The first Wednesday in April marks National Walking Day. If you've been looking for a sign to get up and get active, this is it!
While walking isn't a new form of exercise, it is one of the most gentle for young and old. Plus, it comes with some pretty great health benefits you may not have considered before. Let's discuss some of the surprising health benefits of walking, along with 5 ways you can celebrate National Walking Day and improve your health one step at a time.
10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WALKING
1. According to the CDC, walking is the most popular aerobic activity.
2. Although walking is the most popular aerobic activity, only 50% of Americans exercise regularly.
3. National Today reports that 6,000 steps each day can improve overall health.
4. 2,000 steps is equivalent to one mile.
5. Walking can boost creativity by 60%.
6. The average human walking speed is 3.1 miles per hour.
7. Walkers have a lower risk of injury compared to runners.
8. The CDC reports that walking can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.
9. Racewalking has been an Olympic sport since 1904.
10. Before baseball, competitive walking was America’s favorite spectator sport.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL WALKING DAY
1. WALK FOR 10 MINUTES AT LUNCH
It’s not always easy to fit exercise into your daily routine, especially when you’ve got a busy day planned. If you have a dedicated lunch break, we highly recommend spending 10 minutes taking a brisk walk. After all, just 10 minutes of brisk walking can help burn calories, build stamina, relieve stress, and improve your heart health.
2. TAKE YOUR FURRY FRIEND FOR A STROLL
If anyone loves to walk, it's your dog (or maybe even your cat!). Just like humans, our loveable labs and peppy Pomeranians need exercise too, and walking is an easy way to keep them healthy (not to mention burn off some of that endless energy). PetMD encourages dog parents to try and walk their pups between 30 minutes to two hours each day, which can help promote weight control, joint health, and digestive health. Plus, this way you’ll help your pet get healthier while improving your own health at the same time. It’s a win-win no matter which way you look at it.
3. EXPLORE A NEW LOCAL WALKING PATH OR TRAIL
Going out for a walk is the perfect opportunity to explore new local terrain. Take National Walking Day as an opportunity to express your local area and see what those popular trails near you have to offer. Who knows–maybe your one-time adventure will become part of your new daily or weekly routine!
4. JOIN A WALKING CLUB
Whether the idea of walking alone makes you feel uneasy, or you’d like someone to chat with while you improve your health, we recommend finding a walking partner, or to start or join a local walking club. This can be a great way to meet new people, hold accountability, and make your exercise routine feel more like a social event.
5. INVEST IN A TREADMILL
We get it–it’s not always easy to get out and go for a walk, especially when the rain is falling, the roads are hairy, or the kids need supervision. One way to avoid these common roadblocks is with a home treadmill. This way you can get heart healthy anytime, day or night, without all of the hassle or potential injuries poor weather can bring. Plus, our selection of treadmill mats means you won't have to worry about your floors while you get in your steps.
One of the best things about walking is that there really is no wrong way to do it. Whether you are exploring a new trail, strolling around the neighborhood, or inside on your treadmill, you can reap the benefits walking offers while improving mental health and keeping your muscles moving. All that’s left to figure out is where your next walk will take you.
STEP INTO A HEALTHIER YOU WITH WE SELL MATS™
At We Sell Mats™, we make it simple to find the best exercise mats to create an entire fitness routine you can tackle anytime of day. Brows and shop We Sell Mats™ today to find the best exercise mats for all of your fitness goals. Then head over to the We Sell Mats™ Blog to find more ways to stay moving on national walking Day, and every day of the year.