LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A fairly new exercise group aimed at helping women form friendships and promoting health and wellness has made its way to Kentucky's largest city.
It’s a trend that started popping up at the beginning of the pandemic in hundreds of U.S. cities, including Louisville, Chicago, Austin and more.
Louisville Girls Who Walk was founded by Kenzi Surkin less than a year ago. The group has a goal of keeping fit with their weekly walks across Louisville, while creating a safe and natural environment to form lifelong friendships. Surkin begins every walk by tying her shoes.
“We usually end up starting about 10 after. I’ve never been a runner.. I don’t want to be a runner — no way,” said Surkin.
Which is exactly why the Louisville resident founded Louisville Girls Who Walk. It’s not just girls; it’s women, their dogs and even Surkin’s husband, Jason Surkin, who serves as Kenzi’s biggest supporter and motivator.
“It’s been really fun to watch on our walks people getting along who maybe would’ve never met each other if they hadn’t come to these walks. It’s a free thing to come do which is super nice,” said Surkin.
The now smiling and laughing founder said a year ago, she too had trouble forming genuine connections with women her age. You mix that with inspiration from Chicago Girls Who Walk, and it all fell into place last April with the first walk. Her former Disney College Program roommate is the founder behind the Chicago group. It's also how she met her husband.
“And I said I’m going home. You can come with me to Louisville or not. He said, I've never been to Louisville before,'” said Surkin.
As for who can walk, Surkin said nobody’s left on the sideline.
“Anywhere from college age to my grandparents' age can walk with us,” said Surkin.
This week the group is in Seneca Park, which is nearly a two-mile walk. They see five to 20 women on average for each walk and even have a group chat to nourish the friendships that start with walking.
“Take a leap you never knew you might make a new best friend—you might not. But you never know unless you try,” said Surkin.
Surkin credits her social media and marketing skills to her current job as assistant director of marketing & communication for residence life at the University of Louisville. She hopes it will inspire women to start a group of their own in other Kentucky cities.
To find out where Louisville Girls Who Walk's next walk will be, you can follow their Instagram or Facebook.