By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
Walking the mall took on new meaning with a Walk Kansas sign-up event Saturday afternoon, as approximately 40 community members strolled, walked and power-walked The Mall at Hays.
Members from Fort Hays State University’s Leadership 310 class and the Ellis County Extension office have already signed on more than 30 teams and are welcoming more before the statewide campaign kicks off March 16.
“Walk Kansas is an eight-week, team-based program,” said FHSU Leadership 310 student and local Walk Kansas coordinator Amanda Basye, “The goal is to basically lead a healthier lifestyle.”
Basye said she started working out with team members last week in preparation for the 2-month program. She said having a “support system” has already helped her keep “on track” and she feels support will help others too.
“Being on a (Walk Kansas) team will help people hold themselves accountable and succeed,” Basye said.
Husband and wife Bob and Janet Koerner of Hays have participated in the program for the last four years. Both said they believe the team approach is helpful.
“It makes it fun,” said Janet. “I believe everyone should get involved with Walk Kansas because (team members) encourage each other and maybe someone who hasn’t (exercised) before will feel more motivated.”
According to Linda Beech, Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, each participant will log daily minutes of exercise and intake of fruits and vegetables and report to their team captain on a weekly basis. Beech receives the weekly results of each team and will post team progress on the Walk Kansas website.
Beech said although the Extension does have a few prizes to give away as extra incentive throughout the program, the ultimate goal of Walk Kansas is not about competition, but helping Kansans make living a healthy lifestyle a daily habit.
“Walk Kansas is not a race,” she said. “We are all supporting each other with the goal of being healthier and having more exercise in our lives and a healthier diet in the end. … It’s an opportunity to work together as a team.”
For more information or to register a team, contact Beech at (785) 628-9439.