Harrow Striders

03/06/2026

Stress doesn’t always feel like stress. ✨

It can show up as poor sleep, low energy, or just not feeling like yourself.

Recent guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence points to something simple: regular movement helps your body come out of that constant 'on edge' state. 🚶

Walking gives your body somewhere to put that tension. Breathing steadies, shoulders drop, and your focus starts to come back.

It’s not about pushing harder. It’s about doing something you can return to.

That’s why walking works. 🏅

Over time, those small sessions build better sleep, steadier mood, and a bit more control day to day.

If things feel like they’re building up, this article is worth a read:

https://patient.info/features/mental-health/how-to-deal-with-stress-through-exercise

And if you’re thinking more about your overall health, MyHealth London has a simple blood pressure quiz that’s a good place to start too.

Research shows that exercise can help us cope with stress. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week.

02/06/2026

Not all walking groups are the same. ☀️

Using poles correctly can improve balance, posture and confidence - particularly if you’re recovering from illness, managing a condition, or feeling less steady than you used to.

The big difference is the instruction. Our sessions are led by qualified instructors who understand phased movement and how to adapt safely in your ability. 💜

You don’t have to stop moving because of health concerns. You just need the right support.

Learn more here: https://walx.co.uk/walx/rehabilitation-walking-poles-what-to-look-for

If you’d like to talk it through first, email Sue directly.

📩 [email protected]

01/06/2026

WALX with HarrowStriders is the local group walking in the country parks and nature reserve in the borough of Harrow. Just a couple of spaces left on our free course starting on Sunday 7th June. Message [email protected].

01/06/2026

It often starts with something simple. 👟

That can be more water, a better snack choice, or a bit more colour on the plate!

When small food changes sit alongside regular walking, they become habits, not rules, and that’s where change begins to feel natural.

Read more about healthy eating habits: 🔗 https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating

28/05/2026

When was the last time you really stopped and looked around?

Being active isn’t just about physical health. It’s also about giving your mind space to reset in green spaces. 🌳

Age UK's Act Now Age Better campaign highlights how movement outdoors can support both physical and mental wellbeing - helping reduce stress, improve mood, and build a stronger sense of connection.

With WALX, it’s not about rushing. It’s about moving at your pace, taking in your surroundings, and feeling the benefit in both body and mind. 🧠

You can try it for yourself with a FREE 45-minute introduction session:
👉 https://age-uk.walx.co.uk/

27/05/2026

Thinking about taking that first step for a healthier life? 💚

Come and walk with us in one of our local parks, here, in Harrow. One walk, one small change, and one supportive group alongside you!

Get in touch with Sue: [email protected]

26/05/2026

Stroke Awareness Month is a reminder that some of the biggest health risks aren’t always visible.

Blood pressure is one of them. 🫀

A lot of people joining our walks across North West London are simply looking for something that helps them feel better day to day, without realising the longer-term benefits it can have too.

Walking is a simple place to start. With poles, it can support balance, posture, and confidence, while helping people build movement into their routine. 😊

Over time, regular activity can support heart health and help manage risk factors like blood pressure.

The British Heart Foundation highlight how staying active plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including stroke. And the Stroke Association also emphasise the importance of understanding your risk and taking early action.

Organisations like MyHealth London are helping people understand their risk and take simple steps to manage it.

We see it every week. People start small, build confidence, and begin to feel the difference.

If someone wants to understand their blood pressure and what it means for their health, they can take this short quiz:
🔗 https://www.myhealthlondon.nhs.uk/register/blood-pressure-quiz-cvd/

25/05/2026

Small amounts of regular movement still matter. ✨

For many people, improving health does not begin with extreme fitness goals.

It starts more gradually:

💜 walking a little more each week
💜 building confidence outdoors again
💜 moving after long periods of inactivity
💜 improving balance and mobility
💜 creating routine through regular group walks

That is often why walking groups feel manageable for people returning to exercise or looking for a more sustainable way to stay active.

Local parks, fresh air, movement and conversation can all play a part in supporting long-term wellbeing.

Worth a read 👇

bbc.co.uk/future/article/20260515-why-only-five-minutes-of-exercise-could-help-millions-of-people-live-longer

Small increases in physical activity as part of our daily lives can bring long-term benefits to our health.

22/05/2026

For many walkers, it’s not just the exercise that keeps them coming back.

It’s the trails, the fresh air, and the people you meet along the way.

Our Nordic walking sessions bring together movement, nature and community in a supportive group environment.

Thank you to Trisha for sharing her experience.

https://walx.co.uk/groups/walx-with-harrow-striders/

21/05/2026

Yesterday’s Wednesday walkabout walks took the group through Oxhey Woods. 🌸🌿

The rhododendron trail was in full colour, and with a few steady inclines along the way, there was still plenty of opportunity to get the heart rate up too.

That balance between movement and atmosphere is a big part of these sessions. Walking, chatting, taking in the surroundings, and building fitness without it feeling pressured.

A good morning out in the woods. 💜