most people, 10,000 steps equal approximately five miles’ worth of walking.  This can be achieved through one or more sustained walks or runs (equivalent to 30-60 minutes or more of walking per day).  Research also shows that walking in increments of 10 minutes can be just as beneficial as longer walks. 

Craving more walking information? Here are some great links:
www.active.com/walking
www.walking.about.com
www.coolwalking.com
www.healthfinder.gov
www.health.gov/paguidelines

(1) Source: 2008 NSGA survey report - "Sports Participation - Series I and II".