By WAYNE WESTCOTT

KEEPING FIT

A January study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed some shocking facts about the severe lack of physical activity among the majority of Americans. As measured by accelerometers, only 3.5 percent of our adult population attains the activity equivalent of slow walking for just 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Think about this for a moment: Of every 100 American adults, 96 are so sedentary that they could almost be classified as statues.

Physical inactivity is a serious health risk, as evidenced by the accompanying increase in degenerative diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, back pain, cancers, osteoporosis and arthritis. It is predicted that within 10 years one out of every 10 dollars spent in this country will go toward health care.

Although my usual emphasis is strength training to remodel muscle, recharge resting metabolism and reduce fat, I would be pleased if more people would simply walk on a regular basis. People tell me they just don't have time to take a walk, yet the average adult watches more than 20 hours of television every week.