Walking ‘Rain or Shine!’

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Are you a fair-weather walker or do you love the feeling of splashing through puddles?

Let’s admit it, living in Greater Manchester, we have our fair share of rainy days and it can make it a little harder to get outside. But with walking being one of the very best kinds of daily exercise we can engage in for both our mental and physical health, should we be giving into the sofa as the heavens open? Or should we find a way to brave the elements and get outside?

If it’s just the weather that’s putting you off walking, why not try one of our top 5 tips to help you get out despite the rain and enjoy a daily dose of fresh air and inspiration:

1. Get the Gear

Worried about getting wet? All you really need is the right clothing and you’ll be well protected from the elements. It sounds expensive but with some good shopping about, for less than £50 you can kit yourself out with clothing which will last you for years:

• A waterproof jacket with hood and taped seams;
• A pair of wellington boots, walking boots or synthetic mesh trainers;
• An umbrella (optional).

Just avoid heavy denim or sweatpants as they will soak the water up. A pair of sweat-wicking leggings or joggers (or even shorts!) are best for keeping the rain at bay and are fast drying.

2. Start Small

As humans, we have the amazing way of over-complicating things. Just 15-30 minutes walking a day can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health. Just one mile a day is an additional 2000 steps every day, which adds up to 14000 every week! Start small, work out a short circular route around your local streets or a loop of your closest park and work up from there!

3. Make a Date with a Friend

Research has proven that we are twice as likely to keep to our exercise plans if we arrange to meet up with someone else to do them. And you know what, once you get chatting with a friend in the park, even the worst storm won’t stop you!

4. Create a Routine

Maybe you’re a morning person, perhaps it’s a good way to break up your day or possibly it’s a great way to escape the family for a bit of ‘me’ time before bed. Whichever suits you, make it a part of your daily routine. Add your daily walk to your diary just like you would any other appointment and keep yourself accountable to it for at least a month. Before you know it, your daily walk around the block will become as commonplace as brushing your teeth.

5. Set Yourself a Challenge

Whether you use an app, a fitness tracker, a friend to keep you accountable or just a good old-fashioned notepad and pen, set yourself a goal to achieve with your walking and you’ll be tempted to go outside no matter the weather. Here are some ideas:

1. Walk 2000 purposeful steps outside each day;
2. Walk 1 mile a day;
3. Walk at least 20 minutes every day;
4. Walk a 10 minute loop round the block every morning and the opposite direction every evening.
5. Take a 30 minute family walk every weekday before dinner.

Great for Body and Mind

With the proper clothing and a positive attitude, walking in the rain can actually be a really mindful and enjoyable experience! Plus, it’s a good excuse to reward yourself with a relaxing bath or warming foot soak when you get home!

What about you? Collaborate Out Loud are walking with GM Walks to get Manchester Moving One Mile at a Time. Come and add your voice to the conversation on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #GMDailyMile by telling us your top tips for walking whatever the weather or taking part in our survey.