Physical Activity
Being physically active is vital at every stage of life whether you are preventing disease, promoting health or improving overall well-being.
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), over 71% of Delaware adults are obese and overweight. In addition, Delaware adults reported a number of chronic disease risk factors including high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, and depression. Nearly a quarter of Delaware adults report participation in enough aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise to meet the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
In collaboration with national, state and local agencies, community partners and volunteers throughout the State of Delaware, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension works to offer low-cost physical activity programming to Delawareans statewide.
Taking part in the Walk With Ease and Camine Con Gusto evidence-based fitness program helps reduce your pain and improve your overall health. Created by the experts at the Arthritis Foundation, this introductory-level program provides techniques to begin and maintain a successful walking program. Program topics will include exercising safely and comfortably, improving flexibility and building strength and reducing pain.
The 6-week educational program is available in two formats:
Weekly email series or
45-minute, live weekly group sessions via Zoom
Both formats include:
Walk With Ease/Camine Con Gusto Participant Guidebook
Weekly support via email and/or phone, resources and videos
Self-guided walking sessions (a minimum of three days per week for at least 10-40 minutes per day is recommended)
Certificate of completion
Cost: $20
Registration is required
Financial scholarships are available. Eligibility can be self-selected during the registration process. Please visit the events page for more information.
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Nancy Mears, mears@udel.edu or 302-831-3284.
Walk+Roll Community-Based Physical Activity Clubs
Designed to complement the Walk With Ease/Camine Con Gusto program, Walk+Roll Clubs are community-based physical activity clubs intended to encourage and motivate people to lead physically active lives. Led by trained Walk+Roll Leaders who are CPR-certified, club sessions last about an hour and consist of a warm-up, light stretching, a cardiovascular session and a cool-down. All sites are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Bilingual Spanish leaders are available at some sites.
Cost: Free
Registration is required.
Please visit the events page for more information on this program.
If you have any questions, or need assistance with registration, please contact Nancy Mears, mears@udel.edu or 302-831-3284.
Interested in leading a Walk+Roll Club in your area? Learn how you can become a trained leader!
The physical activity programs are funded in part by: Delaware Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) Grant
Delaware Division of Public Health’s Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) Grant
For More Information
Nancy Mears, MS, CHES, SNS
Extension Agent II- Health and Well-being
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Carvel Research and Education Center
16483 County Seat Highway
Georgetown, DE 19947
302-856-7303
Direct Line: 302-831-3284