National Walking Day

National Walking Day History

National Walking Day seeks to encourage people of all ages to get up and walk, enhancing their overall physical well-being. Spearheaded by the American Heart Association (AHA), its main purpose is to alert the American public about the significant health benefits linked to regular walking, such as reducing the risks of heart disease and obesity, improving mental health, and boosting longevity.

The inaugural celebration was proposed by the AHA in 2007 as part of their initiative to inspire Americans to get and stay physically fit. Since then, it has galvanized thousands to step out of their sedentary lifestyles and into a habit that bolsters heart health with every stride. Throughout the years, corporations, schools, and communities have joined the movement, hosting walks, health fairs, and other wellness-related activities on this day.

One of the most appealing aspects of National Walking Day is its accessibility—it doesn't require any special equipment or costly gym memberships, just a good pair of shoes. This day encourages all to engage in at least 30 minutes of walking, emphasizing the belief that exercise should be integrated seamlessly into everyday life, rather than a separate task. National Walking Day takes place on the first Wednesday of April each year.

Facts about National Walking Day

• The average person walks up to 115,000 miles in their lifetime, which is enough to walk around the earth 4 times.
• According to the 2023 Walk Score ranking, the top 5 walkable cities are:
  1) Cambridge
  2) New York City
  3) San Francisco
  4) Seattle
  5) Portland
  According to Smart Cities Dive, the top 5 walking states in 2022 are:
  1) New York
  2) California
  3) Washington
  4) Minnesota
  5) Connecticut
• According to Mayo Clinic, a short 30-minute walk can help improve cardiovascular fitness, increase energy levels, and strengthen your immune system, and help lose body fat.
• According to arthritis.org, walking often can help stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis. A study of post-menopausal women found that 30 minutes of walking each day reduced their risk of hip fractures by 40%.
• Walking: the most ancient exercise and still the best modern exercise - Carrie Latet

In the News and Trending for National Walking Day

Top things to do for National Walking Day

• Go for a walk! Walking can help improve physical and mental health.
• Encourage your friends and family to join you for a walk. Having a partner can make walks livelier which can help with sticking to a routine.
• Walk on your lunch break. It's good to step away for a bit and enjoy some fresh air. It's also good for mobility if you're sitting most of the day.