Mid-Month Health Tip

As the weather warms and days grow longer, May offers a perfect opportunity to get outside and incorporate more physical activity into your routine. Whether you're walking the dog, chasing your kids around the park, or just trying to add a few more steps to your day, Sangamon County has no shortage of places to move more this month.

Springfield's Washington Park is a popular choice for a scenic stroll, with its paved paths, wide green spaces, and blooming botanical gardens. Just a few miles away, Lincoln Memorial Garden offers a more natural setting with wooded trails along Lake Springfield—great for walking, running, or simply unwinding in nature. For those living outside the city, parks like Pawnee’s Veteran Memorial Park or Rochester Community Park provide well-maintained walking trails and family-friendly recreation areas.

The Springfield Park District also offers a variety of fitness-friendly events in May, including free yoga in the park sessions and community walks. For a structured workout, places like the FitClub and YMCA of Springfield offer outdoor classes and wellness programs that welcome all fitness levels.

Regular physical activity doesn’t just support weight management—it improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and helps manage stress, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. With so many options close to home, getting active in May is not only easy—it’s enjoyable.