Cooperative Extension Motivates Residents to Exercise
January 27, 2011
Virginia Cooperative Extension motivates Franklin, Henry and Patrick County and Martinsville City residents to exercise with a 8-week program
Most Virginians want to stay fit, be physically active, and eat a more healthy diet, but have difficulty finding the time, energy, and motivation to get moving. FIT Extension (www.fitextension.ext.vt.edu/) – is an 8-week physical activity program developed by Virginia Cooperative Extension. It helps Virginians improve their exercise habits, diet, and overall quality of life in a fun and challenging way.
Franklin, Patrick and Henry County as well as Martinsville City residents who are interested in FIT Extension or have questions about the program or are interested in signing-up should visit the website at www.fitextension.ext.vt.edu or Shewana McSwain 540-483-5161/276-634-4650 shhairst@vt.edu or Amanda Wingfield 276-694-3341 awingfie@vt.edu before March 11th. The program begins on March 20 and lasts until May 14.
FIT Extension encourages all participants to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity such as brisk walking, running, yoga, or biking on five or more days of the week. “This adds up to at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, the amount of aerobic physical activity recommended for adults by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the previous two years, over 2,000 FIT Extension participants increased their physical activity by an average of 54 minutes per week and have eaten over 70,000 cups of fruits and vegetables per week - that’s 560,000 cups over the duration of the program!
Although FIT Extension is not a competition, co-workers, friends, and family members join together in teams of six. Each team has a captain who helps the group set goals for its personal achievement.
Anyone age 5 and up who is willing and able to participate in an 8-week physical activity program may sign up for FIT Extension. The program also includes a nutrition component that promotes increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Prior to participating in last year’s FIT Extension program, less than 30% of adult participants were meeting the national recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption, but by the end of the program, well over 70% of participants were meeting the recommendations.
