Blog. Prep for your step

Getting ready for Walk for Wellbeing this October? Whether you're a seasoned walker or just starting, preparation is key to making the most of this meaningful journey. And there’s a secret weapon to supercharge your experience – music, movement and moments!

Beats for better days

In today's fast-paced world, finding effective ways to boost wellbeing is crucial. Music has long been recognised as a powerful tool, offering significant benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and enhancing cognitive performance.

For those seeking a starting point, Walk for Wellbeing has curated a Spotify playlist designed to immerse participants in tunes that keep their steps in sync while elevating their overall mood and endurance.

Music's relationship with exercise has been long intertwined, 65% of Brits listen to music daily, the benefits of incorporating music into workouts are clear: it can reduce the rate of perceived effort by 12% and improve endurance by 15%.

The tempo, measured in beats per minute (BPM), is crucial in enhancing physical performance, and research suggests that the average person exercises for 19 minutes longer when listening to music as it makes it more enjoyable and therefore more effective. The optimal BPM for exercise is 120, where the rhythm acts as a natural metronome, syncing seamlessly with the body's movements.

Motivational tracks like ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams and ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves are walking favourites from our Spotify playlist.

So, the next time you lace up your trainers, don't forget to turn up the volume and let the 120 BPM move you. Walk for Wellbeing is not just a step towards physical health but a stride towards mindfulness amplified by the rhythm of music.

Take it in your stride

Now in its fifth year, Walk for Wellbeing leverages the power of exercise to transform mental wellbeing and emphasises the importance of taking steps to enhance mental health.

Take it in your stride by practising regular walks leading up to the 20km event, building your stamina and ensuring you're prepped for the big steps. Start with shorter walks and increase your distance each week, ideally aiming to walk at least 3-4 times a week to condition your body.

It may sound obvious but choosing the right footwear is imperative and can significantly enhance your overall performance and experience.  Supportive and flexible shoes specifically designed for walking allow your feet to bend and flex with each step which helps maintain a correct walking technique and prevents injuries. Ensure you break them in during your training to avoid blisters or discomfort on the big day.