Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy. You don’t need special equipment, can do it almost anywhere, and it’s gentle enough for people of all ages and fitness levels. When walking becomes a group activity, the benefits multiply. That’s what the WeTHRIVE!℠ communities of Addyston, Arlington Heights, and Cleves are discovering – why not join them by starting your own neighborhood walking group?
Why Walk Together?
Better health with accountability
Walking can lower blood pressure, keep your heart healthy, support weight management, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. When you walk with others, you’re more likely to stick with it. The accountability of showing up for your group makes it easier to turn walking into a lifelong habit.
Mental health boost
Walking is a natural stress reliever. It can help calm your mind and lift your mood. Add in friendly conversation, laughter, and encouragement from others, and the positive effects multiply. Walking groups create space to connect, share, and recharge.
Stronger communities
A group of people walking in the neighborhood sends a powerful message: this is a safe, welcoming place. Walking groups encourage others to get outside, build community connections, and create a sense of belonging.
Accessibility and inclusion
Unlike many forms of exercise, walking is free and requires no gym membership or special equipment. Groups can be tailored to different paces, abilities, and goals, making it easy for anyone to join in.
WeTHRIVE! walking groups in action
The Village of Addyston, Hamilton County, Ohio
Addyston councilmember and WeTHRIVE! team member Pam Jackson (far left) helped start a weekly walking group in 2023. She says the team thought it would be a good way to get people to come together, get to know each other, promote physical and mental health, and showcase Addyston Community Park.
Residents meet at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays to walk on the park’s 1/4-mile loop trail. They usually try to get in four loops to make a mile-long walk. Pam says there’s also an option for people to continue on the Walk & Roll Addyston routes that go around the community.
Pam enjoys “interacting with residents and letting them know what’s happening in the community while getting some exercise in.” Her advice to other communities? Be flexible and recognize that participants will have different fitness levels. It helps to have a map of the route so everyone knows how long it is and whether there are hills or steps. “Try to include routes for strollers, bikes, and people with disabilities,” Pam advises.
The Village of Arlington Heights, Hamilton County, Ohio
The Arlington Heights WeTHRIVE! team (pictured at the top of this story) started a walking group on a Saturday morning in August. They intended to walk once a month, but after two sessions, they decided to make it every other week.
Destiny Agee is court clerk for the village and a member of the WeTHRIVE! team. She says they started the group to encourage residents to come together and get more involved with the village. “The exercise is a bonus.”
Destiny says it’s rewarding to see people enjoying the company and conversation as they walk. She encourages other communities to start a walking group: “Do it. Whether it’s two or even one person walking with you, it’s beneficial and word will spread.”
The Village of Cleves, Hamilton County, Ohio
The Cleves WeTHRIVE! team started their walking group about a year ago. Team member Dawn Richardson (front in photo) says they meet on Monday evenings at Miami Township West Community Park.
The team sees the walking club as a community gathering – a time to talk and meet new people. Dawn’s advice for other communities is to be flexible. For example, they decided to take a break over the summer when the weather was very hot.
Getting started
Interested in starting a walking group in your WeTHRIVE! community? Here are a few tips:
- Pick a time and place: Choose a safe, accessible spot where people feel comfortable gathering. Parks, school tracks, and neighborhood sidewalks all work well.
- Start small: Even just a few walkers can make a difference. Invite friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
- Set a pace: Agree on a speed and distance that works for most participants. You can always split into smaller groups if needed.
- Keep it consistent: A regular schedule (like every Tuesday evening or Saturday morning) helps people form a habit.
- Spread the word: Post flyers throughout the community and on social media. Ask your city or village administrator to publicize the group in the community newsletter and on their website.