Finding Her Stride: How a Hospital Walking Trail Changed One Employee’s Life

Since 2025, Rebecca Chaffin has been a familiar face at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, moving through several departments before landing—happily—in the Education Department. But it’s what Rebecca does on her lunch break that’s become her real story.

Like many CRMC employees, Rebecca spends part of her midday break walking the hospital’s wellness trail. What started as a simple habit has, in her words, changed her life.

Balancing two young children and a demanding schedule, Rebecca began walking to improve her health. She still remembers how challenging that very first mile felt. Now, she covers two miles at lunch—and at a noticeably faster pace.

“Small, constant changes make a difference,” Rebecca says. Her advice for anyone thinking about starting? “Take advantage of the thing we have at the hospital.”

The impact hasn’t stopped at the trail’s edge. Rebecca has noticed less anxiety, more energy, and more presence with her kids at home—proof that a lunchtime habit can ripple far beyond the workday.

And the science backs her up. Walking:

• Aids digestion, especially after meals
• Reduces anxiety and supports mental health
• Strengthens heart health and helps manage diabetes

If you’re looking for a place to start your own walking journey, check out the Wellness Path at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Thank you to Rebecca Chaffin for generously sharing her story.