Walkin’ In Memphis
Walking in Memphis is more than just a favorite song about our city. It is a great way to slow down and practice mindfulness and contribute to creating positive change and improving the environment. Let’s explore some of the health benefits of walking…in Memphis.
Lower the Impact to Your Joints
Walking is a great alternative to other kinds of high impact cardio. If your joints can’t handle a 5 mile run or you’ve never even run a mile before, walking is a viable option for a way to get your heart rate up without wearing your joints (and yourself) out.
Burn Calories with Ease
Walking can burn an average of 100 calories per mile that you walk. The number depends on your weight, your gait, and your speed and will vary however, incorporating walking to and from lunch or a night out can really add up!
Slow It Down
While walking is a great form of exercise, it also provides an opportunity to internally slow down. Walking, especially without your phone in your hand, playing music or multi-tasking on a call, can be a great time to practice mindfulness and being in the moment.
Ease Digestive Woes
Walking can help you digest better especially when you head out for a stroll. Getting your blood pumping after eating can help your body get other things moving as well. If you’re feeling full after dinner, try taking a walk and see if you feel better.
Boost Your Mood and Your Energy
Sometimes you just need to take a break. Meetings, an ever mounting to-do list, and winter weather can be a strain on anyone’s mood and energy levels. Heading outside into the sunshine can help reinvigorate you. Sunshine promotes the body’s production of Vitamin D, which is not only beneficial for bone health but also mental health. Walking also boosts your energy to help you bounce back from the strain of the day.
No Need to Park
Parking is not always an easy task for an event or when you’re in a rush. If your destination is within walking distance, consider going on foot instead.
Take in Sights
Walking is the best way to take in the sights around you. Driving by a monument or past a mural only gives you a brief opportunity to take in the history or the art. Plan your route through Downtown, local parks, or by historical monuments. Walking can take you through not only the neighborhood but through history as well.
It’s Free
Walking is free! Gas prices can be a major factor in how often people travel; opting to walk instead of drive is not only good for you but also for your wallet.
Environmental Benefit
Choosing to walk when you can benefits your community and your planet. Reducing your trips in your car reduces carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses, and alleviates traffic congestion.
Walking in Memphis is becoming possible for all sections of the city. Walking is something almost everyone is capable of doing. Hopefully some of these benefits will help inspire you to take a stroll the next time you can walk rather than drive.