Envision Wellness: Fun Ways to Increase Physical Activity Over the Summer

By: Lexy Kimber, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dietetic Intern

Reviewed by: Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC and Carrie Snyder MPH, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES

With summer coming to a peak, it is a great time to get outside and move. There are a lot of fun ways to increase movement outside. Below are some activities with their health benefits and places in or near Kirksville, MO where you can try them out!

Biking – A scenic bike ride is great way to work on core and leg strength along with heart health. Places to try:
- Thousand Hills Trails – the loop has a paved biking lane with many trails that can be biked or walked
- FLATS – Forest Lake Area Trail System
- Biking downtown or on bike friendly roads. A map for Kirkville’s mobility plan below outlines some of the roads and trails within Kirksville City Limits.
Hiking – Enjoying nature on a hike is a great way to increase physical activity while working on your heart, bone, muscle, and joint health. Places to try:
- Thousand Hills has many trails for various fitness levels.
Walking – Walking is a wonderful way to work on heart and joint health. Kirksville has some nice, paved trails and sidewalks in various areas of town. Many of the parks and paved trails are included below to try:
- Parks:
  - Veterans Memorial Plaza/Rotary Park – has paved trails throughout the memorial and rotary park with benches and restrooms available
  - Brashear Park – has a paved walking trail with a gazebo, benches, and restrooms
  - Jaycee Park – has a concrete sidewalk in front of the park and to the restrooms, wading pool, and playground area
  - Memorial Park – has concrete sidewalks around the park and to the restrooms with benches throughout the park
  - North Park – paved sidewalks around the park that are a great place to walk with a spacious parking lot, benches and picnic tables throughout, and concessions during games
  - Detweiler Park – has concrete walkways that lead to a gazebo with benches available. Restrooms are also available
  - Kiwanis Inclusive Playground
  - Thousand Hills Loop has a paved walking and bike lane
  - Kirksville Schools – paved walking trail around schools and Spainhower Field has a paved track open to public outside of school hours and when the school team is not in practice (proper footwear/tennis shoes must be worn)
  - Truman State University – paved track is open to the public during hours the school team is not in practice, but proper footwear (tennis shoes) must be worn
  - FLATS
Canoeing or Kayaking – Canoeing and Kayaking are both great ways to work on upper body strength and balance. Two places to try:
- Thousand Hills allows individuals to rent kayaks or canoes at the Marina. Check pricing at the Marina Website. Personal kayaks and canoes can also be used in Forest Lake
- Hazel Creek Lake – Personal kayaks and canoes can be used here
Swimming – Swimming is a great way to exercise as the water provides resistance while being friendly on our joints. Treading water, swimming laps, or doing a water aerobics class are all great ways to get some exercise and cool off in the warm weather. Some places to try:
- Kirksville Aquatic Center – the indoor pool is open all year round and the outdoor pool is open during the summer
- Thousand Hills Swimming Area – closed for the 2025 season, but will be open during the summer every year in the future
- Jaycee Park has a wading pool that opens in the summer
- PC Mills Park has a wading pool that opens in the summer
Disc Golf course – Playing disc golf is a great way to get extra steps in, enjoy the sunshine, and work on arm strength. Rotary Park has a 9-hole course with patriot targets and dogs are allowed with restrooms available.
Yoga – Doing yoga inside or outside is a great way to work on mobility, balance, and strength. Starting with simple poses and working to more advanced poses can be very beneficial for your bones, muscles, joints, heart, and mental health. Yoga could be done at any park in town or at yoga studios/gyms. Studios/Gyms to try:
- Mystic Meadows Yoga
- You, Yourself, and Yoga
- Warehouse 660
- Anytime Fitness
- YMCA
Gardening/Landscaping – Planting flowers, trees, or fruits and vegetables is a great way to get some activity in during the summer while also creating a beautiful landscape. Push mowing grass or weed eating can also be a great way to get extra steps in for the week.
Tennis/Pickleball – Tennis and pickleball are both wonderful ways to work on coordination and heart health. Some places to try:
- Kirksville High School after school hours and when school teams are not in practice. School hours are 7:30am-3:00pm
- Truman State University campus during hours the school teams are not in practice
- Patryla Park has a tennis court that can be used for either tennis or pickleball
- YMCA – has specific days for indoor pickleball but does not have a tennis court
Basketball – Basketball is a fun way to work on your heart, muscle, and joint health. Basketball courts to try:
- Memorial Park
- PC Mills Park
- Brashear Park