“It is often easier to talk properly when you are walking side-by-side with someone, rather than facing them,” she says. “It can take the pressure off feeling as if you’re in the spotlight, which can make it easier to open up.”
Sally tells me my hot lady walks are providing what she calls a ‘pro-social benefit’ because I get to enjoy the structure of a regular get-together without the stress and formality of having to arrange an event (which might necessitate showering, mascara and ironing).
She also points out that a regular walking partnership fosters a strong relationship: ‘meeting the same people on a regular basis means you get to know the minutiae of each other’s lives, and you’ll adopt a kind of social shorthand which allows you to be extra supportive of each other,’ she says.
“Walking with good friends can act as a useful pressure valve too,” she adds. “A good walking/talking relationship can really deepen and consolidate friendships at what may be a complex and sometimes difficult life stage.
“Being able to offload about partners, children or parents in a safe environment where you know you’re not being judged, can provide a feeling of release, which can take some of the sting out of your shared frustrations,” she says.
She’s not wrong. My cardiovascular catch-ups have helped keep me fit and sane through the tumultuous years of midlife as we thrash out our various issues with errant hormones, ageing parents, ageing husbands, the emotional perils of an empty/full/empty/full nest, politics, good books, box sets…
There’s certainly something very special about this ring-fenced chatting time, the bonding and the camaraderie, that elevates hot lady walking way higher in the health and vitality stakes than any ordinary stroll.
Seven ways to max your hot lady walk health benefits
Fitness trainer Sarah Lindsay outlines her top tips:
- Plan your route by time rather than distance or number of steps so you know you have time to squeeze a walk into your schedule – set a destination 20, 30 or 60 minutes away, walk there and come back.
- Walk the greenest route you can find (parkland, woods, fields) to maximise the health benefits of being in contact with nature.
- Settle into a comfortable pace that raises your heart rate without precluding the ability to chat.
- Wear leggings rather than jeans or skirts to avoid thigh chafe.
- Wear comfortable shoes (robust trainers or hiking boots) one size bigger than normal to allow toe room. Wellies don’t provide enough support so avoid unless your walk is very wet and muddy.
- Always take a phone so you can record your steps, call for help if necessary, and be found in an emergency.
- Line up a motivational podcast, an audio book, a canine companion or a good friend to accompany you.
