I’m Worried I’ll Hold Everyone Back – What Really Happens on Your First WALX Walk?

You know, I’ve heard this conversation so many times.

“I’m worried I’ll slow everyone down.”

It’s one of the first things people say to me, and if I’m honest, it’s something I’ve said to myself over the years too.

As we get older, it’s natural to compare ourselves with how we used to be. We don’t feel quite as fit, quite as strong or quite as confident as we once did. But the important thing is that we’re still willing to give it a try—and why wouldn’t we?

The next worry is usually, “They’ll all know each other.”

Well, yes, many of our walkers have become good friends over time, but every single one of them was new once. We are a friendly, welcoming group, and your instructor will make sure you’re introduced to everyone. You won’t be left standing on your own wondering where you fit in.

Then comes the biggest fear of all.

“I’ll embarrass myself because I’m not fit enough and everyone will have to wait for me.”

Please don’t worry.

Our WALX instructors and WALX Masters are trained to make sure everyone gets the most from their walking experience. It isn’t just about fitness; it’s about creating friendships, enjoying the outdoors and building confidence together.

If any of those thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, it’s probably the question we’re asked more than any other.

Why Do People Feel This Way?

We understand why people feel nervous.

Gyms can be intimidating, especially as we get older. We may have lost a little confidence in ourselves or in our body shape. Social media and fitness adverts often show athletic people in perfect condition, and many of us think, “I remember those days!”

For lots of people, it has been years since they last exercised. Sometimes their GP has suggested becoming more active. Others have had a recent health scare or received a diagnosis that has made them think differently about their health.

Quite often people tell me they have arthritis and worry they’ll struggle. My answer is usually the same:

Motion really is like lotion for the joints.

I often think of arthritis as an enemy that wants us to become inactive. It isn’t just a physical condition—it can also affect our confidence and our mindset.

Recently I spoke to a lady who had undergone a double knee replacement. She now enjoys Total Body Walking far more than she ever imagined she would.

Following my own heart surgery, I was determined to get back outdoors walking. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight, but having a goal gave me something positive to focus on.

So, believe me when I say—I completely understand how you might be feeling.

What Actually Happens When You Arrive?

Before your first session, you’ll have had a chat with your instructor and completed a simple Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire online.

You’ll then choose either a Discovery Session or a Power of Poles session.

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by your instructor and introduced to everyone else.

There is absolutely no pressure.

Nobody is judging you.

In fact, most people are probably feeling exactly the same way you are.

I always like to get everyone chatting because it helps everyone relax—including me!

We’ll then size your walking poles correctly, because having the right pole height makes a real difference to your comfort and technique. Our new WALX Fizan poles are designed to help engage the whole body naturally, making walking feel smooth and comfortable.

We then begin with a gentle warm-up, gradually raising the heart rate and loosening the muscles before introducing the basics of Total Body Walking®.

There is absolutely no expectation that you’ll be perfect or walk long distances.

This is simply the beginning of your walking journey.

The Walk Experience

One of the comments I hear most often afterwards is:

“I thought everyone would have to keep stopping because of me.”

Let me reassure you—that simply doesn’t happen.

Our walks are managed around everyone in the group. If someone naturally walks a little quicker, we may ask them to walk ahead before returning to the group, or we might use the opportunity to work on technique.

One of our mantras is simple:

Nobody gets left behind.

Managing the group is our responsibility, not yours.

All of our WALX instructors complete professional training that is quality assured and meets recognised exercise standards.

That’s also why we offer different walks for different abilities.

Our Discovery Sessions are there so we can meet you personally, answer your questions and explain the difference between our Explorer, Fitness and Wellbeing WALX sessions.

What Surprises Most People

People often tell me:

“I thought it would just be walking.”

What they didn’t expect was the conversation, the laughter and the friendships.

People chat about their week, encourage one another and genuinely enjoy spending time together.

On some walks we stop afterwards for a coffee or a soft drink, and that’s often where friendships really begin.

For many people, WALX becomes much more than exercise.

It becomes part of their support network.

One of the nicest things to hear is when people tell me it isn’t just the instructors encouraging them—it’s the other walkers as well.

As they learn the Total Body Walking® technique, they often say they feel lighter on their feet, move more easily and find themselves walking further than they ever expected.

Perhaps most importantly, they go home feeling happier than when they arrived.

The Health Benefits

It’s lovely hearing walkers talk about the changes they’ve noticed.

“I feel more upright.”

“My balance has improved.”

“I’m much more confident going up and down the stairs.”

“My breathing feels easier.”

Those small improvements soon add up.

People establish a weekly routine, enjoy being outdoors and become accountable—not just to themselves, but to the friends they’ve made along the way.

For many people, it’s about rediscovering confidence through movement.

Still Worried You’ll Hold Everyone Back?

Let me reassure you once more.

You won’t.

We’ll guide you through every stage of your WALX experience.

Your instructor is there to support everyone, regardless of ability. We’re not looking for athletes, and you’ll never be left on your own.

Every walk is carefully planned and risk assessed, and all of our instructors are fully qualified in First Aid.

A Free Discovery Session is the perfect place to begin.

You’ll meet us, experience Total Body Walking®, try the poles and have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like.

Most importantly, you’ll discover that we’re all there for exactly the same reason—to become healthier, more active and to build lasting friendships.

If you’d like to experience your first WALX walk for yourself, we’d love to welcome you.

Book your Free Discovery Session today at www.walxwithsouthlincs.co.uk.

You may just discover that it becomes one of the best decisions you’ve made—not simply for your fitness, but for your confidence, wellbeing and the friendships you’ll make along the way.