WASHINGTON—AARP launched its 2^nd Annual Fit & Fun Health Challenge today with Wellness Ambassador Denise Austin. Last year’s health challenge was a major success, with 82,000 people pledging to walk 30 minutes a day for eight weeks. Now the challenge is back with new tools to help walkers get moving and stay motivated.

“It’s never too late to build healthy habits,” said Austin. “The AARP Fit & Fun Health Challenge is a simple step anyone can take to help live a healthy lifestyle. I love walking because it’s easy, it gives you energy, and could make you feel better!”

This year’s challenge includes options to join a group, invite a buddy to walk along with you or cheer on fellow walkers as they build healthy habits.* Each week Austin will share new videos, articles and wellness tips on the AARP Fit & Fun Health Challenge website. Participants can enter at aarp.org/challenge and are encouraged to visit the website daily to track their time walking.

“The AARP Fit & Fun Health Challenge is a perfect way to have fun, connect with loved ones and enjoy the greatest gift of all: feeling happier and healthier!” said Julia Alexis, vice president, Strategic Initiatives at AARP’s Public Policy Institute. “Nearly half of our 2018 participants told us that they walked five or more days a week—building healthy habits that can last far beyond the challenge.”

Star LaMorte Wojciak, 68, was one of the 82,000 people who entered the challenge in 2018. She recently told AARP Bulletin, “I’ve lost 45 pounds since last year… I walk on average 10,000 steps a day, my diet is improved and I feel great.”

The 2^nd Annual AARP Fit & Fun Health Challenge runs from May 1 to June 30. It is open to adults ages 21 and older. Participants can enter at any time for a chance to win an all-inclusive spa vacation for two.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 21 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends 6/30/19. For Official Rules, prize description and odds disclosure, visit https://sweeps.aarp.org/enterhealth2019. Sponsor: AARP, 601 E St, NW, Washington, DC 20049.

* Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media