The Walking Example group is launching new opportunities to get you into step this spring. Beginning in June, WE-GO members can become part of a walking group that will walk or hike 30 to 60 minutes up to four times per week.

You have your choice of walking the track at Cooperstown Central Schools, walking the village of Cooperstown on routes customized to fit the groups' needs, or joining the weekend hikes on trails designated in the Otsego County Conservation Association trail map.

This is an excellent time to start or to expand your walking program and for all the good reasons that you already know. Burn some calories, tone your muscles, avoid diabetes 2, be good to your heart, spend time with friends, take the dog out, etc.

The bottom line is that it's good for you "on so many levels," as my teenage daughter would say.

Human bodies have evolved in such a fashion as to require motion. Human intelligence has managed to engineer most of the motion out of our lives.

Without the movement that good health requires, our bodies operate inefficiently, something like a car that sits idling, building up gunk on its cylinders.

The new walking and hiking groups now forming give you a chance to encourage your body to work at a higher proficiency and help get rid of a little of the gunk in your arteries. You don't have to be in shape to join us and you can take it at your own pace. All fitness levels are welcomed.

Sign ups for the walking groups will begin at WE-GO's second anniversary party, the "Homegrown Health Fair" on Sunday, May 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Farmers' Museum.

Please note that the Fair has been moved from Lakefront Park to The Farmers' Museum and that admission is free for Otsego County residents.

You may continue to join the groups after May 23 by calling 607-547-2893.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the walking example group WE-Go, a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.