National Walking Month!

May is #NationalWalkingMonth! Walking is good for our minds and bodies and helps people stay active, connected, and positive. As well as the personal benefits, lockdown highlighted the improvements that can be made to congestion and air quality when we drive less. That is why we should #WalkThisMay.

To take part in National Walking Month, pledge to #WalkThisMay and see how many short journeys you can walk instead of using the car.

With this page, we will share the benefits of walking, as well as some fun challenges and activities to get involved in throughout this month, we cannot wait to see how many steps you do throughout May!

Why You Should Start Walking

• Burn Calories– walking can help your burn calories.
• Strengthen the heart– walking at least 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for coronary heart disease by about 19%.
• Boosts immune function– walking may reduce your risk of developing a cold or flu.
• Improves your mood– walking can help your mental health, it can help to reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood.
• Boost your energy– going for a walk when you are tired may be a more effective energy boost than grabbing a cup of coffee.
• Creative thinking– walking may help clear your head and help you think creatively.

Challenge Yourself And #WalkThisMay

We want to encourage you to make the most of this active month so why not challenge yourself to a personal goal of steps walked in May!

Whether it is a personal challenge or a challenge you take on as a family, use our #WalkThisMay activity sheet to record the steps you and your family complete every day throughout May and get rewarded at the end of the month for your total steps!

You can track your daily steps through a smart fitness watch or even just your smartphone, you should aim to walk 10,000 steps a day, however, we know that is not easy for most people, so set yourself a personal challenge which is achievable for you.

Everyday Active Walking Challenge

To support National Walking Month, Everyday Active has put on a ‘Travel Your Way’ challenge. Throughout May swap your motorised transport for two legs, two wheels or four is you’re a wheelchair user. Log your active travel on Kent’s free Activity Tracker and join them in making healthier choices.

Sign up now and let’s get moving!

We hope you enjoy getting involved and walking this may see how walking can benefit your health and wellbeing, as well as taking part in challenges and walking activities!

If you need some inspiration for some new and exciting walks, you can either download the Kent Connected App and follow one of Explore Kent’s walking routes, or alternatively, you can visit our activity page where you can access all of our walking routes.

How many steps will you do this May?!