It shouldn’t take a nationally-declared day to remind us to prioritize our health. After all, we already know how important it is to take care of ourselves – and staying physically active is a key part of that. But if National Fitness Day can give us just the nudge we need to start moving, we say “Let’s go!”

Of course, “fitness” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Body builders, athletes and gym rats likely celebrate fitness day every day. And good for them! For most of us, though, staying fit is about choices – with our time, our diets and, especially, our personal preferences. It doesn’t mean we have to buy expensive workout equipment, hire a trainer or sweat through a Zumba video in our family room. (Although we hear they can be fun!)

Instead, getting “fit” isn’t the chore a lot of us think it is. Just moving – as in, walking – can be the simple start to big rewards when it comes to our health. Research shows that walking just 2.5 hours a week can cut the risk of heart disease by 30 percent. We’re not even talking about power walking either, friends. You can walk at your own pace and build up over time for even more health benefits, such as losing weight, strengthening bones and muscles and even improving mood and sleep. (We are all about getting good zzzz’s . . .)

So, in appreciation of National Fitness Day, let’s make a point to go for a 20-minute walk this weekend. Around the neighborhood. Around the mall. Around the track. With your dog. With a friend. With yourself – whatever and wherever is easiest for you. Because improving our health doesn’t have to be a chore. It just has to be at the top of our to-do lists. You know, right up there with “Call Mom.”