Spring in the Mid-South means warmer days and longer evenings, making it the perfect season to move your exercise outdoors. Whether you’re walking, running, playing team sports or simply enjoying the fresh air, spending time outside can make physical activity feel less like a chore and more like something you look forward to.

At Healthier 901, we believe movement should be accessible, sustainable and (most importantly) enjoyable. Research shows that when exercise feels pleasant and convenient, people are far more likely to stick with it over time. Beyond enjoyment, studies on “green exercise”— movement performed in natural environments — suggest that activities like walking, running or cycling in parks and green spaces can boost your mood, reduce stress and support overall well-being.

“Outdoor exercise combines the benefits of physical activity with the mental health advantages of spending time in nature. Even a short walk outside can help reduce stress, improve mood and support cardiovascular health.” – Shailesh Patel, Chief Medical Officer, at Methodist Olive Branch Hospital

Where to move outdoors around the 901

Fortunately for Mid-Southerners, we’re surrounded by parks, trails and green spaces that make outdoor movement easy to explore. From scenic riverfront paths to expansive nature trails, here are several great public spaces where you can get active this spring.

Riverfront & Downtown: Urban scenery meets scenic movement

Memphis’ revitalized riverfront offers some of the city’s most scenic places to walk, run or move outdoors. Tom Lee Park has become a popular destination for walkers and runners thanks to its wide pathways and sweeping river views, while nearby Greenbelt Park provides a quieter riverside escape with flat, unpaved trails. Feeling more adventurous? Big River Crossing lets visitors walk, jog or bike across the Mississippi River along the historic Harahan Bridge.

Activities to try:

• Scenic walking or jogging routes
• Interval walking workouts along the river
• Sunset stretching or yoga sessions

East Memphis & Shelby Farms: Miles of trails and 4,500 acres of open space

Shelby Farms Park spans more than 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the country. With miles of paved and natural trails, lakes and open green space, it offers options for nearly every type of outdoor activity. Nearby, the Shelby Farms Greenline provides a popular paved route connecting Midtown Memphis to the park for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Activities to try:

• Cycling along the Greenline
• Trail running through wooded paths
• Paddleboarding or kayaking followed by an active recovery walk

North Memphis & Cordova: Neighborhood parks for everyday movement

Community parks across North Memphis provide welcoming spaces to gather, play and stay active close to home. Douglass Park offers walking paths, sports fields, an outdoor pool and open areas that can easily double as workout space, while Bert Ferguson Park in Cordova features a peaceful 1.5-mile walking loop surrounded by greenery.

Activities to try:

• Walking loops around park trails
• Bodyweight workouts using benches or open fields
• Casual pickup basketball for cardio

South Memphis: Local green spaces with room to move

South Memphis is home to several parks that make it easy to stay active outdoors. Martin Luther King Jr. Riverside Park, located near McKellar Lake, features walking trails, tennis courts, a public golf course and plenty of open space for activity, plus children’s playgrounds, a marina and fishing pond. Farther south, T.O. Fuller State Park offers wooded trails and a quieter natural setting that feels miles away from the bustle of the city.

Activities to try:

• Walking laps around paved park loops
• Outdoor yoga or stretching
• Family-friendly activities like frisbee or fishing

Millington & Frayser: Nature-focused workouts beyond the city

For those willing to venture just outside Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers hiking trails that wind through forests and along the Mississippi River bluffs. The rolling terrain provides a great option for walkers and hikers looking to add a bit of intensity to their outdoor workouts.

Activities to try:

• Trail hiking with elevation changes
• Nature walks for stress relief
• Weekend outdoor fitness adventures

“Fitness doesn’t require a gym membership. Parks, trails and community spaces provide safe, accessible ways for people of all ages and fitness levels to stay active.” – Shailesh Patel, Chief Medical Officer, at Methodist Olive Branch Hospital

Simple tips for safe outdoor workouts

Before heading outside, keep a few simple safety tips in mind:

• Stay hydrated. Warmer temperatures can increase fluid needs, especially during longer walks or runs.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when exercising during peak sun hours.
• Check weather conditions, particularly during spring when storms can develop quickly.
• Start slowly if you’re new to outdoor exercise, gradually increasing intensity or distance as your body adapts.

Move easier outdoors this spring

Spending time outdoors doesn’t require complicated equipment or intense training plans. Sometimes the most effective workouts are also the simplest: a walk through a nearby park, a bike ride along a local trail or a quiet stretching session under the open sky. The key? Finding activities and environments you genuinely enjoy.

This spring, consider exploring a new park, trying a different trail or inviting a friend along for an outdoor walk. Small steps like these can make physical activity easier to sustain over time. For additional support on your wellness journey, Healthier 901 offers free tools to help you set goals, track progress and build healthy habits that last. Whether you’re logging miles on a trail or soaking up the sun in your neighborhood park, every step forward counts.