“We have more than 40,000 individuals who work in downtown Dayton and we noticed we didn’t have a whole lot of people taking advantage of the great walkways we have here,” said Bruce Barcelo, Public Health healthy lifestyles supervisor. “We wanted to change that.”
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Organizers developed seven different walking routes, ranging from 1.5 to 2.1 miles. All of the walks are loops and can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes.
“Anyone can do this,” Barcelo said. “We keep a comfortable pace so everyone can participate.”
WALK YOUR WAY TO HEALTH
The benefits of walking are numerous and include weight loss or management, strengthening muscles and improving balance and coordination. Conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can also benefit from regular exercise like walking. And a recent study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine also indicated that walking – one hour a day, three times a week – may improve memory and physical abilities for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
“If your goal is 60 minutes a day of physical activity and you do this, you’re halfway to your goal by lunch time,” Barcelo said.
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Benefits increase based on the distance, pace and frequency of your walks.
ENJOY THE SIGHTS
From historical landmarks to vibrant waterways, Downtown Dayton offers a wide variety of unique sights. The walking routes enable participants to take in the distinctive architecture and exciting local venues.
“You will definitely have a chance to see some places you may never have seen before,” said Val Beerbower, of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
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“You can meet new people and see different things,” Barcelo said.
If you prefer to go solo, the walking route maps are available at http://bit.ly/WalkDowntown for self-guided walks.
Beyond the health benefits, participants can also snag some prizes. Take a photo on your walk and post it to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #WalkDowntownDYT for a chance to win prizes. Stop by the Downtown Dayton Partnership table at Courthouse Square and grab a Downtown Walking Wednesdays punch card. Have your card punched weekly and turn in completed cards for a prize drawing.
Walking Wednesdays at a Glance
WHAT: Fun downtown walks feature a different route each week (1.5-2.1 miles)
WHEN: Group walks are held Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. through Sept. 27
WHERE: Walks depart from Courthouse Square
MORE: Visit http://bit.ly/WalkDowntown for more information and a map of the downtown walking routes