Walk like a...Tuscan

It's no wonder that most Italians are in good shape..they walk A LOT!

People walking in Giardini di Boboli on a spring morning.

In the US - especially in some areas - people tend to drive everywhere.  In Italy, people drive, but in many towns, like Florence and Prato, for example, there are areas where traffic is restricted. The Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is the area where only residents of the city (and police/emergency vehicles, special permit holders, etc) are allowed to drive 24/7.  Other vehicles are prohibited entry, except for certain times of the day/days of the week.  There are some streets which are pedestrian only as well, so people must walk (or ride a bicycle) if they want to get into certain areas of town.

Rainy weather won't stop Tuscans from walking!
Piazza della Repubblica, Florence

Not only are they forced to walk due to the restrictions, they walk for fun too!  La passeggiata is a daily tradition in Italy where people will exit their homes and take a nice stroll around town, stopping to chat with neighbors or for a gelato as they enjoy the evening.

Una passeggiata at Parco delle Cascine in Florence

It's easy to incorporate more walking into your own lifestyle.  If you live in town, try walking to the store when you just need to pick up a couple things.  Take a walk during your lunch break at work. Park further away from the entrance of buildings.  When the weather is nice, take some time and walk around a local park.  Adopt your own passeggiata by taking a nice, leisurely stroll with a friend instead of sitting in a bar or coffee shop.  You can still visit and be getting some exercise!  It's a fun way to get moving!

Simone walking through an olive grove.