Lunchtime Walks in Pittsburgh
Frick Park
Finding time to exercise during the day can be challenging. However, exercise does not have to be done in a gym! One of the best ways to get your 30 minutes of exercise each day is by simply walking! Walking is a great and easy way to keep your bones and joints healthy.
The best thing about walking? It can happen anytime, anywhere–even during your workday! Stepping away from your desk midday isn’t just a way to break up the day; it’s a chance to recharge your body and mind while also boosting your energy, improving focus, and supporting your overall health.
Below are a few recommendations for places to walk around the ‘Burgh to get you started:
Oakland
Schenley Plaza
Schenley Plaza is located between the Pitt and CMU campuses and features plenty of gardens and greenery. Schenley Park includes a variety of trails for walking, including Panther Hollow Trail, and several water features. If you’d prefer sticking to sidewalks, Oakland boasts plenty of sidewalks for walkability throughout the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University campuses.
2. Shadyside/Point Breeze/Highland Park
Highland Park Reservoir
Frick Park offers hundreds of acres of land and is Pittsburgh’s largest historic regional park. Stop by the Frick Museum and Gardens to walk around the beautiful property. The Highland Park Reservoir has several paths or trails to walk: a flat loop around the reservoir itself, and a longer, hillier route along Reservoir Drive.
3. Downtown Pittsburgh
Point State Park Riverfront
If you work in downtown Pittsburgh, take a walk around the block, or down to Point State Park for some exercise and fresh air. Smaller parks downtown include Mellon Square Park and Gateway Center Park. Follow the Allegheny River along Three Rivers Heritage Trail, or walk along the pedestrian section of the bridges to head towards the North Shore.
Other Easy Steps
Some other easy ideas to consider for a lunchtime walk include walking to pick up your lunch, instead of driving. Walk around your building’s block or neighborhood, or even around a car park to get some additional steps in. You can walk around your office building indoors if the weather isn’t ideal.
Whether you stroll around the block, head to a nearby park, or simply meander around the hallways on a rainy afternoon, making movement part of your lunch routine is a simple habit with powerful benefits.
