How do I get started?
It can be hard to start exercising. Some things may make it even more difficult, such as cost, time, fitness level, fear of getting hurt, a lack of motivation, and not knowing where to start. Don’t let these barriers stop you. There are lots of ways to overcome them and get some exercise.
Start Off Slow
Don’t overdo it! Treat exercise like an appointment and keep it. Keep exercise times short or use lighter weights, then slowly increase. Choose exercises that are low-impact.
Make it Fun
There are lots of local opportunities for free exercise. Find an activity you like and pair up with a buddy, like a friend or a family member.
Find Your Why
Are you trying to lose weight? Have more energy for your kids? Find your own important, personal reasons to be healthy.
Get Creative!
You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (or 30 minutes per day, five days a week). But physical activity doesn’t mean just hitting the gym. This can include taking a walk around the neighborhood, doing chores at home and in the garden, or just dancing around the house.
Find Creative Ways to Exercise at Home
You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (or 30 minutes per day, five days a week). But physical activity doesn’t mean just hitting the gym. This can include taking a walk around the neighborhood, doing chores at home and in the garden, or just dancing around the house. Here are just a few common ways to exercise, without all the weights and treadmills:
- Take a walk around the neighborhood, or at your local park
- Ride a bike
- Go swimming
- Dance
- Play outside with your children
- Mow your lawn
- Vacuum your house
- Yoga
- Go for a hike
- Use resistance bands, light hand weights, or household objects like canned goods
- Do seated exercises
Hit the Trails!
From Fayetteville to Bella Vista, there’s a trail to meet your needs. Our community has come together to connect you to the places you want to go. Northwest Arkansas has more than 484 miles of trail — whether you like to walk, hike, or bike, you won’t be disappointed enjoying your favorite activity AR Way. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly multi-use trail to start with try the Arkansas Greenway.
Benton & Washington County Trails
Razorback Regional Greenway
The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile paved trail that extends all the way from Bentonville to Fayetteville. It’s a great option for biking, walking, running, or skating, and even provides access to some of the best local hotspots in the region.
Crystal Bridges
600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas
Many of us are familiar with the impressive art collection at Crystal Bridges, but the trails and grounds are also a must-see part of the museum experience. On the museum’s grounds, more than five miles of trails wind through 120 acres of native Ozark forest.
Gulley Park
1850 East Township Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas
This 27-acre park includes several natural features such as trees, Niokaska Creek, and open fields. These natural features, along with a paved and lighted 1.5-mile trail, have made this one of Fayetteville’s most utilized parks.
Lake Fayetteville
1153 Lake Fayetteville Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Lake Fayetteville Park sits on the border between Fayetteville and Springdale and offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. There is a nature trail as well as a paved trail around the lake as well as other amenities like disc golf, playgrounds, and a fishing pier!
Devil’s Den State Park
11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork, Arkansas
Nestled in Lee Creek Valley near West Fork, Devil’s Den has something for everyone! The park has plenty of hiking trails that range in difficulty from “easy” to “strenuous,” making it an ideal place for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks.
Carroll County Trails
Berryville Community Center
601 Dr Spurlin Circle, Berryville, Arkansas
The Berryville Community Center has tons of options for getting your physical activity. Indoor facilities include a swimming pool, full gymnasium, racquetball court and a walking track. Outdoors, the Berryville Community Center also features a soccer field, a skate park as well as Mill Creek Wildlife Observation & Walking Trails.
Pension Mountain Trails
County Road 501, Berryville, Arkansas
The Pension Mountain-Johnson Spring Trails, located atop Pension Mountain, are open to hiking and riding. The spring preserve and park was recently developed with a mixed-use trail system for both motorized and non-motorized use. Just minutes from town, the park provides an opportunity for a brief escape to nature.
Lake Leatherwood City Park
1303 County Road 204, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Lake Leatherwood Park encompasses 1610 acres, including an 85-acre spring-fed lake. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. There are over 25 miles of trails with varying terrains which can be used by hikers and bicyclists. Visitors to the park will enjoy wildlife, cool springs, an intermittent creek, historic stone walls and bridges, unusual rock formations and the beauty of nature.
Harmon Park
532 Spring St, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Harmon Park itself features a playground, skatepark and dog park. Harmon Park Loop Trail is an easy 1.4-mile walking and biking loop through the shaded paths of Harmon Park, Spring Garden and towards the historic neighborhood of Upper Spring Street that leads to the Crescent Hotel.
Trigger Gap Swimming Hole
Kings River Outfitters, 8190 Arkansas Highway 221, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Trigger Gap is a treasured swimming hole outside of Eureka Springs. Families love to spend the day on the area’s rocky beach and cooling off in the beautiful Kings River. Follow sings for Kings River Outfitters or Trigger Gap Outfitters. Staff at either can help you find the swimming area as well.
Madison County Trails
Withrow Springs State Park
33424 Arkansas Highway 23 Spur, Huntsville, Arkansas
Withrow Springs State Park is a 786-acre public recreation area located five miles north of Huntsville. Here you can enjoy hiking, swimming, tennis and fishing. The park also offers picnic sites, pavilions and campsites.
Hobbs State Park
20201 Arkansas Highway 12, Rogers, Arkansas
Hobbs is Arkansas’s largest state park and is a great place to enjoy the beautiful Ozark landscape. Settled along the southern shore of Beaver lake, Hobbs State park offers hiking, mountain biking and camping. Programs and workshops are also offered throughout the year.
Mitchusson Park
860 Airport Road, Huntsville, Arkansas
This Huntsville park includes many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from walking trails and playground equipment to ball fields and a disc golf course. The Austin Smith walking trail is a lovely path surrounded by nature and is approximately one-third of a mile of paved walking surface.
Madison County Senior Activity & Wellness Center
903 North College Street, Huntsville, Arkansas
The Madison County Senior Activity & Wellness Center is a community space for seniors that offers a variety of indoor exercise activities, games and classes as well as an outdoor walking track.
Kings River Overlook Trail
Arkansas Highway 23, Huntsville, Arkansas
This is a great family hike short enough for kids but with enough features to keep everyone engaged. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail offers one of the most spectacular views in the state — but be sure to hang on to little ones at the overlook. The area has lots of other trails which feature waterfalls and creeks.
Find Your Next Trail
Northwest Arkansas Trails Map
Explore Northwest Arkansas’s trails with this interactive transportation map, courtesy of the University of Arkansas.
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