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Original poster

What do you think about GP's prescribing you 'a walk'?

199 replies

StrawberryMarble · 22/08/2022 09:11

I just heard this on radio 4, that GP's will be able to prescribe a walk or a bike ride etc. We all know we need to move more & not lead sedentary lives. I don't disagree that we need to get moving & keep our fitness, especially as we get older. But I can see a few people getting upset over this. I think it might be a common prescription with waiting times post covid being so long.

OP posts:
carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:56

BarbaraofSeville · 22/08/2022 12:53

I'm not claiming to be perfect. Just trying to suggest some of the many ways that going out for a walk can be achieved seeing as so many people seem to think it is so hard to manage.

And LOL at the idea that Parkrun is inaccessibly middle class. The ten nearest Parkruns to me look like the list of places to avoid if someone posted 'I'm thinking of moving to West Yorkshire, where should I live'.

I would be interested in you posting that list actually as I am happy to be corrected.

It is proven that good quality publicly accessible green space is more easy to find in areas with higher wealth etc.

In the area I live, Parkrun is in nice parks.

ComtesseDeSpair · 22/08/2022 12:57

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:54

I would never say that, it is offensive to stereotype all people by class in the way you are.

My point was a) Parkrun is more often in nice parks and nice parks are related to socio-economic characteristics of an area and b) running is not just about a pair of trainers.

Show quote history

You made the argument that working class people can’t go to Parkrun because they have nobody to watch their DC and aren’t able to get time off work. If that’s true then they also aren’t going to be able to attend counselling sessions or physiotherapy or anything with a time, travel and childcare commitment.

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 13:00

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 22/08/2022 12:53

*As they say, there is none so blind as they who will not see.

If you are being extremely simplistic, nothing is difficult about going for a walk.

But if you have ever met any humans, you will quickly have learnt that things are not that straightforward.

If it was as simple as you suggest, why are people not already doing it?*

Because in all honesty, people are lazy. They want a quick fix, they don't want to spend the time bettering their health. They don't want to walk instead of using the car or get off the bus earlier. I've met many humans, some incredibly lazy who moan about their health and others who actually do something about it. It is as simple as going for a walk, if you have kids, great take them with you. If you have a job, do it during lunch or before/after work. It's about making time for your health.

I get it, the British are lazy, it is their fault they are sick. They don't graft, it is their fault the economy is struggling.

If only everyone were like the good people.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
maranella · 22/08/2022 13:01

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:42

Look at where Parkruns tend to take place.

Access to safe green spaces is very much linked to socio-economic factors.

'All you need if a pair of running shoes' (which are not that cheap actually)... and a safe area to run in and a partner/someone else to watch the kids and a job that leaves enough time to run and the mental health starting point to do it...

Life is easier if you are well off, in so many ways. You can see it very easily if you open your eyes.

Show quote history

Honestly, the only real barrier that I can see is the availability of Parkrun in your local area, because it doesn't operate everywhere and if you live far from one then fine, it will be inaccessible to you. And anyone who has no childcare is going to struggle to run at all, so it's not Parkrun that's the problem, it's any kind of activity. You can run with a buggy and DC over age of 4 are allowed to accompany adults as long as they can complete the course. And as for 'running shoes', who doesn't have a pair of trainers kicking around at home somewhere?

CanDo92 · 22/08/2022 13:04

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:38

If it was this easy to fix everything, don't you think everything would be fixed already?

You just need to accept not everyone is as perfect as you are @BarbaraofSeville Halo

Show quote history

Which is why it may well be worth having GPs give people some explicit instructions around going for a walk. We all know that there are people who will come up with every scuse they can think of rather than actually do what they need to. If a GP telling them to do whatever it takes to find the time can make a difference then that’s a good thing.

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 13:04

ComtesseDeSpair · 22/08/2022 12:57

You made the argument that working class people can’t go to Parkrun because they have nobody to watch their DC and aren’t able to get time off work. If that’s true then they also aren’t going to be able to attend counselling sessions or physiotherapy or anything with a time, travel and childcare commitment.

Show quote history

No, I made two points there are more Parkruns in areas with more wealth (as more green space in those areas) AND that it takes more than a pair of trainers to go to Parkrun.

I did not use the term 'middle class' or 'working class' in my text.

