Click here to watch video of Kristi Yamaguchi talkinga about Step-By-Step Fitness

NEW YORK, Apr 18, 2006/ MF/ --- Today Kristi Yamaguchi, World Championship Figure Skater, kicks off the launch of the Sportline Steps Across America initiative at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. This program is dedicated to spreading the word that it’s easy to step into a more active lifestyle by walking for health, fitness and fun.

For the first time, a single pedometer will be walked across America by a relay team of 12 walkers who will cover about 3,500 miles over 11 states in 14 weeks. The walk will begin today in New York City and finish in Los Angeles on July 17th.

The walkers will also make stops at Wal-Marts across the country to rally and motivate Americans to walk for exercise.

The walkers will be led by Kristi Yamaguchi, who became a household name in the U.S. and the whole world when she won an Olympic Gold Medal for figure skating. She is also a two-time World Champion, U.S. National Champion and a four-time World Professional Champion.

A wife and mom, Yamaguchi continues to live an active lifestyle and recognizes the benefits of keeping a healthy regime including eating right and exercising.

Did you know?

Steps Across America has also partnered with the President’s Council for Physical Fitness, for the 50th Anniversary of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

The challenge will be issued at every Steps Across America event and online at www.stepsacross.com.