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 for registrants while supplies last. They 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 24, 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: drolland@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 the quaint village of Peninsula and begin your walk at Lock 29 at Peninsula and head North to Red Lock. – 4.2 miles one way
(3) Start your walk at Memorial Parkway and head to Botzum Trailhead and continue to Bath Road to view the great blue heron rookery. – 6 miles one way
(4) Be the first to see the newly completed Towpath Trailhead beginning at Manchester Rd. N to Waterloo. Begin walking north .75 miles then turn around and continue south to Snyder Ave. Trailhead. July, 2008 is the anticipated opening. – 4.3 miles one way
Download your interactive Tracker Form (PDF format) and keep track of all your steps automatically. Just fill in the number of steps each day and the weekly and monthly totals will automatically add up!
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
