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Original poster

To not understand the need for "walks"

409 replies

walkingDisaster22 · 14/04/2022 18:06

Anyone else similar to me and not understand the need for walks or enjoyment in walking.
My in laws are obsessed with walking and think i'm odd (or maybe a sloth!) for not wanting to go out daily walking.
Where is the enjoyment in mud and rain? I would rather chill with a good book. Please tell me I'm not on my own?

OP posts:
Whiskeypowers · 14/04/2022 20:41

At some of the worst times in my life a good walk with my dog and children has been the best tonic for me
I love walking in the rain, the cool spring mornings, autumn when the leaves are falling, along the coast, in the late evening summer fading sun and of course in the snow

My skin is so much better for it and I feel my stree levels reducing as I plod along
The - rare - days I don’t walk for long really negatively impact on me

RufustheFloralmissingreindeer · 14/04/2022 20:41

Me

To not understand the need for "walks"
EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 14/04/2022 20:42

I do it for exercise, it's free and I just stick my earpods on and go

KpopArmy · 14/04/2022 20:42

I’ve found my people! I have to walk to various places (town, school etc) throughout the week, due to no longer driving, and I don’t mind that so much. I’m happy to walk if there is a reason, and I love a fast walk. However, I really don’t enjoy walking for the sake of it. I love a good view, but get bored easily. I start to notice aches and pains, and I simply don’t enjoy it. I wonder if I would enjoy it more if I didn’t do so much walking in the week.

KpopArmy · 14/04/2022 20:45

Just to add, I easily hit my 10,000 steps each day on my essential walks, so I’m definitely getting my exercise.

A580Hojas · 14/04/2022 20:45

Big medal for @MrsPear.

Unless that's a joke post? I can't really tell.

bumblingbovine49 · 14/04/2022 20:49

@Qwill

I love walking, but really only like walking around cities. I love the different architecture and people watching. Nature is nice, but I get a bit bored, so hill walking etc wouldn’t be for me. But I was born and have lived my whole life in cities so might be due to that!!
I posted earlier about the health benefits and that is why I try to walk every day but I don't really love it. I have found over the years that I prefer city/town walking too. So much more of interest to see. Lovely countryside is very nice but I also get a bit bored after a lot of country walking whereas city walks don't seem to have that effect on me, and I am much less likely to get lost in a city.

I was born and brought up in a large city too so maybe there is something in what you say

Fulmine · 14/04/2022 20:52

YANBU. I do it to be healthy, but it's only bearable by listening to talking books, podcasts etc through my phone.

shinynewapple22 · 14/04/2022 20:52

It's an easy form of exercise and in the fresh air.

Foxglovesandlilacs86 · 14/04/2022 20:54

I only go for walks I'd there's food or alcohol at the end of it (preferably both).

ImplementingTheDennisSystem · 14/04/2022 20:56

I'm a walkaholic!
If I wasn't working I'd happily go on 3 walks a day.
I recently had a period between jobs and went on a 2 hour hike every day.
I love moving my body, feeling the sun/wind/rain on my skin, seeing and hearing wildlife, and experiencing the peace and connection to the outdoors.

FannylovesDick · 14/04/2022 20:57

@ProseccoStorm

My DH is always suggesting a walk at the weekend.

Seems pointless to me, I'm happy to walk somewhere, or for a reason (eg, let's walk to see the view from X hill) but just randomly walking as a thing to do, just don't get it.

Same! My husband and in-laws go out for no reason at all.
SquirrelG · 14/04/2022 20:57

As someone who goes out walking at least twice, sometimes three or four times a day, I don't understand people who don't walk. Being out in the fresh air, whatever the weather, is good for the soul, and obviously it is good exercise. I don't understand the need a lot of people have to go to the gym, it's my idea of hell.

SirGawain · 14/04/2022 20:58

If you have to ask the question you’ll never understand the answer!

MyfriendArchie · 14/04/2022 21:00

I absolutely love walking.
I walk my dog, I walk with my friends too. It is such a great (and free) way to get fit, I am toned and fit due to the amount of walking I do. It has helped me with my depression and anxiety and eases my IBS when it’s bad. I even enjoy walking in the Winter and I despise Winter and cold weather.
And walking in the springtime is fabulous. Yesterday, for the first time in my 49 years I saw a Kingfisher, alongside the beautiful stream near my home, I was chuffed to bits and so happy to be amongst nature, it’s so grounding.
How can any of that be pointless?

whynotwhatknot · 14/04/2022 21:02

Im with you op-my dh loves walking i cant keep up and it snot enjoyable

if i go with my sister i have to go slow with the kids wll thats my excuse

we never went for walks as kids probably not a good idea but my mum didnt walk anywhere

NotReallyTheVicar · 14/04/2022 21:05

For nearly a year I have be unable to walk due to an injury (ironically sustained while country walking). I am so glad that I am beginning to recover and resume walking which is my main form of exercise.

wanttomarryamillionaire · 14/04/2022 21:07

Im the same op, I absolutely hate it. Its just boring. I never walk anywhere because it takes twice as long and as for doing it for pleasure, there's absolutely nothing pleasurable about it.

ForeverSingle881 · 14/04/2022 21:09

I don't sleep well unless I've had a good walk that day. I need the exercise. I love it.

whynotwhatknot · 14/04/2022 21:10

actually all of dh family like walking for the sake of it

its tedious when t comes up lets go for a walk i just say no thanks see you later

NK346f2849X127d8bca260 · 14/04/2022 21:12

I walk for pleasure started during lockdown and have continued. I go over the motorway at top of our large estate into miles of open countryside where i regulary spot deer. I go on my own and just enjoy the peace away from everyone, teen dd does join me occassionally but she walks miles ahead with ear pods in!

Ganymedemoon · 14/04/2022 21:14

I love both a good book and a lovely long country walk. What's not to like? Beautiful woodlands, beautiful coastal walks, fell walking. Fresh air and nature. I get some people just don't see the point of walking for the sake of walking, but then just don't do it. I hate running, others love it, I don't do I don't do it, end of.

Fairislefandango · 14/04/2022 21:16

Well obviously there's no 'need' to go for walks (as long as you're getting some other kind of exercise), but getting out in the fresh air is good for you. I love walking, but I live in a spectacularly beautiful rural area.

You've kind of phrased this a bit like an AIBU, so... YABU to say you don't understand the need for walks - there is no need. And YABU for not understanding why people enjoy walks - everyone enjoys different things!

UnsuitableHat · 14/04/2022 21:16

I like walking, and got quite into it during the lockdowns, but I agree with you about mud!

NannyOggsWhiskyStash · 14/04/2022 21:18

I find walking tedious in the extreme, and my knees are always so sore afterwards, far prefer to go on a long cycle, way more fun