Over the weekend, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Brooklynites in taking to the streets for Lighten Up Brooklyn, an anti-obesity and healthy lifestyle campaign near and dear to the beep’s newly healthy heart.

Markowitz, who underwent a stent procedure last summer, has vowed to transform and lengthen his life through healthy eating and a committed fitness regimen. The borough president’s frequent energetic strolls through Prospect Park have helped him lose 26 pounds since last summer, and he entered Lighten Up Brooklyn 2007 with a new plea for Brooklynites to take steps to improve their health.

“In Brooklyn, obesity and diabetes are at epidemic levels,” said Borough President Markowitz. “For too long, we’ve talked the talk—now it’s time to walk the walk! Frequent walking is one thing every person can do to live a healthier, happier life, and I urge all Brooklynites to stand up, step up, and lighten up!”
 
Lighten Up Brooklyn consisted of seven guided walks over three days, and each trip was led by a knowledgeable local expert highlighting a unique Brooklyn locale.
 
Friday, July 20
Noon – TGIF! Promenade Walk – Borough President Marty Markowitz kicked off Lighten Up Brooklyn with a walk through scenic Brooklyn Heights. 

Saturday, July 21
8 a.m. – Salt Marsh Bird Walk – ­­Urban Park Ranger Tom Kerr led participants on a morning bird walk in the Salt Marsh Nature Center.
11 a.m. – Bay Ridge Waterfront Walk ­– Walking Brooklyn author Adrienne Onofri led a foot tour of the Bay Ridge waterfront.
1 p.m. – Victorian Flatbush Walk ­– Borough Historian Ron Schweiger led a group through one of Brooklyn’s best kept secrets, Victorian Flatbush! 

Sunday, July 22
8 a.m. – Prospect Park Walk – The New York Walkers Club led participants on a brisk morning stroll around Prospect Park.
11 a.m. – Chassidic Crown Heights Walk ­–Rabbi Beryl Epstein and Yisroel Ber Kaplan took walkers on an educational tour of Chassidic Crown Heights.
1 p.m. – Coney Island Walk – Fitness guru Al Puma, the 77-year-old Brooklynite whose exploits as a regular in the annual Empire State Building Run-Up have earned him international fame, led a group for a walk from the Parachute Jump to Brighton Beach and back.