WALKING CLUBS IN LONDON

There are several walking clubs and groups in London catering to individuals of all ages and fitness levels who enjoy walking and exploring the city's streets, parks, and trails. These clubs often organize group walks, social events, and hiking trips, providing opportunities for members to meet like-minded individuals, discover new routes, and enjoy the benefits of walking together.

Here are a few of the many walking clubs in London:

London Walking and Hiking Group: This Walking group organizes a variety of walks and hikes in and around London, ranging from leisurely strolls in the city to more challenging hikes in the countryside. They welcome walkers of all abilities and experience levels and provide a friendly and inclusive environment for participants to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people.
London Strollers: London Strollers is part of the Ramblers Association and offers short, sociable walks around London for people of all ages. The group organizes regular walks in parks, along riversides, and through urban green spaces, providing opportunities for members to explore the city's hidden gems and enjoy the benefits of walking in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
London Adventure Group: This Walking group focuses on organizing outdoor activities and adventures, including hiking, walking, and exploring nature. They offer a range of walks in and around London, as well as day trips and weekend getaways to nearby countryside and coastal areas. Participants have the opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers, discover new places, and enjoy outdoor experiences together.
Capital Walkers: Capital Walkers is another group affiliated with the Ramblers Association, offering a variety of walks in and around London for people who enjoy walking for leisure, fitness, and exploration. They organize walks of different lengths and difficulty levels, catering to walkers of all abilities, and provide opportunities for socializing and making new friends while enjoying the great outdoors.
London Hiking & Outdoor Group: This Walking group is dedicated to outdoor activities, including hiking, walking, and exploring nature. They organize regular walks in London's parks, along the Thames Path, and in the surrounding countryside, as well as weekend hikes and longer-distance walks further afield. The group welcomes walkers of all ages and fitness levels and provides a supportive and friendly environment for outdoor enthusiasts to connect and explore together.

Here are just a few examples of walking clubs and groups in London, and there are many more out there catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you're looking for leisurely strolls, challenging hikes, or social outings with fellow walkers, there's likely a walking club or group in London that's right for you.

No. of People Participating in Walking as a form of Exercise in THE UK

million

thousand

hundred

Figures from Sport England

WHY IS WALKING SO GOOD FOR YOU?

Walking in London offers numerous benefits for both fitness and enjoyment of scenic views. Going for a London offers the perfect combination of physical activity, scenic views, and cultural exploration, making it an enjoyable and rewarding way to stay fit and explore the city's many attractions. So lace up your walking shoes, hit the streets, and discover the beauty and excitement of London on foot!

Cardiovascular Health: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping and improves cardiovascular health. Regular walking can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall heart function.

Weight Management: Walking is an effective way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. A brisk walk can help you burn calories and boost your metabolism, making it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Strengthens Muscles and Bones: Walking engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, hips, core, and arms. It helps strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and promote better bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and age-related bone loss.

Improves Mood and Mental Health: Walking has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while boosting mood and mental well-being. The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and exposure to nature can have a positive effect on mental health and overall quality of life.

Enhances Respiratory Health: Walking increases lung capacity and improves respiratory function by promoting deeper breathing and oxygen uptake. Regular walking can help improve lung efficiency, increase oxygen delivery to the muscles, and enhance overall respiratory health.

Promotes Better Sleep: Engaging in regular physical activity like walking can help improve sleep quality and duration. Walking in the morning or early evening can help regulate your body's internal clock and promote better sleep patterns.

Enjoyment of Scenic Views: London is home to many iconic landmarks, historic sites, and picturesque parks and gardens. Walking allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and vibrant atmosphere of London's streets and green spaces.

Connects with Nature: Despite being a bustling metropolis, London boasts numerous green spaces and natural areas where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. Walking in parks like Hyde Park, Regent's Park, or Hampstead Heath provides opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature and recharge your batteries.

Cultural Exploration: Walking in London allows you to explore the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural landmarks up close. From historic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to vibrant neighborhoods like Covent Garden and Shoreditch, there's always something new to discover on foot.

WALKING STICKS AND HIKING POLES

Walking sticks are a useful addition to both walking and hiking and can contribute to a more comprehensive workout whilst walking.

Commonly known as "walking sticks" or "hiking poles." They are also sometimes referred to as "trekking poles" or simply "poles." These sticks are typically made of lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber and often feature adjustable lengths and wrist straps for added comfort and stability while walking or hiking. They can be invaluable tools for providing support, balance, and assistance while traversing various terrains, especially on long-distance hikes or challenging trails.

Engagement of Upper Body Muscles: Using walking sticks engages the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper back, providing a more comprehensive workout than walking alone. This can help improve upper body strength and endurance, as well as promote better posture and alignment during exercise.

Increased Calorie Burn: The added resistance of pushing and pulling against the walking sticks can increase the intensity of your workout, leading to a higher calorie burn compared to walking without sticks. This can be particularly advantageous for those looking to maximize the cardiovascular benefits of their exercise routine.