FlipFlops4Me · 22/08/2022 13:05

I'm a 24/7 carer for my very disabled DH. He does literally need me to be around all the time. If I was prescribed a walk, would someone come in to clear up after him in the loo if he needed to go while I was out? Would they soothe him (to avoid a seizure), cuddle him (to make him feel less ashamed) and scrub my floor?

Nope, didn't think so.......

BarbaraofSeville · 22/08/2022 13:06

I would be interested in you posting that list actually as I am happy to be corrected

<in no particular order>

Middleton, South Leeds
Oakwell Hall, near Batley
Cross Flats Park, Beeston, south Leeds
Armley Park
Bowling and Horton, inner city Bradford
Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury
Woodhouse Moor
Bramley Park
Potternewton Park

All in walking distance of the most deprived areas of Leeds, Bradford and the surrounding areas. Plus it's only 3 miles, you don't need specialist running shoes and you don't even have to run, many people don't.

In fact, the worst thing about Park Run is that it's 9 am on a Saturday morning, but if the time doesn't suit, you can do the course whenever you like. The above places are generally busy enough that people can use them and feel safe, in daylight at least.

CanDo92 · 22/08/2022 13:06

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:42

Look at where Parkruns tend to take place.

Access to safe green spaces is very much linked to socio-economic factors.

'All you need if a pair of running shoes' (which are not that cheap actually)... and a safe area to run in and a partner/someone else to watch the kids and a job that leaves enough time to run and the mental health starting point to do it...

Life is easier if you are well off, in so many ways. You can see it very easily if you open your eyes.

Show quote history

My local one is in Stepney, one of the most deprived areas in the UK.

It’d be laughable how the excuses are being changed when challenged if not for the genuine harm people like you are doing.

Badbadbunny · 22/08/2022 13:06

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:54

I would never say that, it is offensive to stereotype all people by class in the way you are.

My point was a) Parkrun is more often in nice parks and nice parks are related to socio-economic characteristics of an area and b) running is not just about a pair of trainers.

Show quote history

Lots of parks are in "less desirable" areas. Our nearest park run is in a park with the two worst council estates alongside 2 of it's edges. And Parkrun isn't all about running. Lots of people just walk around, so "normal" clothes are fine!

CanDo92 · 22/08/2022 13:07

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 12:46

As they say, there is none so blind as they who will not see.

If you are being extremely simplistic, nothing is difficult about going for a walk.

But if you have ever met any humans, you will quickly have learnt that things are not that straightforward.

If it was as simple as you suggest, why are people not already doing it?

Show quote history

I’d say that in general it’s down to laziness.

ComtesseDeSpair · 22/08/2022 13:07

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 13:04

No, I made two points there are more Parkruns in areas with more wealth (as more green space in those areas) AND that it takes more than a pair of trainers to go to Parkrun.

I did not use the term 'middle class' or 'working class' in my text.

Show quote history

I have no idea where you live, but Parkrun takes place in most of the major London parks, including those like Mile End, Victoria Park, Woolwich Common, Southwark Park and Burgess Park which, if you know anything about the local areas, are not out of reach of people in lower socioeconomic groups and are not strange unfamiliar places where poor people are nervous to go because the middle class people there are intimidating.

No, Parkrun is not a panacea and it isn’t for 100% or people. But all the whataboutery is tedious. “What about people who work 20 hours a day / have no legs / live 9 miles from the nearest park and don’t drive / only own a single pair of trainers between four DC which they have to take it in turns to wear so can’t go out walking as a family”, when these things patently aren’t true for the vast majority of people who could well benefit from lifestyle changes.

Unscented · 22/08/2022 13:08

I haven't read the thread, bit I know when I'm finding life hard, that making myself go for a short walk everyday makes an enormous difference and a day out walking in countryside is truly therapeutic.

Making yourself do it when you're not coping is another thing altogether though.

It makes perfect sense, but I can't see many people who need it "precribing" actually doing it.

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 13:09

And as for 'running shoes', who doesn't have a pair of trainers kicking around at home somewhere?

Genuinely a not insignificant number of people in my home town will not own multiple shoes.

I do not think enough people really have any understanding of how a (not very small) percentage of my neighbours live.

catinboots123 · 22/08/2022 13:09

GPs are an overpaid lazy joke

Yeah I can see you googling my health symptoms

Suzi888 · 22/08/2022 13:10

CatsOperatingInGangs · 22/08/2022 09:21

It’s a great idea. So many people would benefit more from doing some exercise. We are not made to be sedentary.

