This May, we are highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of walking for women for National Walking Month.
Research shows that walking can reduce a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, and help women recover after having a baby or experiencing a long illness.
But a new survey commissioned by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, has found that nearly one in three women (29%) say a lack of time prevents them from walking more.
That’s not all. Women are more likely to make multi-purpose walking journeys, such as combining school drop-offs, care responsibilities and errands within a single trip. Women also spend nearly an hour (54 minutes) per day on average more than men on unpaid work including caring for others and volunteering.
We are urging women to #WalkOut – and get outside for a walk each day in May for themselves – and their own enjoyment. No errands, just fresh air and movement.
Living Streets is also organising a mass ‘walk out’ on Friday 29 May to mark National Walking Month – and everyone is welcome to join in.
We’re delighted to have Julia as an ambassador for our campaign:
Julia Bradbury says:
“Walking saved me after a cancer diagnosis. It lifted my spirits and it rebuilt my physical strength as well. It also calmed my broken nervous system. You don’t need kit, you don’t need a gym, you don’t need to be fit. You just need to start. Every day in May I’ll be walking for me. Not to get somewhere or tick something off. Will you join me?”
Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets says:
“We are delighted that Julia Bradbury is joining us as our National Walking Month ambassador. Walking has specific benefits for women, including a sense of safety and solidarity that comes from walking with other women.Our recent poll even showed that over half of women say going for a walk is their favourite way to spend time with a friend, and my local walking group is often described by the women attending as a lifeline.
We’re inviting people of all genders to join a mass ‘walk out’ on Friday 29 May in recognition of the joys of walking and to make walking fairer for everyone.”
Walking is not just beneficial for women – people who regularly walk tend to feel happier, healthier and less anxious. Recent polling conducted by Living Streets shows that 48 per cent of people feel happier after walking, 49 per cent say it has improved their fitness levels, while 59 per cent of people report that walking has boosted their mental health.
During the month of May, Living Streets will also be celebrating Walk to School Week (18-22 May) – a national incentive to encourage more children to walk to school.
Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
This year’s challenge will see pupils take on Mission Move, encouraging them to travel actively to school every day of the week using special classroom packs. On the way, pupils will meet fun and friendly secret agents as they explore the many benefits of walking or wheeling to school.
Last year, over 250,000 pupils and more than 1,000 schools across the UK took part in Walk to School Week, and this year looks to be bigger than ever.
To find out more about National Walking Month, click here. Find out more about Walk to School Week, here.
About Living Streets
We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking and the people behind the UK’s biggest walk to school campaign. We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to enjoy the benefits the simple act of walking brings.