Benefits of Walking - National Walking Day

Yes, that’s a thing, Google Calendar and Google will tell you. The first time I heard of this I thought it was a first world holiday and it is! But as it turns out everyone appreciates a good walk. Walks for me are therapeutic, especially when I am alone and I am intentional about what is blasting in my AirPods or dare I say headphones? How often do you go for walks to be alone in your thoughts? 

Each year on the first Wednesday in April, the world celebrates National Walking Day. The American Heart Association launched National Walking Day in 2007 as part of its efforts to promote healthy living. The significance of National Walking Day is to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and to push for a healthy lifestyle As  the name suggests — a day to commemorate the simplest approach to being the best form of yourself by getting out and walking.

Getting outside is an important element to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Walking is a great way to get outdoors! Especially with the past two years being quarantined and not being able to do simple things like leave our homes. 

Fun Fact: Walking 10,000 steps every day is a great method for improving your overall health and well-being. There is no need for weights. No running. There are no exceptional abilities or talents. Simply get out there and stroll about!

Here are 5 Benefits of walking:

1.Improves Bone Strength

People who walk regularly have increased bone mass. This makes them less likely to suffer fractures and tend to have less arthritis pain

2.Increases Heart Health

Brisk walking was shown to help prevent heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

3.Slows Down Mental Decline

A study of 6,000 women, ages 65 and older, performed by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that age-related memory decline was lower in those who walked more.

4.Helps in Weight Loss

Walking helps burn calories. This in turn helps in weight loss. Thirty minutes of brisk walk a day can help burn about 150 calories a day. The more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you’ll burn.

5. Improves Blood Circulation

Normal circulation promotes all of our biological systems by delivering oxygen throughout the body and helping to eliminate waste. Any amount of walking is the number one recommendation for improving circulation.

If you live next to a mall, do a quick round, if you have a park nearby, take a walk, grab your family member friends and go for a walk. Happy National Walking Day!