🌿 Your Weekly Wellness Reset

As life gets busy, stress rises, and schedules tighten, it’s easy to push our well-being to the back burner. This week’s River Valley Vitality focuses on simple, local ways to support both your body and mind — from community yoga and outdoor movement to meaningful support spaces and easy habits you can start right away.

You don’t have to do everything. Just start with one small step.

The Carol Ann Cross Greenway & Boardwalk in Fort Smith has been honored as the 2025 ARPA Hard Surface Trail of the Year by the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.

This recognition highlights Fort Smith’s ongoing dedication to creating accessible and inviting outdoor spaces for the community.

Located at Carol Ann Cross Park, the project features a brand-new concrete trail, an elevated boardwalk, and a scenic river overlook, forming a 1.2-mile continuous walking path that is fully ADA-accessible.

The trail welcomes residents of all ages and abilities, offering a peaceful escape for walking, relaxation, or family outings.

This award not only celebrates exceptional trail design, but also emphasizes Fort Smith’s commitment to public wellness and quality of life throughout the River Valley.

Apex Academy of MMA & Yoga in Fort Smith now offers a welcoming space for anyone wanting to bring more movement and mindfulness into their daily routine.

With class options suited for beginners and experienced yogis alike, Apex is making yoga more accessible.

The Saturday Community Yoga class stands out as a donation-based offering, inviting everyone to participate regardless of financial means, while other weekly classes follow standard rates through drop-in or membership pricing.

Classes cover everything from Gentle & Slow Flow to Strength, Yin, Restorative, and Chair Yoga.

Saturday’s all-levels session begins at 10:00 AM, and private sessions or hot dome yoga are available by appointment.

Apex Academy is located at 808 N. 32nd Street and remains committed to making yoga inclusive and approachable for the Fort Smith community.

Stronghold, a new initiative in the River Valley, aims to provide men with a safe, private space to openly share life’s challenges and support one another.

Created in response to pressures like work, family, and financial stress, Stronghold encourages men to break the silence many feel forced to maintain.

This unique community invites men to gather for honest conversation, reflection, and growth—without judgement, arguments, or outside drama.

Every meeting is completely confidential, emphasizing trust and genuine listening.

It’s not counseling, but rather a dependable place to be heard, find clarity, and realize they’re not alone.

Stronghold is designed as a vital starting point for men seeking guidance or simply needing a supportive ear.

Every man deserves a grounded space when life feels uncertain.

Healthy living doesn’t have to mean making big, overwhelming changes.

Often, it’s the small actions done every day that really add up to better well-being.

This week, try picking just one or two gentle habits—simple steps you know you can stick with.

For example, keep a water bottle close and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Take short movement breaks like a quick walk or stretching for just a few minutes between tasks.

Protect your sleep by powering down screens early one night this week and focusing on true rest.

Carve out a brief moment to decompress—maybe with a couple deep breaths, some journaling, or quiet reflection.

You don’t need perfection. Consistency and momentum matter most for lasting change.

🏋️ The River Valley DIY Fitness Challenge
Simple movement. Real progress.

This week’s challenge:

Choose one of the following and complete it 3–5 times this week:

• 🚶 15-minute brisk walk

• 🧘 10 minutes of gentle stretching

• 🪜 5 rounds of stair climbing

• 🧍 3 sets of 10 squats + 10 wall push-ups

Focus on consistency, not perfection. Even a small effort done regularly strengthens habits, energy, and confidence.

✅ Tip: Schedule your movement like an appointment — future you will thank you.

No equipment. No pressure. Just movement.

💛 Progress, Not Perfection

Wellness isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about making choices that support you where you are right now. Whether that’s stepping onto a trail, rolling out a yoga mat, or simply taking a few quiet breaths, every small action matters.

Move at your pace. Honor your energy. And remember — progress is built one intentional step at a time.

Here’s to a stronger, calmer, more vital River Valley.