BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Department of Health Move Your Way team are partnering to get people moving this spring.

The Move Your Way spring physical activity challenge runs from April 15 to May 15. Everyone age 18 or older can participate in this virtual event.

It is free and registration is required. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “move.”

Once registered, participants will receive a journal and daily log to record their minutes of physical activity. At the end of the challenge, they submit their logged minutes. Registered participants will also receive weekly emails during the challenge with encouragement and physical activity tips.

All participants who submit their totals will receive a thank you gift, and the top achievers for physical activity will receive an additional prize.

Move Your Way is similar to the fall Walktober challenge, which is held annually each fall by SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Department of Health. Whitney Keller-Reetz, SDSU Extension health and community field specialist, said the challenges aim to help people improve their overall health by being more active.

“We are excited to see the different ways South Dakotans get active,” said Keller-Reetz. “We’re hoping that this challenge inspires participants to try a new activity, enjoy the spring weather in a healthy way, and increase their average daily physical activity.”

Keller-Reetz encouraged people to look beyond traditional exercises and consider any type of physical movement. Things like gardening, vacuuming, cleaning, dancing or playing with pets could all be logged.

“It can be anything that gets you moving and active, rather than sedentary activities,” she said. “Anything that builds up your strength, burns calories or increases heart rate.”

For more information, contact Keller-Reetz at 605-882-5140 or email whitney.reetz@sdstate.edu.