MANCHESTER — If you've been slacking off on exercise this summer, the city wants you to know the fall Walk for Your Health program starts in about three weeks.

It has been offered for about 20 years and is designed for all ages. Offered in spring and fall, the walking program offers opportunities to connect with old friends and meet new ones, while getting exercise.

Although it's billed as an exercise program, Peter Capano, chief of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery, said: “It's very social.”

Capano said a lot of the walkers are retirees, but people of all ages are welcome to join the group, which he said averages between 50 and 75 people each day.

The fall session begins Sept. 3 and ends Nov. 9, with sessions starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Although the purpose is to get outdoors and exercise, inclement weather doesn't force a cancellation. It just means the walking is done at the Mall of New Hampshire.

Prospective walkers should plan to wear firm, comfortable footwear and loose clothing. There is a one-time $3 registration fee to help defray some of the program expenses.

The first three walks will be approximately three miles long and will depart from the Dorr's Pond warming hut in Livingston Park on the DW Highway, across from the Puritan Restaurant.

As the walks progress, they will increase to four miles and will start from various points around the city. Capano said the entire fall schedule will be available Aug. 24 on the department website. Go to manchesternh.gov, then select Departments on the left panel and when the city directory list appears, click on parks and recreation.