Macon-Bibb County Extension wants you to get active and Walk Georgia

Maybe you're not meeting your New Year's resolution to get healthy; just beginning to incorporate more physical activity into your day; or maybe you are active and would love a little competition.

The University of Georgia Extension has a great program that can help motivate and inspire you along the way.

Through Walk Georgia, the Macon-Bibb County Extension office invites you to spend eight weeks increasing your physical activity level in a fun, community-oriented way. The goal is to be active -- whether you're walking, biking or dancing.

Let's face it. Some of us, including myself, are not likely to frequent the gym. However, I have discovered that I like walking and dancing -- much to my teenaged son's chagrin. I also have incorporated a few more ways to get more physical activity, like parking a farther distance from my destination and playing with my active 5-year-old.

I then enter my accomplishments (however small) into Walk Georgia. Walk Georgia is an online program where participants can log physical activity.

Thirty minutes cleaning closets counts, as well as the walk around the pond at Middle Georgia State University. Using a drop-down menu that includes more than 70 physical activity options, participants can record daily movement, set goals and receive incentives.

Walk Georgia is a statewide program, so someone here in Macon-Bibb could challenge her cousin in Swainsboro and her brother in Cuthbert to a Walk Georgia contest. Macon-Bibb County participants also will be in competition with one another. Now through April 4, the Bibb County Extension office will track participants' progress.

A recognition ceremony is scheduled for May. Prizes will be given to the top walkers for groups, individuals and organizations. Create a group through the program, set mutual goals and get moving!

Registration for Walk Georgia is free. Visit www.WalkGeorgia.org to register. Email walkga@uga.edu for more information.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 9:39 PM with the headline "Macon-Bibb County Extension wants you to get active and Walk Georgia ."