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May is more than just the arrival of spring; it is an invitation to get moving and embrace the outdoors.
National Walking Month promotes the physical, mental and environmental benefits of walking and encourages people from all walks of life to discover the many benefits of walking, whether for health, leisure or a greener planet.
Why Walk?
Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your well-being:
- Physical Benefit: A daily walk boosts heart health, strengths muscles and improves stamina.
- Mental Benefit: Walking reduces stress, lifts mood and encourages mindfulness.
- Environmental Benefit: Choosing to walk reduces carbon footprint and helps protect the environment.
Let’s encourage each other to incorporate walking into our daily routines, whether for health, leisure or commuting.
Shahzad’s Walking Journey
Shahzad's journey into walking isn’t just about fitness, it is becoming a path to personal growth. Shahzad is currently preparing for Hajj an Islamic pilgrimage in the month of June this year. Shahzad has been getting out and walking almost 10,000 steps a day in preparation for the trip. He had to start off nice and slow to get his legs and muscles moving but each day he would increase the distance.He found this to be a very useful form of exercise that allows him to keep active and work on his cardio. The after effects of walking meant Shahzad feels great and can take on the world because all the things he would normally worry about are taken over by the exercise.
A Different Perspective: Walking as Daily Routine
For some, walking isn’t just a habit but it’s already an integral part of their day. Like myself I have walked daily for years, whether it is to the local supermarket, tram station or strolls as moments of reflection. Walking is more than just exercise, it’s a lifestyle, whether rain, snow, wind or sun. Walking clears my head, sparks creativity and even serves as a form of meditation.
Walking Through the Lens of Diversity and Inclusion
While walking is universal, there are behaviours and assumptions that can inadvertently exclude others. Here are some key considerations:
- Accessibility Matters
Not all walking routes are accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities. Uneven pavements, lack of ramps, and unsafe crossings can make walking challenging for some.
Approach: Advocate for inclusive urban planning that prioritise wheel chair accessible pavements, ramps, crossings and clear signage.
- Respecting Personal Space
Different cultures and individuals have varying comfort levels when it comes to space. Crowded walkways or walking too close can cause discomfort.
Remedy: Be mindful of spacing and allow others to pass comfortably.
- Encouraging All Abilities
Not everyone can walk at the same pace or in the same way. Criticising someone's pace or posture can discourage participation.
Strategy: Celebrate movement in all forms and encourage walking at one’s own pace.
- Create Inclusive Walking Groups
Some walking events or groups may unintentionally feel exclusive due to language or cultural differences.
Plan: Make walking groups welcoming by using inclusive language, flexible scheduling and diverse representation.
- Safety Considerations
Certain individuals such as women walking alone might face harassment or safety concerns.
Way Forward: Support initiatives like better street lighting, community safety programs and awareness campaigns against harassment.
Ways to Make the Most of May
Whether you are walking for leisure, exercise or commuting, here are some ways you can embrace Walking in May.
- Set a Challenge: Trying walking 10,000 steps a day or explore a new route each week
- Join a Group: Look for local walking clubs or participate in community-led walking events
- Combine Activities: Making walking enjoyable, bringing a friend, taking photos, listening to music and podcasts and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and nature.
Before you start
- Footwear: Any shoes or trainers that are comfortable, provide adequate support and do not cause blisters will do.
- If you're walking to work, you could wear your usual work clothes with a comfy pair of shoes and change shoes when you get into work.
- For long walks, you may want to take some water, healthy snacks, a spare top, sunscreen and a sun hat in a small backpack.
- If you start going for longer walks regularly, you may want to invest in a waterproof jacket and some specialist walking shoes for more challenging routes.
Fun Facts About Walking
Did you know?
- Regular walking can add years to your life.
- Walking just 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- May has been celebrated as Walking Month for years because spring encourages us to enjoy nature after the colder months.
- Walking is great for decompressing and relaxing
Take the First Step
This May, make walking part of your routine, whether it’s a relaxing walk in nature, a brisk power walk or even a walk to the local shop. By walking more you will not only benefit yourself but contribute to a healthier, happier community.
