Walking has more benefits to your health than you might think. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, get outside more, or even add years to your life, walking is one of the easiest ways to start.
Why walking matters.
Milestones don’t get much bigger than taking our first steps. Yet, as the years go by, it can be easy to fall out of the habit of walking regularly when other commitments and distractions take over.
Maybe you’re working from home and back-to-back meetings make it tricky to leave the house. Or perhaps you find it easier to jump in the car for a quick school run before your commute. If you look out the window and see gloomy weather, it’s all too easy to talk yourself out of going for a walk. Whatever the reason for not walking as much as you’d like, you’re not alone.
Walking for better health.
We have been told by parkrunners the world over how walking at parkrun has improved their health, helped them take their first steps to fitness or manage health conditions, and brought them into contact with some amazing places and people.
There are those who love to walk and talk, whilst others prefer to walk in silence. Some who bring a dog or a buggy, and some who choose to use walking poles, frames or sticks.
This is one of the many reasons why at parkrun we remain committed to supporting those who walk.
Join us to parkwalk at parkrun!
At parkrun, you’re never alone when you walk. Whether you’re new to walking or want a supportive community to help you stay active, parkrun is a fantastic way to meet others and enjoy the outdoors. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about being the last to finish. Every parkrun event includes a volunteer tail walker, so no matter your pace, you won’t ever be left behind.
Many events also feature a parkwalker, a friendly volunteer who is there specifically to support walkers, offering encouragement and a warm welcome. It’s not about speed or competition – parkwalk is about moving at your own pace and celebrating your efforts.
Bring a friend – the more, the merrier!
Walking is more fun when you do it with others, so why not bring a friend or family member along? Walking together makes the experience even more enjoyable and motivates you to keep going. Plus, you can catch up, chat, and make memories while improving your health at the same time.
If you’re already a regular parkrunner, why not invite someone who might have never been to a parkrun to walk with you? Who knows, your enthusiasm might inspire them to make walking part of their weekly routine, too!
Start small, build big.
Walking might feel like a small action, but it’s one that can lead to big changes over time. Each step brings you closer to better health, a stronger community, and maybe even a longer life.
So, grab your trainers, jacket and parkrun barcode, head to your nearest parkrun event, and start your walking journey today – one step at a time.
And remember, if you’re a Vitality member, you can earn 8 activity points for walking or running at parkrun (or 5 points if you volunteer). So, there’s even morereason to pop on your shoes and join your local event.
NHS research shows that the average Brit takes between 3,000 and 4,000 steps a day. While any movement is beneficial, many of us are missing out on a host of health benefits that come with taking just a few more steps each day. In fact, according to Vitality’s Habit Index, getting in 5,000 steps a day, just three times a week, could save the NHS up to £15 billion[1]. Even more impressively, adopting this habit could add three years to women’s life expectancy. Make sure to check out parkwalk and join the growing number of walkers who are improving their health and enjoying the benefits of being active at parkrun. Register and find your local event.
(1) Vitality Habit Index with London School of Economics, 2024.
