Fitness Challenges

Will you accept the Iron Ranger Challenge?

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Think you have what it takes? Fitness challenges are a fun way to test your limits and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. As long as you aren’t afraid of a little friendly competition!

What are fitness challenges?

Fitness challenges are self or group led initiatives designed to increase levels of physical activity, in order to meet a short or long term goal. Challenges can include hiking 5 miles in a park or completing activities along a trail.

Accept Tumacacori's challenge and you can receive an "I Hike for Health" pin!

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In addition to the health benefits gained by exercising in nature, fitness challenges provide opportunities to socialize and create community ties. They can help improve self-esteem and build confidence in physical capabilities and willpower.

Completing some fitness challenges can win you prizes, and sometimes the prize is the fun you had spending time in the park!

TRACK Trail programs get kids excited about the outdoors.

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Who can benefit from fitness challenges in our parks?

People of all ages and abilities can benefit from parks. This is especially true for populations who use parks infrequently including:

• minorities

• low-income populations

• people with disabilities

Other priority populations who can benefit include:

• youths

• seniors

• active military and veterans

The National Park Service has identified fitness challenges as a Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practice. Healthy Parks Healthy People promising practices are science-informed programs and policies in parks that can help people lead happier, healthier, more productive lives.