Walk Across Arkansas set

For many Arkansans, the start of a new year includes resolutions to exercise more and develop healthy habits. Walk Across Arkansas, an eight-week, group-based exercise program supported by the Cooperative Extension Service, is designed to help Arkansans get on their feet and connect with their peers. The Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, offers Walk Across Arkansas each spring and fall. Participants log their total number of minutes spent being physically active each day. Any moderate to vigorous physical activity that boosts the heart rate counts — not just walking. Heather Wingo, extension health program associate for the Division of Agriculture, said Walk Across Arkansas helps participants improve their mental and physical health, according to a news release.

Registration for the spring 2024 session opens Feb. 26, and participants can register and log exercise minutes at walk.uada.edu/walk/. The competition starts March 11 and ends May 12. Teams can consist of one person and up to 30 people. Past participants have reported improved sleep, more energy, stress relief and weight loss, in addition to new relationships with Walk Across Arkansas teammates.

During the fall 2023 Walk Across Arkansas session, 464 Arkansans in 95 teams logged 1,188,942 physical activity minutes. Fifty-two of the state’s 75 counties were represented among participants. Anyone can participate in Walk Across Arkansas. Division of Agriculture employees must use a personal email address, not their work email address, to register. Visit walk.uada.edu/walk/ to learn more and register or contact a local county extension agent.