Last week, I had the pleasure of taking a walk on the Downtown Canal with Mrs. Cheri Daniels, and we didn’t talk politics…we talked fitness!  

Mrs. Daniels has launched a fitness walking program called Ready, Set, Walk! through the Governor’s INShape Indiana project this Spring.  It is a free program designed for all fitness abilities that turns a simple activity like walking into a simple exercise routine.  You can sign up online at www.inshape.in.gov or call 1-800-433-0746 to receive a tracking log, a coupon for a free pedometer (while supplies last!), and newsletters and video support from Mrs. Cheri Daniels. 

Both the Governor and Mrs. Daniels are working to make Indiana a healthier state by offering programs that can help you live a healthier lifestyle.  Mrs. Daniels expressed to me how important exercise is in her own life and how she has personally experienced the benefits of sticking with a regular program.  Her fitness accomplishments, which include lowered blood pressure, weight loss, and stress-relief, have all come from her daily walking routine.  But you probably won’t see her turning the block with Governor Daniels—he follows his own running program to stay in shape.  Instead, Mrs. Daniels has found that her solo walks are therapeutic, and she looks forward to using that time to think or just sing to herself. 

Join the First Lady and experience the feeling of better health through a regular fitness program like Ready, Set, Walk!  It begins April 14^th –and provides 12 weeks of support that can help you walk your way to better health.

The National President’s Challenge has started and it’s not too late to join in on the fun!  President Bush, President’s Council Member Eli Manning, Acting Surgeon General RADM Steven Galson, MD, MPH and Council Members kicked off the National Challenge on March 20th by calling on all Americans to participate in an active lifestyle. 
All it takes is 30 minutes of activity a day (60 minutes for kids aged 6-17), 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  You can log your activity @ www.presidentschallenge.org on a personal activity tracker, and watch as you work your way towards earning an award.  It’s easy, fun, free……and you CAN do it!

You can sign up through April 3rd.  To register or learn more about the National President’s Challenge, please visit www.presidentschallenge.org where you’ll find a variety of promotional items you can use to encourage your employees, organization and family members to participate.

In recognition of this challenge, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports will be acknowledging governors of the top five states, as well as companies and schools with 35% completion rate. Check out the map on their website to see how Indiana compares to others!

This is a great way to stay motivated with your workout plan and encourage others as well!

Watch President Bush and Eli Manning talk about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices at this link:  http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/256.0/popup/index.php?cl=7070400

The National President’s Challenge is a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.  www.fitness.gov

A Healthier Nation: It’s Everyone’s Challenge!