One consistent highlight from my semester abroad was a class I took through Florence University of the Arts called Health and Fitness Walks. If you’re worried about how to stay active and keep up intentional movement, here are a few practices this class taught me that I hope helps you too!

A hike on the outskirts of Florence

Health and Fitness Walks at Florence University of the Arts turned everyday movement into an opportunity to explore the city with a local guide. As someone who prioritizes movement in my day, this was something I knew I would want to continue while abroad. This class was awesome because we never walked the same route and the whole time our professor was telling us about all the local history. I was able to go on my own walks to all the different places I’d gone in class that I never would have known about.

Giardino Simone Weil – One of the many gardens my walking professor showed us

What stood out most about this class was how accessible it made movement feel. Staying active abroad didn’t require a gym membership or a rigid routine, just comfortable shoes and maybe a friend! Walking allowed movement to feel natural rather than forced, and it quickly became something to look forward to. Beyond the physical benefits, walking through new neighborhoods, markets, and scenic routes offered space to slow down, reset mentally, and feel grounded in an unfamiliar environment.

Rainy class, walking near Centro Storico

Incorporating intentional walking into everyday life abroad supported both physical and mental well-being. Physically, walking helped maintain endurance and energy levels while adjusting to a new routine. Mentally, it became a way to manage stress and overstimulation that can come with navigating a new culture. Taking time to walk without rushing from place to place, created moments of presence and reflection that felt especially valuable during busy travel weeks.

Class held at Circolo del Tennis Firenze – A tennis club in the heart of Florence

One of the biggest lessons from the Health and Fitness Walks class was that staying active abroad can be simple and sustainable. A few practices that made a difference:
Walk whenever possible instead of relying on public transportation

Turn errands or commutes into opportunities to explore

Use walking as a way to process thoughts or unwind

Choose scenic routes to make movement more enjoyable

Choose to get lost! Whenever I found myself lost is when I really took in my surroundings and would notice things I would have missed otherwise

Cascine Park – the biggest public parks in Florence right on the Arno

By the end of the semester, walking had become more than just a class, it was it’s own experience entirely. Having the chance to see where Florentines spend their time outdoors was incredible. The habit of choosing movement for both physical health and mental clarity carried beyond studying abroad and into everyday life back home. I found myself trying to make my hometown in the States walkable and began searching for new ways to incorporate it into my everyday routine.

Written by: Tatum, Spring 2025 Florence student from Washington State University