wellness
How to start a walking group in your neighbourhood
Delhi residents are turning local streets and parks into regular routes for group walks that build fitness and neighbourhood ties.
How we reported this
Delhi neighbourhoods saw a surge in resident-led walking groups this July, with new circles forming around established morning routes in South Delhi.
The push comes as more people seek low-cost ways to stay active during humid months, when indoor gym costs climb and clean eating habits alone do not offset long sitting hours at desks.
Routes that already draw crowds
Walkers in Jor Bagh and Chanakyapuri often begin at Lodi Garden gates at 6:15 a.m., circling the tombs before the heat builds. A second cluster meets near Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri, where paths link to the nearby Kamal Ataturk Marg for longer loops. These spots sit close to AIIMS, letting hospital staff join before shifts.
Indian Council of Medical Research data from 2024 showed urban adults who walked in groups four times a week cut their average daily sitting time by 42 minutes. Groups that started after the 2025 winter running season reported average sizes of 12 to 18 people within the first month, with no membership fees required.
Steps to launch one nearby
Pick a flat 3-kilometre loop along quiet streets such as those bordering Defence Colony market or the outer paths of Lodi Garden. Set a fixed time, usually 6 a.m. or 6:30 a.m., and post the details in a local resident WhatsApp group or on the notice board at the park entrance. Begin with two or three friends, then let numbers grow by word of mouth. Track attendance on a simple phone note so the same route stays consistent week to week.
After the first week, add a short water stop at a nearby kiosk and keep the pace conversational. Within four weeks most groups settle into a steady rhythm that fits around work and family schedules without extra cost.