Before she retired, Sherry Penn did all her workout routines
indoors. But now that she has the time, the 57-year-old is
rediscovering her Paradise Valley neighborhood on foot.
Morgan Hill residents will wear pedometers for 10 weeks
n By Tony Burchyns Staff Writer
Morgan Hill – Before she retired, Sherry Penn did all her workout routines indoors. But now that she has the time, the 57-year-old is rediscovering her Paradise Valley neighborhood on foot.
“I’m constantly seeing new sights that, when I was driving, had no impact on me,” said Penn, whose peppy demeanor gives away her love of fitness. “I’ve found trails with beautiful vistas, passed ranches with llamas and cows and even wild turkeys. Plus I’ve met other walkers and gained a new sense of community.”
On Monday, Penn and 20 other local residents will join in a Bay Area pilot program designed to promote exercising. Additionally, the 10-week “Step It Up” program is being launched in parts of North Carolina.
The program aims to promote physical activity through goal-setting and incentives such as cash prizes and gift certificates to area restaurants.
Participants are given journals to record their steps and a Web site to track their progress. They also receive weekly emails with nutrition and wellness tips along with words of encouragement.
“Step It Up” is sponsored by Palo Alto-based non-profit agencies Lifelong Fitness Alliance and Avenidas, who hope to expand the program in the fall.
To fitness experts, the benefits speak for themselves. Studies show daily exercise lowers risk of heart disease, obesity, depression and pre-mature aging.
“Programs like this are more valuable than all the doctors and pharmacies in the area,” said Dr. Walter Bortz, 77, author of “Dare to be 100” and a Stanford physician who founded Lifelong Fitness Alliance. “It’s preventing illness rather than trying to mop the floor after it’s all spilled.”
Bortz gave a motivational speach Wednesday morning at the Morgan Hill “Step It Up” orientation at the Centennial Recreational Center.
Attaching button-sized pedometers to wastebands, about 10 local team members circled Community Park. In 10 minutes time, they each took 1,600 steps, without breaking a sweat.
“I’m excited about it,” said
Betty Ancheta, a member of the Morgan Hill Senior Advisory Commission, who signed up for the program. “I’ve been a walker in the past, but I’m afraid I haven’t been too good at it lately. I think it might give me the motivation I need to do it more.”
Other participants include Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, city manager Ed Tewes and recreation department staff members.
There are no empty spots on the “Step It Up” team, but organizers hope to expand the program in the fall. Those interested in participating in the future can call Avenidas at (650) 289-5400 for more information.
Morgan Hill joins Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Mateo, Menlo Park and Redwood City in participating in the pilot program.
Penn played a role in bringing the program to Morgan Hill after she met Bortz in April at the Morgan Hill Health and Wellness Fair.
“We’re blessed to live in such a beautiful area,” she said, “and to have something we can all do at our own level … it’s not a race or competition … really makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something.”