Improved Endurance: Incorporating walking sticks into your exercise regimen can help you go longer distances and tackle more challenging terrain with greater ease. By reducing fatigue and providing support, walking sticks can help improve endurance and stamina during long walks or hikes.

Overall, walking sticks can be valuable tools for enhancing the effectiveness of your exercise routine, improving stability, reducing joint strain, engaging upper body muscles, increasing calorie burn, and boosting endurance. Whether you're walking around your neighborhood or exploring rugged trails in nature, walking sticks can help you get the most out of your workout while minimizing the risk of injury.

Health and nutrition to improve fitness and exercise results

What are the best WALKING apps

Here are some of the best tried and tested mobile phone apps for walking:

MAPMYWALK

1. MapMyWalk - The best overall walking app, with features like GPS tracking, detailed data analysis, and customization options.

PACER

2. Pacer - Excellent for comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including steps, distance, calories, and more.

STEPS

3. StepsApp - Highly rated for its simple and effective step tracking capabilities.

ARGUS

4. Argus - A well-rounded app that combines walking tracking with other health and nutrition features.

FITBIT

5. Fitbit - Provides robust walking and fitness tracking, especially when paired with a Fitbit device, but also works without one.

6. Peloton - Offers guided outdoor walking workouts led by Peloton trainers, in addition to their treadmill and cycling classes.[1]

OTHER WALKING AND FITNESS APPS

Other notable mentions include Runkeeper, Strava, and Walkmeter, which were also highlighted as strong options for walking apps across the search results.[3][4]

The best app for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as whether you want a focus on data tracking, social features, guided workouts, or overall health and fitness integration. Many of these top apps offer both free and premium versions to choose from.[1][2][3][4]

WALKING APP CITATIONS

[1] https://www.livestrong.com/article/13722673-best-walking-app/ [2] https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/walking/free-walking-apps [3] https://www.prevention.com/fitness/g34716585/best-walking-apps/ [4] https://www.reddit.com/r/walking/comments/176o32m/best_walking_app/ [5] https://www.ahume.co.uk/blog/best-walking-apps-for-finding-routes-and-footpaths/

What are good shoes for Walking?

Good walking shoes should provide comfort, support, and durability to ensure a pleasant walking experience.

Comfortable Cushioning: Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole to absorb shock and provide a comfortable feel with each step. A cushioned insole can also enhance comfort, especially for long walks.

Supportive Arch: Opt for shoes with adequate arch support to maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on your feet and ankles. Some shoes offer removable insoles, allowing you to customize the level of arch support.

Stability: Choose shoes with a stable base and firm heel counter to provide support and prevent excessive rolling of the foot. This helps maintain balance and stability, especially on uneven surfaces.

Breathable Materials: Select shoes made from breathable materials, such as mesh or breathable synthetic fabrics, to allow air circulation and keep your feet cool and dry during walks.

Roomy Toe Box: Look for shoes with a spacious toe box that allows your toes to wiggle comfortably without feeling cramped. This helps prevent blisters, corns, and other foot issues caused by tight-fitting shoes.

Durable Outsole: Opt for shoes with a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and grip on various surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and trails. A flexible outsole allows for natural foot movement while walking.

Proper Fit: Ensure that the shoes fit well and provide ample room for your feet to expand slightly as you walk. Try on shoes later in the day when your feet are at their largest, and consider wearing the same socks you plan to wear during walks.

Brand Reputation: Choose reputable brands known for their quality walking shoes, such as New Balance, Brooks, ASICS, Saucony, and Skechers, among others. These brands often offer a wide range of styles and sizes to suit different foot shapes and walking preferences.

Ultimately, the best walking shoes for you will depend on your individual preferences, foot shape, and walking habits. It's essential to try on multiple pairs and walk around in them to ensure the perfect fit and comfort for your walking adventures.

THE BEST WALKING EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

HERE WE HAVE A SELCTION OF SOME VERY GOOD WALKING EQUIPMENT

TUDEQU

Fanny Pack, Dog Walking Bag Bumbag, Waist Bag with Two Invisible Bottle Holder for Hiking Running Cycling Men Women

THEFITLIFE

Carbon Fibre Trekking Poles - Collapsible and Telescopic Walking Poles, Ultra Light, Extendable, Best Walking Sticks for Hiking

POKARLA 40L

POKARLA 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack Walking Rucksack Foldable Camping Sports Outdoor Knapsack

SHOP PRO TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Pro fitness equipment for less to get you training like a pro in London.

FITNESS GEAR FOR LESS

Get the best fitness tools in London for less.

LOW IMPACT PRO TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are three low impact training exercises and regimes that we would recommend for anybody seeking a healthly lifestyle in London.

GET FIT YOUR WAY

WALKING

Going for a walk or even better a brisk walk, in your local London neighbourhood will help you to burn calories, keep fit and also the fresh air will help with a positive mental attitude.

SWIMMING

Swimming in London is a great all round physical activity and will help with stretching, muscle forming and toning of all areas of the body. Swimming is a low impact on the body so is for everybody

CYCLING

Cycling in London is a fantastic low impact way to keep fit and get out and about in London. Aswell as being a good way to help save money and jump on that green bandwagon

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