RISON - For many living in small-town rural Arkansas, finding safe, approachable, and truly welcoming ways to stay physically active can sometimes feel like a steep hill to climb.
That very topic took center stage recently when Lauren Threlkeld of Absolute Health dropped by as a guest on the Free Range Conversations podcast, pulling up a chair alongside cohosts Douglas Boultinghouse, Britt Talent, and Roy Phillips to chat about local wellness, community fellowship, and the joy of simply getting moving.
Threlkeld, a dedicated healthcare provider and avid endurance athlete, brought plenty of encouraging news to the mic— starting with big plans for local healthcare access. While currently practicing inside Rock City Chiropractic on North Drew Street in Star City, she is preparing to expand Absolute Health into Rison before the end of the year. Growing up and now raising her own family right here in town, Threlkeld feels a deep personal connection to the community and wants to bridge the gap in local care by bringing primary care, hormone replacement therapy, functional weight-loss evaluations, and aesthetic services closer to home.
'Small town, rural Arkansas, a lot of times you don't have the opportunity to move your body and feel that you can move your body safely,' Threlkeld shared during the conversation. 'I want to take care of my town. I feel like it's really kind of been on the back burner for healthcare. There's just not enough providers for people here.'
To help folks overcome those hesitation boundaries "whether it's a fear of getting hurt, uncertainty about where to go, or just feeling out of shape," she launched the Saturday Movement Club. Threlkeld deliberately avoided calling it a 'run club' or a 'bike club' because she wanted zero pressure for anyone stepping out.
'I did not want to call it a run club or a ride club or a walk club, because some walk, some run, some jog, some talk crap while walking... you never know what' Threlkeld laughed. 'The sense of community when you get together and move your body, it's contagious and it feels so good. Not only is it good for your psychological health, but your physical health.'
The group gathers every Saturday morning right before 6:00 a.m. at 300 Pine Street located in the former Rison Pharmacy building that was previously Centennial Bank. Threlkeld maps out simple out-and-back routes, ranging from a casual 1-mile loop up to longer distances, allowing participants of any experience level to turn around whenever they feel ready. 'I'm there before six so that you don't feel like you're alone when you arrive,' she assured. 'I'm not asking people to show up, pay a fee, and run six miles. I never want there to be a medical concern because someone felt the need [to overdo it].'
These weekend meetups are also building momentum toward the upcoming Fall into Fitness event set for the morning of Oct. 10 during the annual Rison in the Fall Festival. Online registration officially opens this week at RunSignUp.com. For a $50 registration fee, participants secure a commemorative t-shirt, a swag bag, and entry into the morning activities starting at the Absolute Health Clinic in Rison.
10-Mile Bike Ride: A smooth, low-impact cycling route tailored for all skill levels" perfect for those looking to protect their knees while enjoying a group ride. 'It's a wonderful, just group ride together to celebrate being fit... working on your fitness,' Threlkeld said. 'If you're considering it, it is a great idea to have a bike sitting in the shed" we will help you air the tires!'
5K Run/Walk: Designed to welcome both competitive local runners and casual walkers.
1-Mile Walk & Kids' Event: A fun, family-friendly option aimed at getting youngsters off screens and moving alongside adults. 'I think it's great for the kids to start doing some stuff with adults... you just see so much difference in them and their resilience and willingness to do more than sit,' Threlkeld noted.
The community focus won't end at the finish line. Absolute Health Clinic will also partner with Rison Pharmacy to host interactive fitness and health stations around the festival grounds, offering exercise tips, nutritional guidance, and holistic health information for attendees of all ages.
For anyone sitting on the fence about taking that first step toward a healthier routine, Threlkeld offers simple, compassionate advice: set realistic expectations, find a comfortable conversational pace, and take it one day at a time.
'You have to start somewhere, and a quarter of a mile is more than what you're doing right now,' she emphasized. 'Set expectations for yourself that are not overzealous. Just come in, get some walking in at a conversational pace, because everyone has to start somewhere... Get up and move your body just a little bit, and it will feel so much better.'
The full episode is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and ClevelandCountyHerald.com