BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 7/31/2026
Hey Aarde,
I’ve seen some Instagram posts about a women’s walking group. Do you know anything about it, and is it only for women? Are there any men’s walking groups?
Signed,
Nonbinary Walker
Hey Nonbinary Walker,
Yes! The women’s groups in Tacoma are the most visible at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t groups for men or members of the LGBTQ+ community, plus anyone I’m missing.
It’s exciting to see a community come together in such an informal but healthy way. That’s the great part about walking; it checks every box: It’s an accessible way for anyone to combine fresh air, social connection, and both mental and physical health. There’s also accountability. It’s much easier to show up when you know people are waiting for you at Jack Hyde Park or a Point Defiance trailhead.
Not everyone feels comfortable in a gym or is willing to play sports that may risk their knee or shoulder joints; some people prefer low-impact movement, and this activity is perfect for that. Sadly, most of us have sedentary careers, sitting at desks or driving cars, so the urge to move is strong. Throughout time, a good long walk has been a sure way to “clear your head.” Something about seeing the seasons change and the life that exists all around us makes us feel less alone. In today’s day and age, we often find ourselves so overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities that it’s not easy to fit in the important act of socializing. So being able to accommodate both exercise and social connection is ideal for a lot of us.
Not only is it a free activity without any membership dues or expensive gear, but many women feel safer walking in groups. The Associated Press reports that 92 percent of women worry about their safety on a walk or run when alone. Another source states that nearly one in two women report having experienced harassment while exercising outdoors at some point, and around one in 10 report unwanted physical contact while running. Those numbers resonate because, sadly, they reflect an experience most women recognize immediately. I didn’t start wearing headphones on solo walks until I adopted my dog. She alerts me to what’s happening around me and gives me a greater sense of security. (All hail the dog.)
Mostly, women have been using social media platforms to create meetup groups, and they are growing due to the low-pressure atmosphere. If you show up with headphones in and walk, you’re welcome. If you want to network for business, vent about the stresses of parenting, or make new friends, you’re welcome. It’s a multifaceted reward system. As much as this is good for the individual, it also benefits the community by increasing neighborhood connections and use of our beautiful parks and trails. Consider the inspiration to volunteer or fundraise for solutions to keep our parks and trails safe and accessible for all that comes out of groups like these!
For onlookers, it creates a sense of safety with “eyes on the street” and is a visible example of inclusion for newcomers or people looking for a sense of community. Not to mention that many local coffee shops or businesses thrive with the support of these groups before or after walks. These are perfect moments for sharing resources, celebrating life milestones, or supporting someone who needs a friend.
While men’s walking groups are less common than women’s, many are built around connection points such as veterans, fathers, men’s mental health, or church groups. Like anyone else, many men benefit from the improved physical and mental health that comes from spending time in community.
Every walking group is created and maintained by individuals, and organizers have the right to establish guidelines that reflect the purpose of their group. For our transgender and nonbinary friends, the best approach is to review a group’s description, reach out to the organizer if you have questions, and choose a group where you feel safe and welcome. Many inclusive groups make this clear with descriptions such as “Women and nonbinary,” “Women, femmes, and nonbinary people,” “Open to all genders,” or “Inclusive walking club.” And if you can’t find a group that feels like the right fit, consider creating one.
We see these walking groups popping up not because people suddenly love walking but because people are hungry for tangible connection. We don’t need grand plans to build stronger communities; sometimes it’s as easy as walking around the block together. To find a local walking group near you, you can search social media or the Meetup app, check in with your local library, gym, running or outdoor store, or explore programs offered through your city’s parks and recreation department. It doesn’t have to be a long road; it just has to be shared to make a difference in your or someone else’s life. Let’s show up for each other!
