National Walking Day to keep Ottumwa active

OTTUMWA, Iowa — Keeping active in Ottumwa has become easier thanks to 'National Walking Day.'

On April 6th, Ottumwans can participate in a short walk that will start at the skate park then continue on to the Ottumwa trail system.

The focus on 'National Walking Day' is to promote healthy living and encourage getting in shape.

"Just going out for a 30 minute walk everyday can drastically change so much about your body composition, your heart rate, your well-being and your ability to think," said Executive Director Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce Connie Hammersley-Wilson. "This is a great way to get the conversation started. To get the initiative started and get people moving. It's fun, it's just really fun. We are very proud to be a participate."

Mayor Tom Lazio agrees with Wilson that walking is an easy way to start and maintain an active lifestyle.

He hopes Ottumwa will come and support, which is a joint venture between the city, American Heart Association and Active Ottumwa.

This is just the start for Active Ottumwa. They have a new walking program starting at Quincy Place Mall later this month.

You can learn about that and other upcoming Active Ottumwa events head to its official Facebook page.