Southern Nevada Health District launches smartphone app to encourage locals to exercise

The Southern Nevada Health District has launched a smartphone application that encourages residents to get active.

The Walk Around Nevada application, a free and mobile extension of the Walk Around Nevada effort, lets users virtually explore the state and receive exercise tips, the Southern Nevada Health District said in a news release.

Walk Around Nevada, launched in 2005, encourages people to walk around the state virtually by logging the number of miles they walk every day.

Users can choose routes they want to virtually travel including a 78-mile journey across Lake Mead and a 1,442-mile trip around the state.

They then log real miles they've walked, run or biked, and the map tracks how far they've advanced on the virtual journeys.

"Most adults do not receive the recommended amount of at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity and the new app can be used to track other activities such as biking, sports activities, even yard work — all of which add to participants' progress towards walking around Nevada and increased activity," the news release said.

Participants can also form or join walking groups on the application to log miles together.

The application includes a Hall of Fame, which features prolific users.

Apple users can download the application through the App Store; Android owners can visit Google Play.

Contact Pashtana Usufzy at pusufzy@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4563. Find her on Twitter: @Pashtana_U.