Walking increases in America but not enough, says CDC

More Americans are walking said a new report by the CDC but still not enough of them.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data said that almost two thirds of Americans now take regular walks compared with 56 percent in 2005.

"The basic news today is that physical activity is the wonder drug, and more Americans are making a great first step in getting more physical activity," said Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported USA Today.

"Walking is the easiest, most accessible way" to be more active, he said.

Despite the uptick in walking by about 15 million Americans, CDC officials said that the number of Americans walking is still not enough, said HealthDay.

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The CDC report said that even with recent progress, only about half of US adults get enough physical activity each day.

The Centers recommend about two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity per week at minimum.

Regionally, the southern United States saw the greatest increase in walking – up eight percent, according to the new data.

The biggest walkers are on the west coast where 68 percent said they take regular walks, reported WebMd.

The data was publised in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the CDC.