Exercises and Stretches

All Exercises and Stretches Content

Young man with a backpack hiking through a park.

Park Prescriptions

Through a collaborative partnership between the South Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Game Fish & Parks and SDSU Extension, healthcare professionals are encouraged to sign up and prescribe exercise to their patients through the Park Prescription (Park Rx) program.

An older man wearing hiking boots standing on a rock.

Fitness Over 50

We can benefit from physical activity at any age. Physical fitness decreases our risk of hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.

Mother and two daughters doing an online family fitness routine near a small Christmas tree.

The Twelve Days of Fitness

It is common for health and fitness to take a backseat during the holiday season, but this fun, family-friendly workout can get everyone moving together to have a happy and healthy season ahead!

Young woman demonstrating the Superman Pull core exercise.

Building a Strong Core

The midsection is a part of the body that many individuals strive to sculpt, strengthen and increase lean muscle tissue. While it may be easy to think of the core as just the abdominals, it involves many more muscles.

Father and daughter doing pushups on living room floor.

Thanksgiving-Themed Workout

This Thanksgiving, try a fun-themed workout to help you stay active and give thanks for fitness. This 20-minute, Thanksgiving-themed workout is something you can do with family or on your own—all you need is a timer.

A young woman demonstrating the starting and finishing position for a weighted squat exercise. For a complete description of the movements, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

Weighted Exercises

Strength training is an important way to keep your body moving and in optimal health. Strengthening your muscles also helps your body perform everyday activities with ease and comfort.

A young woman demonstrating the starting and finishing position for the seated twist yoga pose. For a complete description of the movements, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

Gentle Yoga

The practice of yoga uses postures, breath work, and meditation to bring balance to the mind and body. Gentle yoga uses physical postures that are accessible to most people and that are done at a slower pace while being held for longer.

Young woman demonstrating the reclined side leg raise exercise. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

Build Strength Without Using Weights!

Good news! You can use your own body weight to help build strong muscles and bones, no equipment needed!

8 Ways to Get Moving!

For those with barriers to being physically active, here are eight quick ideas to add a little more activity to your week.

Fitness Trends: Spinning

Spinning, or indoor cycling, is a popular fitness class offered across the nation.