FAQs
How can I get a NASS t-shirt during my walks?
If you would like a NASS t-shirt, call us on 020 8741 1515 or email fundraising@nass.co.uk to order your t-shirt. Sizes are subject to availability. Please note that we ask for a donation in exchange for a t-shirt, due to limited stock and budget for NASS merchandise.
Do I have to do a certain number of steps every day?
You can do as little or as many steps as you like at any time during May. It’s just about trying your best at being active, whatever that means for you. Whether you walk 50 steps or run 5,000, it all adds up to your collective team step total.
I’m a wheelchair user – can I still join in?
Absolutely! You can convert time spent in your wheelchair, or doing other activities like housework, swimming, cycling or Pilates, into steps too. It can be all converted with our step conversion chart.
Do I have to fundraise to take part in WYASO?
No, there is no obligation to fundraise to take part. This is about coming together, generating momentum and raising awareness above all else. However, we encourage anyone who would like to help raise funds to join Gillian’s NASS Orange Apples Team and share the JustGiving page with your family, friends and followers in support of you, your team, Walk Your AS Off and people living with axial SpA.
I’ve been recently diagnosed with axial SpA. Do you have any advice for walking with axial SpA?
Yes, we’re here to help. Here are our top tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes. Choose shoes with good grips on the soles so you don’t slip. If you’re walking in the countryside, consider investing in some good walking shoes.
- Do a few gentle movements to warm you up before setting off.
Try gently marching on the spot and swinging your arms for one minute to loosen your joints and warm your muscles before heading out.
- Start gently. If you’ve not been very mobile recently, start with a 10-minute walk, and try to add 5 minutes to your walk each day.
- Don’t overdo it. Listen to your body and cut back on your walking if you flare. Don’t worry about how fast and how long you walk – just get out there and enjoy the fresh air! Remember, some days you’ll find it easier than others.
- Get a friend involved. It’s much more fun walking when you can chat. Or think about offering to take a friend or neighbour’s dog for a walk with you. That way you’re combining a good deed with exercise.
- Use an app, your phone or a pedometer to keep track of how far you’ve walked every day. Seeing how many steps you’ve walked each day can really help with your motivation. If you join the challenge with a friend, you can share your steps. Don’t forget to upload your steps onto the WalkAsOne team page!
- Consider trying Nordic Walking. In the UK you can contact Nordic Walking UK and British Nordic Walking. Both have instructors across the UK, and you can join group sessions to learn to walk with poles. Using walking poles can significantly reduce the stress on your joints.
- Think about your route and the time of day you’re walking.
If you can only walk in the evenings, you might want to consider wearing a reflective jacket or walking with a friend.
- Make sure you have enough water and snacks. If you’re walking a longer distance, make sure you have enough provisions with you.
- When you get home, do a few gentle stretches to cool down. Check out our ‘Stretches in the kitchen’ video on our YouTube channel, NASSCentral.
Does NASS organise Walk Your AS Off?
No. Since last year, Walk Your AS Off has been organised by the Spondylitis Association of America. Thank you to Walk As One for all the amazing work they have done since 2015 to mobilise and motivate a global community to raise awareness and address the challenges of those affected by axial Spondyloarthritis and its family of related conditions.
