Being physically active enhances brain performance and boosts mood and overall well-being. Yet the Crow Wing County Community Health Survey found that 2 out of 3 adults (64.1%) in Crow Wing County are not meeting the recommended moderate or vigorous physical activity recommendation, with lack of time and motivation being the main barriers.

Adding movement doesn’t need to mean you hit the gym every day. Simply going for a walk is an easy way to add physical activity to your day, whether it’s a leisurely Sunday stroll or a walk during your lunch hour. Crow Wing Energized’s grant program supported the city of Brainerd to have walking routes around Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and the Crow Wing County campus and way-finding signs that showcase how far of a walk it is to parks and other local destinations.

Eating and physical activity habits and preferences develop at an early age and tend to carry over into adulthood, either increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases or contributing to good health across the lifespan.

We all need a little motivation to make healthy choices. Finding opportunities to get moving and have fun with your family and friends helps make it easier … and more successful. The American Society of Training and Development has found that when you actually make an appointment to exercise with someone, your chance of success is 95%.

The Brainerd lakes area is home to a number of trails perfect for a walk. Whether you stroll through the Arboretum, walk along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, explore Crow Wing State Park, or venture to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, you’ll find a new trail just waiting for you. Check out local trail maps on the Brainerd Lakes chamber website at https://business.explorebrainerdlakes.com/list/category/trails-959 .

Tips for adding movement

• Set realistic goals for increasing activity,

• find an accountability partner,

• invite a loved one to join you, and

• try something completely different.

Just changing a few things can make a difference. Try these simple moves as a family:

• Movie night workout: https://darebee.com/workouts/movie-night-workout.html .

• Sofa workout: https://darebee.com/workouts/sofa-workout.html .

Crow Wing Energized grants have helped support a number of local efforts to encourage adults to get out and move. Over the past few years, funds were awarded locally to support:

• The city of Pequot Lakes for signs at Sibley Lake Park and Mayo Lake Nature Preserve to make navigating the parks an easier, more pleasant experience.

• Lord of Life Church’s launch of a walking program with pedometers and a Staying Active and Independent for Life program to encourage older adults to exercise regularly.

• Central Lakes College refreshing their indoor walking routes, creating a walking club, and setting a goal for CLC employees to walk over 500 miles in five months.

• Good Samaritan formalizing a walking trail with signage to note segments of distance.

Crow Wing Energized grant applications are available online to support efforts to move our community to a place where the healthy choice is the easy choice. The Healthy Community Grants are made available through Statewide Health Improvement Partnership funding that was awarded to Crow Wing Energized. Download the application files in fillable PDFs, along with a Grant Applications Frequently Asked Questions PDF at http://crowwingenergized.org/grants . Contact Kalsey Stults for more information at Kalsey.Stults@EssentiaHealth.org or 218-828-7343.