Empowering Women Through Walking: City Girls Who Walk – SATX
As spring approaches in San Antonio, many residents are opting for outdoor activities over traditional gym workouts. One notable initiative encouraging this trend is City Girls Who Walk – SATX, a women’s walking group founded in 2022 by Andrea Diaz and Victoria Lopez. This group creates a supportive environment for women to engage in light physical activity while enjoying the beauty of their city.
Origins of City Girls Who Walk
This walking group is part of a larger movement that began in New York City when Brianna Joye established it in the same year. The concept was born out of a desire to foster friendships and encourage physical activity among women. The idea has expanded to multiple cities, including Houston, Denver, Washington D.C., and even international locations such as Dublin and Berlin.
Participation and Community Connections
In San Antonio, the walking group typically attracts 20 to 30 participants for its weekly walks. Group leaders are optimistic about increasing the frequency of these gatherings in the near future, allowing more women to join in on the fun.
Health Advantages of Walking
While fitness centers promote intense exercise, walking groups provide an accessible alternative, especially for those with varying fitness levels or physical limitations. Natalie Nyren, director of University Health’s Cardio SALUD program, highlights several health benefits associated with walking:
- Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Decreases the likelihood of dementia and memory loss
- May contribute to a longer lifespan
Nyren recommends aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, noting that those starting at lower step counts should focus on gradually increasing their daily activity. A study found that women aged 40 and older who walked at least 8,000 steps daily had a 51% lower mortality rate compared to those who took fewer than 4,000 steps.
Safety in Numbers
In addition to health benefits, walking with a group enhances safety. Alex Loredo, a walk leader, expressed her initial concerns about walking alone, citing recent crimes along local trails. The group aims to mitigate these worries. Loredo remarked, “That’s why we continue to have the walks, so no one walks alone.”
This supportive structure not only ensures safety but also fosters social interactions. While many participants enjoy chatting during walks, others prefer to focus on their personal pace and space, making the experience adaptable to individual preferences.
Join the Community
Participation in City Girls Who Walk – SATX is open to women of all ages, and they are encouraged to bring children and pets along. The group shares updates on walk schedules and locations through their Facebook and Instagram pages.
As the group continues to grow, it not only promotes physical wellness but also fosters connections among women, making it a vital part of San Antonio’s community landscape this spring.
