By Abby Lecates, Johanna Mercurio, and Maggie Rosenthal
With spring here and the cold weather gone, it is the perfect opportunity to get out and become more active. If you don’t know where to start, walking is great physical activity that doesn’t take much equipment or preparation. We have a few favorite spots around Greensboro to walk. The paved loop at Lion’s Park is a wonderful choice — it is just under a mile and mostly shaded with views of the park and plenty of trees. The walking park on the corner of Powers Street and Centerville Street is another, shorter loop that has benches to rest and a few small hills. Walking up and down Main Street is another great option for where to be active. You are bound to run into someone you know and could even find a walking buddy to keep you accountable! If rain showers or other weather makes it hard to get outside, a backup option would be walking within your home. If you live in an apartment building, you could walk up and down the hallways. For a bonus challenge, walking up and down a flight of stairs provides even more of a workout. There are many health benefits to walking, some of which you may not even know about. Not only is it good exercise for controlling your weight and strengthening your heart, but it also can improve your mood and boost your immune system. Walking can also help lower your blood sugar and reduce joint pain, important benefits for those with diabetes and arthritis. For safety, always be careful walking in areas with cars and make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated on your walks. We hope to see you out walking!
