When Deborah Pesta — a strategic-planning coordinator at the administrative offices of WellStar Health System in Marietta — decided to get fit, she didn't have to go far. To encourage people to live more active lifestyles, her employer had already built the WellStar Institute for Better Health and WellStar Health Place, the first hospital-based health and fitness center in Georgia.

Pesta's journey to better health began with a single step. Along with 1,000 WellStar Health Place members, employees and community residents, Pesta signed up for the 70,000 Steps in Seven Days national walking challenge during Medical Fitness Week (April 21 to April 27).

BARRY WILLIAMS/Special (ENLARGE)

Employee Deborah Pesta (right) exercises at WellStar Health Place with the help of trainer Megan Teplica. In April, Pesta took more than 88,000 steps during the Medical Fitness Week national walking challenge.

TIPS FOR GETTING FIT Wear a pedometer every day. It will encourage you to walk more. If you have a desk job, take breaks during the day. Fill your water bottle, talk with a co-worker, walk to the copier — just get moving. Use part of your lunch break to take a 20-minute walk. You'll have more energy. Park in a spot that is farther from the office. Come early and take a walk in the parking lot before going into work - especially if you have a long commute. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Find an exercise group that will encourage you to meet your goals. Choose an exercise that you like; you'll be more likely to stick to it. Keep low-fat snacks in a desk drawer. It will help you avoid the temptation of food from vending machines. Source: Christy Miller, manager of WellStar Health Place

"This is third year that we have sponsored the program, and it grows every year," said Christy Miller, WellStar Health Place manager. "Last year we placed second in the nation out of all participating communities and we would love to win it this year."

The tallies aren't in yet, but Miller says the program is a success, regardless of where it places.

During the event, participants wore pedometers and tried to walk 10,000 steps (about five miles) each day. The walkers logged their steps and turned in totals at the end of the week.

"You don't have to do 10,000 every day. We take whatever they do, because the point is to make people of all ages more aware of the benefits of physical activity," Miller said. "Unfortunately, 78 percent of Americans are not meeting the basic activity level recommendations of 30 minutes a day.

"Getting involved in this challenge and walking 10,000 steps a day can help you achieve the recommended physical fitness goal and motivate individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle."

Pesta, who is proud to have logged more than 88,000 steps during the challenge, still keeps track of her walking with a pedometer.

"I proved that I could do it and [I] learned that it was a matter of breaking a large goal down into workable goals," she said. "I would try to achieve 5,000 steps by lunch time, would split my lunch hour in half and go for a walk, and then would walk again after dinner."

Exercise has become a family affair. Pesta's husband has started walking with her two nights a week.

"Instead of sitting in front of the TV [and] eating snacks, we actually started talking about things we wouldn't normally talk about," she said.

Pesta said that wearing the pedometer motivates her to walk and helps her meet more people at work.

"It's a great conversation-starter," she said. "You'll see someone else wearing one and say, 'Hey, how many steps are you up to?' I hadn't considered how motivating it can be to have the support of a group."

Pesta's zeal for walking has led her to sign up for the eight-week Biggest Loser program at WellStar Health Place. She has taken yoga and water aerobics classes, and has lost more than 10 pounds.

"When you develop more muscle, it helps to burn off fat," Miller said. "If you have a desk job, you have to make an effort to get up and move. That's the message we want to get out to everyone."