National Walking Month is in May, and we at National Today are all set to meander through facts so that you can learn the amazing benefits of walking every day. Did you know that walking a minimum of 20 minutes every day can reduce the number of diseases, including heart diseases and high blood pressure? Treat your body right and walk every day. Set up daily goals and reminders, and don’t forget to listen to music when you walk! Let’s amble along and find out more!
History of National Walking Month
The American Health Association was the first to introduce National Walking Day in 2007 to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Association organizes events to encourage people to walk for at least half an hour. The National Walking Day and National Walking Month were both introduced to raise awareness about the importance of physical activities and to have a healthy lifestyle.
Walking is essential for a healthy life, and world history is also full of important walks. In 100 A.D., the emperor Hadrian toured his whole empire on foot and marched 21 miles a day in full armor. In the 17th century, King Charles II of England walked from Whitehall to Hampton Court, which has a distance of about half a marathon, over 13 miles.
In 1864, the Schwarzwaldverein was formed in Germany, which is the world’s oldest surviving walking club. Walking gradually became a leading sport in Europe and America from 1860 to 1903, this age is also termed the Pedestrian Age. People earned money by walking, and long-distance walkers earned more per race than today’s basketball players. In 1906, the Olympics included a walking sport for the first time. The London Olympics included four walking events in 1908.
National Walking Month timeline
The Schwarzwaldverein is formed in Germany.
Walking becomes a leading sport in Europe and America.
The Athens Olympics (Interim Games) includes walking as a sport for the first time.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon.
National Walking Month FAQs
When is National Walking Day?
National Walking Day is celebrated every first Wednesday of April.
What is interesting about walking?
Walking doesn’t just keep you fit, it also improves mood.
Is walking a workout?
Walking is considered an exercise. National Walking Month encourages people to walk just 20 minutes per day.
National Walking Month Activities
Move your feet and get going
The best way to celebrate this month is by walking. Get moving and hit your daily walking goals.
Attend a group walk
A group is an excellent way to walk for longer periods. Walking with people keeps you engaged in the activity, and you walk more.
Participate in a walking competition
Racewalk competitions are super fun to participate in. Give your best and enjoy the competition. Using a step counter is also a great motivator.
5 Interesting Facts About Walking
The most popular exercise in the U.S.
Walking is well-liked by the U.S.
It helps in losing weight
Walking just 10,000 steps a day helps in losing weight and a minimum of 6,000 steps a day helps to improve health.
Walking makes you feel better
Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn improves mood.
An average person walks 65,000 miles
An average person walks 65,000 miles in their lifetime, which is equivalent to walking three times around Earth.
It requires many muscles to walk
It requires about 200 muscles to walk.
Why We Love National Walking Month
It supports better health
National Walking Month supports better habits. It keeps you healthy and promotes good habits.
It keeps you fit
Walking keeps you fit and can eliminate major health diseases. Walking is the easiest way to get get your heart pumping.
It makes people aware
National Walking Month makes people aware of the benefits of walking. It supports wellness and productivity.
National Walking Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | May 1 | Wednesday |
