Why May is the Perfect Time to Get Moving
Walk Your Way to Better Health: Why May is the Perfect Time to Get Moving
May is National Walking Month, and honestly, there has never been a better time to lace up your trainers and get outside! Whether you are a seasoned walking commuter or someone who has not really thought about it beyond getting from A to B, this month is a brilliant reminder of just how powerful putting one foot in front of the other really is.
It Starts With a Single Step
You have probably heard the 10,000 steps a day target. It is one of the most well-known health benchmarks around, and while it is a great goal to aim for, the good news is that any number of steps above what you are currently doing will make a difference. Research consistently shows that even a modest increase in daily walking has real, measurable benefits for your health. So if 10,000 feels daunting, start where you are and build from there. I recommend a 5000 goal to anyone starting out, and increase by 10% each month until you’re hitting 10,000.
The Physical Benefits Are Hard to Ignore
Walking is a low-impact, free, and accessible form of exercise that supports your cardiovascular health, helps manage weight, strengthens your bones and joints, and reduces your risk of chronic conditions (like type 2 diabetes and heart disease). It improves circulation, boosts your immune system, and can even help with sleep quality. All of that from something your body was quite literally designed to do… I could talk about the benefits of walking all day. Given that’s where we started Isle Health with Walking Wednesday 5 years ago TOO THE WEEK can you believe that?! I clearly love walking and seeing being benefit from it.
The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, and brisk walking absolutely counts. That is around 30 minutes, five days a week. Break it into a 15-minute walk in the morning and another in the evening, and you are already there - but you need to be breathless(ish) for it to could towards your 150mins.
Walking and Your Mental Health
Beyond the physical, walking has a powerful effect on how we feel. Getting outside, moving your body, and changing your environment all contribute to reducing stress hormones, lifting mood, and improving focus. My clients find that a walk is the reset button they need in the middle of a busy or overwhelming day! V helpful when the world seems against you.
There is also something to be said for the social side of walking. Joining a walking group (rip walking Wednesday.. Maybe one day we’ll make a comeback), heading out with a friend, or even just nodding hello to a neighbour on your route can make a real difference to how connected you feel.
Making It a Habit
The key to making a walking stick is making it easy (not to be confused with it’s easy because it’s not. Life is demanding). Build it into your existing routine rather than treating it as an extra task. Walk to the shops instead of driving. Get off the bus a stop early. Take the stairs. Use your lunch break for a quick walk around the block. Small choices add up faster than you might think.
If you want to track your progress, a step counter on your phone or a simple fitness watch can be a great motivator. Seeing your daily total creep up is genuinely satisfying, and it keeps you aware of when you have been a bit more sedentary than usual. We’re also building GEM (app) to literally do this for you so… watch this space and sign up to our waitlist on the Isle Health website under GEM to be the first to learn more!
This May, Make Walking Your Thing
National Walking Month is a nudge, not a pressure.
It is an invitation to explore your local area, breathe in some fresh air, and do something brilliant for your body and mind. You do not need a special kit, a gym membership, or a complicated plan. You just need to start.
So this May, pick a time, step outside, and see where your feet take you. Your future self will thank you for it.
And one to support our small business? Tag us on socials in your walking photos, you, your team, your locations, we want to see it all!
Tag @islehealth and we’ll reshare your post!