Lunchtime walking groups
Following on from the success enjoyed by teams during Smarter Travel for campuses Walktober and Marchathon step challenges, TU Dublin Sustainability wants to encourage and support walking groups all year-round.
- If you already have a walking group and you want support to encourage more people to join, let us know - we are happy to help you promote it.
- If you want to form or join a new walking group, please complete this quick form and we will try match you to others who are also looking to join a walking group.
The health benefits of walking
In Ireland a recent survey showed that more than a third of Irish people said that they never engage in any form of physical exercise. Taking the time out of busy study and work schedules to get involved in sport is a common barrier to people maintaining physically active lifestyles. However, keeping fit and healthy doesn't need to be complicated. Walking daily, as a form of exercise is one of simplest and most effective ways to improve your health. By travelling actively, such as walking to or within campus, people have an opportunity to improve their physical health and sense of well-being. Walking regularly as a form of travel supports many of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
The health benefits of walking include:
- Increased fitness, energy, and alertness levels
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Increased bone density
- Improved sense of well-being
- Opportunity for socialisation and time spent outdoors
Experts recommend us to walk at a brisk pace to enjoy the associated physical health benefits – however far you choose to walk is dependent on your ability and availability, but as a guideline, the recommended 10,000 steps daily is equivalent to approximately eight kilometres.
Walking as an environmental action
By travelling actively, such as walking to or within campus, people are contributing to the reduction of air pollution and the creation of safer and more sustainable cities and communities. As part of our many Smarter Travel for Campuses initiatives we are encouraging students and staff to take action to reduce litter on campus by bringing a litter pick pack with you on your walk. Litter pick packs will be available at the below stations.
- Blanchardstown – Connect Block C Foyer (collected litter can be dropped off at the back yard of Block D)
- Tallaght – Main Building Foyer
- Grangegorman – Rathdown House Foyer
- Bolton Street – Foyer at Bolton Street exit
- Aungier Street – Foyer at Aungier Street exit
Tag @TUDublinsustainability and use the hashtag #TUDublinSustainability.