SDSU Extension encouraging physical activity with virtual fitness event

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging South Dakotans to get active with its fourth annual Fall into Fitness seasonal activity challenge.

This virtual movement challenge aims to motivate and inspire participants to get outside and get active during October. It is free and can be done by individuals or groups anywhere in the state.

Participants will track their minutes of activity daily from Oct. 1 to 31 and submit their totals after the event ends. Those who finish the challenge will receive a small thank you gift for participating. Larger prizes will be awarded to top achievers and three randomly drawn participants who submit their total minutes at the end of the challenge.

Challenge participants must be registered to qualify for prizes. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “fitness”.

Erin Hallenbeck, SDSU Extension Health and Physical Activity Field Specialist, said this event was renamed from “Walktober” to Fall into Fitness to reflect that all kinds of movement contribute to a healthy lifestyle, not just walking or running.

“Everyday activities like raking leaves, gardening, cleaning the house, dancing, biking, strength training, or even playing with kids or grandkids all count toward the challenge,” Hallenbeck said. “Our goal is to help people stay active while showing that fitness can fit into many parts of daily life.”

Participants will receive weekly emails to support their progress, and will be encouraged to move every day of the month. The challenge also encourages participants to focus on their mental health, as well, providing regular “mental health tasks” to do each day.

The Centers for Disease Control says physical activity supports physical and mental health and recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate to intense physical activity a week. Health benefits include improved brain health, focus, mood and a reduction in major health risks like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Whitney Keller-Reetz, SDSU Extension Health and Community Field Specialist, encourages South Dakotans to join the challenge with a partner or group. Keller-Reetz pointed to research by the Baylor College of Medicine that group fitness and exercise classes can provide positive social interactions, accountability, and push people to work out harder than they would on their own.

For more information, contact Erin Hallenbeck, SDSU Extension Health and Physical Activity Field Specialist.