Get Fit Maryland 2008

Walk Your Way to Better Health!

"Exercise is a lifestyle, not a job. Being fit and healthy are the keys to life,” says #52 Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis displaying his Get Fit Maryland pedometer. The Ray Lewis Foundation supports the 2008 Get Fit Maryland program.

Get Fit Maryland™ kicks off its fourth year this fall on September 16, 2008! Get Fit Maryland stepped off the block for the first time in 2005 challenging Maryland adults to walk 10,000 steps a day. Get Fit Kids then debuted in 2007 challenging Baltimore City elementary school children to walk 13,000 steps a day.

Two out of three American adults and 19% of our children are overweight. We get less physical activity everyday and eat too much, and it’s adding up to serious health risks.

You don’t have to be an athlete to improve your health. Adding walking to your daily routine can help fight obesity, diabetes and heart disease. By walking 10,000 steps a day (for adults) and 13,000 steps a day (for children) and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can make big strides toward maintaining a healthy weight and improving your health. Join in the fun and step up your game to good health!

The Get Fit Maryland 12-week walking program will provide adults and kids with:

• A backpack registration kit, including a top-quality pedometer, a log book to record your steps, a pen, and lots
  of health tips and other fun offers and information.
• A free 30-day membership to any Merritt Athletic Club.
• Monthly incentive prizes for completing your log book.
• Chances to win exciting prizes at the completion of the program.
• And much, much more!

Ray Lewis poses with a group of local children who are participating in the 2008 Get Fit Maryland program.

Get Fit Maryland™ is sponsored by a partnership between Merritt Athletic Clubs, The University of Maryland Medical Center and the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

This year’s Honorary Chairman is Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley. In addition, we have exciting news that the Ray Lewis Foundation supports this year’s Get Fit Maryland/Get Fit Kids programs!

Click Here to watch a brief video of the Get Fit Maryland/Get Fit Kids programs!

Governor Martin O'Malley, Honorary Chair

Information for in-person and online registration is Coming Soon!

For more information, please contact:

Sharon Boston, UMMC Public Affairs, sboston@umm.edu
Mariellen Synan, Get Fit Maryland, msynan@umm.edu
Anne Williams, Get Fit Kids, awilliams@umm.edu

Friends of Get Fit Maryland