^ Get down to your local council dog pound or any dog rescue and walk a dog, every day.

Unscented · 22/08/2022 13:10

FWIW my favourite parkrun is an a council estate park. I.e. the bit of green space with swings built when the estate was built.

CanDo92 · 22/08/2022 13:11

ComtesseDeSpair · 22/08/2022 13:07

I have no idea where you live, but Parkrun takes place in most of the major London parks, including those like Mile End, Victoria Park, Woolwich Common, Southwark Park and Burgess Park which, if you know anything about the local areas, are not out of reach of people in lower socioeconomic groups and are not strange unfamiliar places where poor people are nervous to go because the middle class people there are intimidating.

No, Parkrun is not a panacea and it isn’t for 100% or people. But all the whataboutery is tedious. “What about people who work 20 hours a day / have no legs / live 9 miles from the nearest park and don’t drive / only own a single pair of trainers between four DC which they have to take it in turns to wear so can’t go out walking as a family”, when these things patently aren’t true for the vast majority of people who could well benefit from lifestyle changes.

Show quote history

God help anyone trying to better themselves with the PP and others like her putting so much effort into telling them why they can’t.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 22/08/2022 13:11

*I get it, the British are lazy, it is their fault they are sick. They don't graft, it is their fault the economy is struggling.

If only everyone were like the good people.*

I think you've gone off on a bit of a tangent. I am British for one. I also didn't say any of that. But I'm not going to pretend that some people who say they cannot go for a walk aren't lazy, because they are. Some people simply don't want to work to get their health better.

Greebosmum · 22/08/2022 13:13

Is the GP going to precscribe the time as well. I have complex family commitments. I desperately need time for me, but it's not going to happen. I cannot commit to do anything on a regular day or time. I do the best I can, but this last weekend finished me off. Probably why I feel so bitter.

stayinghometoday · 22/08/2022 13:13

Wartywart · 22/08/2022 09:20

Trouble is, a lot of people don't have time for a walk/cycle ride these days. Hence the problems/illnesses they have - it's a vicious circle - need to walk/cycle; no time to do so; become ill because of lack of walks/cycle rides; go to GP; get prescribed walk/cycle ride which are unable to do.

Walking can be done with small children yes, but cycling is more difficult. You'd have to put them in a bike seat, but that only works for one child. Two children and you'd need one of those trailers.

Plenty of people in the Negherlands have two bike seats on their bicycle, one in fromt, one on the back. I don't because I have just one child but I see them lots around here.

Janedoe82 · 22/08/2022 13:13

Haven’t read all the posts but we got a dog last year- it is hard work but she forces my husband and I to get off the sofa and go for a walk every night and explore places at weekends. It has been great. Highly recommend

CanDo92 · 22/08/2022 13:16

Greebosmum · 22/08/2022 13:13

Is the GP going to precscribe the time as well. I have complex family commitments. I desperately need time for me, but it's not going to happen. I cannot commit to do anything on a regular day or time. I do the best I can, but this last weekend finished me off. Probably why I feel so bitter.

So you have no spare time at all, yet do find the time to post on here complaining that you have no time.

How bizarre.

carefullycourageous · 22/08/2022 13:17

ComtesseDeSpair · 22/08/2022 13:07

I have no idea where you live, but Parkrun takes place in most of the major London parks, including those like Mile End, Victoria Park, Woolwich Common, Southwark Park and Burgess Park which, if you know anything about the local areas, are not out of reach of people in lower socioeconomic groups and are not strange unfamiliar places where poor people are nervous to go because the middle class people there are intimidating.

No, Parkrun is not a panacea and it isn’t for 100% or people. But all the whataboutery is tedious. “What about people who work 20 hours a day / have no legs / live 9 miles from the nearest park and don’t drive / only own a single pair of trainers between four DC which they have to take it in turns to wear so can’t go out walking as a family”, when these things patently aren’t true for the vast majority of people who could well benefit from lifestyle changes.

Show quote history

It is about access. 'Access' is affected by all sorts of things, I referenced:


  • facilities

  • equipment

  • time

  • childcare

  • mental health to do it in the first place

It is well known that the richer you are, the more you will have these things in place in your life. This is not controversial or new information.

DeedIDo · 22/08/2022 13:20

Given that I have never yet found a GP who actually understands that some patients exercise, I have my doubts. I have had GPS express surprise that I have either walked or cycled to the surgery, which is about a mile and a half from work.