Move More, Feel Better: How Exercise Transforms Health in the River Valley

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Move More, Feel Better: The Science of Motion and the Joy of Living Local

From brain health to heart strength, movement heals more than we realize — and this week, the River Valley is full of ways to get moving.

Every step counts — and science proves it.

A groundbreaking review in Nature Reviews Endocrinology found that physical activity isn’t just about burning calories or staying fit.

Exercise triggers powerful changes throughout the body — protecting the heart, sharpening the mind, and even improving immune and eye health.

In short: when we move, our bodies heal, adapt, and thrive.

That’s the kind of reminder we all need as autumn settles across the River Valley.

Cooler mornings and colorful trails make it the perfect time to rediscover what movement can do — for our health and for our community.

🏞 Move Your Body, Feed Your Mind

When your muscles move, they send chemical “messages” — little sparks called myokines — that tell your organs to function better.

It’s the body’s natural medicine.

Just 30 minutes of brisk walking a few times a week has been shown to lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar, and boost mood.

But the real power of movement comes when we do it outdoors.

Studies show that green spaces amplify exercise’s mental benefits, reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus.

Around here, we’ve got the perfect prescription: Fort Smith’s scenic trails, Van Buren’s riverfront walks, and the rolling routes that connect our parks from Ben Geren to Lee Creek.

🚴‍♀️ Move Where You Live

This week’s issue celebrates motion in every form.

You’ll find a video tour of local parks that make staying active easy, plus a spotlight on some of the region’s best bicycle trails for weekend riders

And if you’d rather move with a purpose, the Fort Smith Animal Haven is calling for “Human Walkers” — volunteers who want to spend an hour giving a shelter dog a happy stroll and a little love.

It’s good for them and for you.

A recent study found that dog walking improves physical activity levels and reduces loneliness — a win-win every time a leash clips on.

❤️ Your Challenge This Week

Pick one way to move:

Walk a park trail.
Hop on a bike.
Lend your steps to a shelter pup.

The benefits go far beyond fitness — they ripple into our mood, our relationships, and our sense of connection.

Movement heals the body, but community keeps it beating strong.

So lace up, grab a friend (or a furry one), and get moving, River Valley. Every step tells your story of health.

Source: Adapted from Febbraio M.A., Nature Reviews Endocrinology, “Health benefits of exercise — more than meets the eye.”