Why are WALX doing walks with headphones

You may have noticed that we have been experimenting with using headphones on some of our walks. Of course, we appreciate you may just be thinking it’s madness to cut out the noises of nature but there is method in our madness (as there usually is at WALX) We are certainly not just wiggling as we walk or singing the latest tunes and the headphones are not just for music as you will find out below….

For our exercise-based sessions and technique workshops, it really helps if the Instructor can be heard clearly by people even if they are at different distances away due to their own personal pace.

Many walkers have also been delighted that they can hear instructions clearly despite other noises like traffic and others in the group chatting (yes, you know who you are!)

Another factor is to make sure we do not upset other users of green-space too much – especially at places like RSPB Arne or similar where bird watchers do not want to be disturbed by our Instructors telling you to up the pace!

But why the music?

Well, we all know music can be mood lifting and motivating plus some people are more likely to attend exercise with it than without and as we want to get as many people as possible walking … why not?

For those regulars from WALX Dorset who have tried the headphones on the usual total body walking sessions, the key factor they noticed (apart from the fun) was how much harder they worked! Instructors have also been amazed at how Elkins to the beat has improved pole technique and encouraged a faster pace. Walkers have even claimed hills felt easier as they tackled them to a regular beat.

On a wellness note

Part of the pilot we have been trialling all over the UK is the fact that music can enhance sessions for those with memory loss or dementia and Instructors are able to plan music that’s works for all ages to help with this. For those with other conditions like Parkinson’s disease, it can help massively to move to a regular beat or to stimulate movement if the muscles freeze.

At the end of the day, being active can be difficult to stick to so if we can add a bit of oomph, variety and fun to help people keep coming back………that’s our job done!

So the message is simple, we are not as bonkers as it seems and don’t knock it until you have tried it

We look forward to seeing YOU on one of the sessions soon.