Steps to Serenity: How Walking Clubs Are Transforming Lives One Stride at a Time
Janet Rapp, a 71-year-old retiree, greets her day with purpose and energy as she briskly strolls through her local zoo. Along her path, she waves at friends and exchanges warm nods with emus she fondly knows by name. It’s not just a morning routine; it’s a lifestyle that keeps her moving, connected, and vibrant.
“I’m obsessed,” Rapp admits with a laugh. For her, walking alleviates joint pain, energizes her, and even brings a sense of calm. “It’s my perfect way to start the day.”
Rapp isn’t alone. Across the nation, walking clubs like hers are growing in popularity, fueled by the undeniable health benefits of this simple yet profound exercise. Walking is universally accessible, requiring no special equipment or gym membership. Medical experts agree it is a powerful first step toward improved physical and mental health, fitness, and disease prevention.
The Health Boost of Walking
Walking might be the easiest form of exercise, but its benefits run deep. According to Dr. Sarah Eby, a sports medicine physician, the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation of 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity activity per week can dramatically lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, depression, and several types of cancer.
Beyond disease prevention, walking promotes better blood sugar levels, bone health, weight management, and even restful sleep, explains Julie Schmied, a nurse practitioner who leads Norton Healthcare’s free Get Healthy Walking Club. Importantly, walking is also gentle on the joints, making it an ideal exercise for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
James Blankenship, 68, experienced these benefits firsthand. After a heart attack and triple bypass surgery in 2022, he joined a walking club. A year later, his cardiologist gives him glowing health reviews, and Blankenship credits walking for his recovery.
More Than Just Steps
While walking offers extensive benefits, experts stress it’s not a complete exercise plan. Resistance training, which builds muscle strength and endurance, is crucial—particularly for women’s bone health as they age, says Anita Gust, an exercise science instructor.
The much-talked-about goal of 10,000 steps per day isn’t a hard-and-fast rule but rather a suggestion, originating from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign. Many Americans average 3,000 to 4,000 steps daily, and Schmied encourages starting small, with incremental increases. Breaking activity into manageable chunks, such as 10 minutes of brisk walking three times a day, makes the Surgeon General’s 150-minute weekly target achievable.
To keep the routine engaging, walkers can explore varying terrains or pick up the pace. Dr. Eby recommends aiming for a level where you can converse comfortably but not sing—a sweet spot for moderate-intensity exercise.
The Rise of Walking Clubs
The social element of walking has given rise to clubs across the country. In 2022, Brianna Joye Kohn, a New York personal trainer, started City Girls Who Walk with a simple TikTok invitation. To her surprise, 250 women showed up to the first walk. Since then, they’ve met weekly, combining exercise with community, often followed by brunch or coffee.
Meanwhile, Louisville Zoo’s walking club has a long history, starting in 1987 and expanding in partnership with Norton Healthcare in 2004. Now with over 15,000 members, the club transforms the zoo into a serene, animal-filled track before opening hours.
For Tony Weiter, who meets his siblings at the zoo every Friday, the walks are more than just exercise. “It’s cold, but the sun is shining, and you’re surrounded by animals. It’s a great way to connect with nature and family,” said the 63-year-old.
A Step Toward Serenity
Walking is more than movement; it’s a lifestyle choice that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. Whether striding solo through city streets, trekking with friends in a walking club, or ambling alongside zebras in a zoo, each step contributes to better health and deeper connections.
As Rapp and her fellow walkers demonstrate, the path to wellness isn’t about speed or distance—it’s about showing up, moving forward, and enjoying the journey.
