UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension will be virtually walking for the sixth year through April and May — this time learning about the Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania. Everybody Walk Across PA is a great program for worksites, schools, community groups and more.
Gather your family, friends, or co-workers to form a team of up to five. Even your dog can be a member of your team. Team members will try and walk or exercise an average of 15 miles per week, for a total of eight weeks. Walk with your team or on your own, at a time and place convenient for you — we will virtually visit a different spectacular natural wonder each week. Team captains will be required to report the total number of miles walked each week.
Through weekly newsletters with web-links, photos and stories, we’ll be exploring some of the beautiful and interesting natural wonders across the state of Pennsylvania. Newsletters will also include motivators to keep walking and strategies for eating healthy — so, everyone can keep moving towards a healthier lifestyle.
Moderate activity, such as walking, reduces stress and fatigue and increases mental alertness. It improves cardiovascular functioning and strengthens bones. Combined with healthy eating, it can help to reduce or maintain body weight and decrease incidence of certain chronic diseases.
Spring is a great time to get outside and be more active. Penn State Extension’s eight week walking program can help turn behaviors into healthy habits. Take the first step and join Everybody Walk Across PA. Individuals with all levels of physical ability are encouraged to participate. An exercise conversion chart is available to help you convert physical activity into miles walked.
The program will run April 1 through May 26. It’s free but registration is required by April 1. For more information or to register, visit extension.psu.edu/everybody-walk or contact Karen Bracey at 570-836-3196 or kbracey@psu.edu.
— Pennsylvania State University