The Rise of Walking Clubs: A Social and Health Movement

In recent years, walking clubs have gained significant traction as a social and health-oriented activity, particularly following the pandemic. These clubs offer a community-focused approach to fitness, appealing to a diverse demographic seeking both physical activity and social connection.

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The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many individuals to seek outdoor activities due to gym closures, leading to a notable increase in walking. Data from Strava indicated that outdoor walks tripled from 2019 to 2020. By 2022, approximately 155.5 million Americans engaged in running or walking, making it the most popular form of exercise, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

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One prominent example is the City Girls Who Walk, founded in 2022 by Brianna Joye Kohn in New York City. This group quickly expanded from an initial gathering of 250 participants to chapters in about 300 cities. Similarly, the American Volkssport Association (AVA), established over 50 years ago, continues to attract members, particularly seniors, emphasizing the social connections formed through walking.

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Walking clubs not only promote physical health but also foster social interaction. Health experts highlight that walking can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, the social aspect of walking is emphasized by participants who often cite the therapeutic benefits of walking and talking. Deborah Carter, president of the Dallas Trekkers, noted, “A walk goes much easier and faster when you have someone to walk and talk with.”

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Despite the benefits, some experts express concern over the effectiveness of merely counting steps. David Sabgir, a cardiologist and founder of Walk With a Doc, stated, “I sometimes get frustrated with just more and more studies when we're not getting more people actually walking.” This highlights a potential gap between awareness of walking's benefits and actual participation in walking activities.

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Health organizations advocate for walking as a low-impact exercise with numerous benefits. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend brisk walking for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to meet health standards. Additionally, studies have shown that walking as few as 7,000 steps daily can significantly reduce the risk of early death and chronic diseases.

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• “Walking and talking can be really therapeutic, and people don’t even realize it…There’s just something about it that makes sharing and connecting easier—by the end of it, you just feel better,” — Deborah Carter, President of Dallas Trekkers

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• “This isn’t my workout—it’s about the social aspect for me.” — City Girls Who Walk Participant

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• “Honestly, the rapid growth was not surprising, this just showed us just how many people wanted a space like this to connect and feel a sense of community.” — Deysia Chase, Co-founder of Phoenix Babes Who Walk

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As walking clubs continue to grow, they may evolve to incorporate various activities beyond walking, such as fitness classes and social events. The ongoing popularity of walking, coupled with the community aspect, suggests that these clubs will remain a significant part of the fitness landscape in the coming years.

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