How Well Do You Know Your City?

Every city has a story to tell. From Los Angeles to Key Largo, FL, Western Maine, and the other large and small cities. There are plenty of things to learn about a city. But, this message is not solely referring to a city's establishment age or what the settlers did hundreds of years ago.

"How well do you know the city in which you live?"

Basically, have you ever traversed your city on foot, on a bike, or on something else other than public transportation or in a motor vehicle? If you can answer, "yes", then you know that seeing your city or any other city in this manner is better than taking a motorized tour. Wait, I forgot the Segway. The Segway counts as a legitimate guide. So, what do you get when you expend physical energy around your city?

1. You learn about resources that you never knew existed. Resources include buildings, playgrounds, fields, schools, courts, stadiums, water ways, parks, parking lots...someone stop me before I keep on going. All of these resources present ways to receive exercise.

2. You see the true sites, sounds, and behaviors of the city. Bike down a neighborhood street and hear the sound of kids or adults playing basketball. Warning: I cannot guarantee that all language will be rated G. Hear the sound of a stroller as the parent runs behind it. See how dogs interact with one another. Watch someone perform T'ai Chi. These activities are some of the sites, sounds, and behaviors that you will notice. It's...catchy.

3. You learn about the hot hub areas. You know that one park in your area that you thought was very quiet? Yea, right it's quiet. It is a bustling place in the morning, after work, and on the weekend. The warmer weather sure does bring everyone out of the wood-works.

4. You learn about fun, free, and discounted stuff. I remember testing out my current bike a couple of years ago, and riding through an adjacent city that has more hills. I love hills. However, on my way toward the hills, I came across a festival that I had never heard of in the past. At this particular festival were restaurants that showcased their foods, fluffer-nutter (that is, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich). The entertainment on the street included music and roller derby athletes. Very interesting. There might be something around your neighborhood of which you have no idea about its existence. Get on it!

5. You realize that restaurants to which you would travel are closer than the one restaurant to which you currently travel because you did not know about the cool strip of restaurants within walking distance. By the way, walking distance in this case is roughly 2 miles one way, depending on the person. Take note that restaurants change locations or names faster than gyms and churches.

With everything mentioned here, take advantage of the nice weather. Do not get cramped indoors. Love you some vitamin D and get to know your city a little better.

Doesn't every city have those hubway bicycle racks everywhere now?...Except Los Angeles?

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS        TEEM Performance Training         www.teempt.com