GORE-TEX research in England, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands indicates that people are happiest when they walk! Walking is most commonly associated with relaxation. The Dutch walk a lot in relation to the other Europeans!
Happiness is becoming an increasingly important factor and is therefore increasingly subject to research. CELTH investigated in collaboration with the ANWB what moments of happiness are during a day out.
Research shows that almost all Dutch people (84%) frequently go for a walk and more than one in four Dutch people (26%) also indicate that they are happiest when they are walking. Even more than by (intensive) sports in general (10%). A majority (62%) associates walking mainly with relaxation and then happiness (24%). After the company of family and friends, walking is the most cited way to relax.
The 84% of the Dutch who frequently go for a walk are between 20 and 59 years old. Walking is the number 1 national sport and this also puts us at the forefront of the European countries studied. We are closely followed by the Spanish (76%) but also by the English (75%) (think of those very nice pathways) and Italians (59%).
Why do we put on the walking shoes?
Bad weather is often the bummer. If we decide not to stretch our walking legs, it is in 71% of the cases due to the too hot, cold or wet weather. Poor footwear (and as a result too wet feet, too warm or sweaty feet) is a reason for 20% of the respondents to have less pleasure when walking. For the Spanish, bad footwear is again the main downer (58% indicate this).
A popular saying in the world of outdoor life is: “There is no such thing as bad weather, but there is such thing as bad clothing and shoes.” At Antilope Outdoor we are happy to help you find the best equipment for your activity. Whether you run a maximum of 5 kilometers, or want to train for the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. Whether you will remain in the Netherlands or you will climb 6000 meters. We are happy to accept the challenge!
Come by, there is always time for a cup of coffee and who knows, you might walk happier.
The survey was carried out in April 2015 by research firm Research Now on behalf of GORE-TEX®. The survey was conducted online in England, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands among more than 7,000 respondents (of which 1,000 in the Netherlands). The survey is representative of people between 20 and 59 years old.
