No matter your age, everyone can benefit from physical activity. Physical activity is a cornerstone for wellness. It significantly improves brain health, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions. And one of the easiest and most convenient ways to move more is to walk.

You can walk almost anywhere, anytime, requiring no special equipment. Walking is a great exercise, especially for those with mobility issues, because it is a low-impact activity. Low-impact activities are good for bones and joints as they put less stress on the body while strengthening muscles and reducing the risk of injury.

University of Illinois Extension will offer a walking club, Heart and Sole, and the first 4-week session, Mover More For Better Health, will begin in May. You can register for one class or all four sessions. Each 30-minute class will occur at one of our partnering agency's locations listed below and begin at 10 a.m. Various topics will be covered during the walk each week, including the benefits of physical activity, finding your why, making and tracking goals, preventing age-related muscle loss, and the health benefits of connecting with others. The class will walk for at least 20 minutes during each session.

• Wednesday, May 8, Benefits of Walking, Krape Park concession area, 1799 Park Blvd, Freeport, IL.
• Tuesday, May 14, Finding Your Why and Reaching Your Goals, Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas St, Freeport, IL.
• Wednesday, May 22, Preventing Age-related Muscle Loss, Krape Park concession area, 1799 Park Blvd, Freeport, IL.
• Wednesday, May 29, Health Benefits of Friendships, YMCA, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL.

You can register for this program by calling the Extension office at (815) 235-4125 or visit us online at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/heart-and-sole-walking-club-move-more-for-better-health-stephenson. There is no fee to attend; however, preregistration is requested.