Most meetings could be emails — but the ones that matter could be walks. Research consistently shows that walking boosts creative thinking, and in 2026 more teams are replacing sit-down status updates with walking meetings. Here is how to do them right.
Why walking meetings work
Studies find that creative output rises significantly while walking compared to sitting. Side-by-side movement also makes conversations feel less confrontational, which helps with feedback and brainstorming. Plus you get exercise and daylight instead of fluorescent lights and a stuffy room. Walking meetings are best for creative, one-on-one, or small-group discussions — not for presentations or anything needing a screen.
Plan the route with AI
Ask an AI assistant to plan a loop near your office that takes exactly 30 minutes, is quiet enough for conversation, and avoids busy roads. Save two or three routes for different weather. For remote walking meetings, both people walk their own route while on a phone call — the effect works just as well. Choose a loop, not an out-and-back route: loops remove the awkward decision of when to turn around.
Take notes without stopping
The biggest objection to walking meetings is losing the notes. Solve it with voice: record a voice memo at the end summarizing decisions, or use a notes app with voice-to-text while walking. AI meeting assistants can turn your recorded audio into a clean summary with action items. Dictate a 60-second summary the moment the walk ends — decisions fade fast once you sit back down.
Convince your team
Start with one walking meeting per week and invite one open-minded colleague. Keep it to 30 minutes, choose good weather, and bring the coffee. Once people feel the energy difference, they ask for more. Set simple ground rules: walking pace, no phones except for notes, and reschedule in bad weather. Start with just one partner, not the whole team — a successful habit of two spreads faster than a forced policy for ten.
Your best ideas rarely happen in a conference room. Propose a walking meeting this week, plan a good route, and discover what your brain can do at walking speed.