Physical Activity and Movement
Regular physical activity has enormous benefits for physical and mental health. About 80% of US adults and adolescents do not meet the guidelines for minimal amounts of physical activity.
As you become older, natural changes to your body can increase the need for regular exercise. K-State Research and Extension programming helps you do the activities you enjoy. Activity enhances your productivity, prevents or manages chronic disease, and helps you to live independently.
Resources
Below are links to resources on physical activity, movement and exercise. If you have questions contact your local extension office or contact a K-State Research and Extension Specialist.
These Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are based on the latest science and serve as a flagship resource for K-State Research and Extension programs. These guidelines were established in 2008 and revised in 2018.
Learn more about general physical activity from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention.
Basic Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Why physical activity matters for chronic disease
- Healthy Body, Healthy Brain, Fact Sheet | en espanol
- Keys to Embracing Aging, Fact Sheet | en espanol
Heart Disease
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Physical activity benefits
- American Heart Association: Physical activity recommendations
Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Healthy living
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Managing diabetes
Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Physical activity proven to help arthritis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Physical activity for arthritis
Dementia
Sharolyn Jackson, M.S.
- Chronic disease prevention
- Physical activity
- Nutrition and wellness across the lifespan
- Behavior change
Ashley Svaty
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Nutrition and physical activity across the lifespan -
Rural community health - Chronic disease prevention
Christina Holmes
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Public health nutrition -
Food safety -
Chronic disease prevention and control
Programs and Events
We offer a variety of learning opportunities and classes throughout the state. For more information on upcoming classes and events in your area, please contact your local extension office.
Stay Strong Stay Healthy
- This eight-week program for older adults focuses on improving strength and balance through a series of safe and effective exercises taught by certified instructors. Participants begin with a Level 1 class. Level 2 is available, in some communities, for participants that have complete two Level 1 classes.
Walk Kansas
- Walk Kansas is a health initiative that promotes personal health and well-being by helping participants adopt healthful lifestyle habits.
Walk With Ease
- Developed by The Arthritis Foundation, Walk With Ease group sessions meet for six weeks and include a pre-walk health education discussion followed by a ten to 40 minute walk. Stretching and strengthening exercises and motivational strategies are also included to get you safely moving toward better health.
A Matter of Balance
- A Matter of Balance helps adults realize that falls — and the fear of falling — are controllable. The program provides information on ways to change your environment to limit risk factors that contribute to falling and will help you find strength and balance exercises to reduce your chances of falling. Contact your local extension office to learn more about this program.