UAMS Research Project Encourages Arkansans to ‘Sweat the Stress Away’ | UAMS News
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View Larger ImageMembers of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) medline group pose after being presented with the Barbershop Talk Wellness Challenge trophy. They earned the award due to finishing at the top of the team rankings. Camille Hart, MPH, (far right) Barbershop Talk research program director is shown alongside the team
UAMS Research Project Encourages Arkansans to ‘Sweat the Stress Away’
By Kev’ Moye
Aug. 26, 2026
| Due to the Barbershop Talk “Sweat the Stress Away Wellness Challenge,” several Arkansas barbers, their clientele, and fellow community members are now working out and living a healthier life
Barbershop Talk is a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health study that aims to improve men’s health, including by reducing unhealthy drinking habits. Launched in August 2023, the Barbershop Talk research project has enrolled over 600 participants
“Seeing people who did not work out, suddenly become physically active was gratifying,” said Camille Hart, Barbershop Talk research program director
Tony Porter, Orsenio Hendrix, and Jimmy Nance were among the participants in the 31-day wellness challenge
Porter, who was a member of a UAMS-based team, finished in third place for total steps and second place for total minutes working out. Porter, who aspires to become fit as he gets older, said the challenge was a fun change from the norm
“For the challenge, I just walked and jogged a lot,” he said. “The walking and jogging helped me shed 13 pounds, and that’s very good
“I’m still walking regularly. Plus, I’m now swimming. I’ve really enjoyed going to the pool.”
Nance is owner of The Hairshow Barber and Beauty, one of the study’s community partners in Sherwood. The group competition was fun, he said. Most important, the challenge motivated Nance’s staff and clients to become more health conscious
“Everybody seeing the social media posts of workouts that were taking place, it helped hold people accountable,” he said. “That includes people who I didn’t even expect would participate. Even they took initiative and got involved with the challenge.”
“People have continued to remain active,” Nance said. “They’re now eating better. We’re still holding each other accountable, making sure we’re working out and eating right.”
Hendrix participated in the challenge as part of an Arkadelphia-based team. The group consisted primarily of his co-workers, who he recruited for the competition. His team consisted of mostly middle-aged people who regularly work out. The competition simply added a layer of fun to their health and fitness goals
“We’re always pushing ourselves,” Hendrix said. “The fact that it was other people joining in, along with the competition aspect, inspired us to push even harder and represent for the older men
“I’ve since committed to a routine of at least four days a week of weightlifting and cardio. My friends and I put it together. We’re still recruiting other people to join in with us to get moving and work to improve their health.”
Hart said one of the highlights of the challenge was hosting a couple of group workout sessions — one in Little Rock and the other in Conway. The researchers said they were proud to see how people gravitated toward the challenge and how several of the competitors continue to regularly work out
“The participants enjoyed meeting new people,” Hart said. “The barbers liked how it kept their customers interested and focused on working out.”
“I’ve had people contact me requesting to continue the challenge,” she added. “People enjoyed the daily text messages, the encouraging words, and info about the study — it all motivated them to remain committed.”
