National Walk to Work Day on Friday (October 1) is a great chance to kick-start a more active life, according to a researcher examining health issues surrounding physical inactivity.

CQUniversity researcher Dr Mitch Duncan is supporting a Walk to Work promotion by his Institute for Health and Social Science Research colleague Dr Jim Douglas.

Dr Douglas is encouraging campus staff and students to join a walk from Rockhampton Campus (Building 18) to Degani's Café at the IGA complex on Farm Street, from 7am on Friday.

The initiative recognises the health benefits of choosing more active transport options, which has the added benefits of increasing physical activity and reducing time spent sitting.

"Walk to work day encourages people to walk part, or the whole way to work to increase their physical activity levels. This has the added benefit of reducing sitting time. Both of these are important in reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease." Dr Duncan said.

Details on the national day are via http://www.walk.com.au/wtw