The Magic of Walking With Friends

Walking—it's one of the first milestones we celebrate as babies. As adults, we often forget how powerful this basic movement can be. Beyond being a mode of transportation, walking offers a wide range of benefits: it boosts cardiovascular health, helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens muscles, keeps joints flexible, improves sleep, and even sharpens cognitive function. For our mental health, walking releases endorphins which are a natural mood-lifter and an effective tool for reducing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Walking can also be deeply social. There's an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Walking with others adds layers of joy, connection, and accountability.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Walking with friends has tested my endurance, uplifted my spirit, and given me some of the best conversations of my life.

Endurance and Motivation: Sandi

Sandi is the definition of athletic motivation. Our adventures are filled with laughs and good talks that distract us on long hikes and the occasional wrong turn. Our longest adventure was an 11-mile, shoe-sucking mud race where we proudly came in dead last—and still had the best time.
Sandi’s exercise tracker showed she walked an impressive 1167 miles which equates to over 2.5 million steps over the past 12 months. Talk about something to aspire to.

Accountability & Braving the Weather: Rachel

Cleveland winters are no joke, but Rachel never lets frigid temps or unpredictable conditions stop her from meeting up with me. We’ve shared countless walks filled with laughter, spirited conversations, and mutual encouragement. Our next goal? Adding culinary destinations to our walking routes—blending movement with meals in the best way possible.

Mental Clarity and Connection: Wendi

Wendi brings calm energy and effortless conversation to every walk. Whether we’re wandering beach paths or strolling through local neighborhoods, she always makes space for reflection and support. She probably doesn’t even realize how many times our walk and talks have helped me process anxious thoughts, boost my mood, and find clarity on days I needed it most.

Walking has the power to transform—not just our health, but our relationships, our moods, and our outlook on life. So if you're looking to go the distance—in any sense of the word—grab a friend and start walking. I bet you will be surprised how far it takes you.

Kelly Rigo is the creative force behind Menopause Evolution.