Lynn YMCA promotes America on the Move

LYNN – Get off the couch.That’s the advice from Sharon Dobbyn, fitness director at the Greater Lynn YMCA, as the annual America on the Move activities kick off Monday at the 20 Neptune Boulevard facility.”Starting on Sept. 20 and continuing through Sept. 27, the Lynn YMCA will offer an exciting opportunity for individuals, families and the community at large to participate in a series of events and programs that emphasize energy balance ? a balance between the amount of calories eaten and the amount of calories burned through physical activity,” said Dobbyn. “The week promises to be filled with fun and good health.”According to Dobbyn, America on the Move is all about improving life quality. “Do you want to improve the quality of your life? Add years and be happier? In the midst of astronomical statistics regarding obesity in the U.S. it has become imperative that the health and fitness community take a strong stand in fighting this epidemic,” she said. “Our community is no exception.”Research shows that achieving energy balance is an effective approach to healthy weight management. Adding just 2,000 extra steps and eating as few as 100 calories less per day are enough to help most Americans prevent annual weight gain, Dobbyn explained.”These small consistent changes can add up to big rewards over time, including improved health and quality of life,” she said.Last year, more than 850,000 people from 1,100 YMCAs across the country accepted the challenge by embracing this “small steps” strategy. Together they took the equivalent of 9.3 billion steps. “That’s like circling the earth 187 times,” she said.For more information and updates of the YMCA calendar of events, go online to www.lynnymca.org or call 781-581-3105 ex. 244.