National Walking Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Activities Awareness Lifestyle
Where:: United Kingdom
Date change rule:: Every May
Holiday emoji:: 🚶‍♀️

National Walking Month takes place throughout May, encouraging everyone to embrace the simple yet profound benefits of walking. Lace up your shoes, explore your neighborhood, and discover new paths to improved physical and mental well-being. Set daily goals, find a walking buddy, and let’s make May a month of movement!

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National Walking Month Deals

Throughout National Walking Month, focus shifts from commercial deals to health and wellness initiatives. Organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health often partner with local communities to promote walking challenges and events. Brands like Brooks Running, Hoka, and New Balance may highlight their walking-specific footwear and gear, encouraging participation through educational content. Local parks departments and community centers frequently host guided walks or offer free access to trails, while fitness apps like Strava or MapMyWalk might run month-long step challenges. Expect some retailers, such as REI or Dick’s Sporting Goods, to feature promotions on outdoor apparel and accessories suitable for walking. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as May approaches.

Platform Guide for National Walking Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalWalkingMonth. Share scenic routes, walking selfies, and tips for staying motivated.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalWalkingMonth. Create local walking groups or share community walking event details.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalWalkingMonth. Share quick facts about walking benefits and challenge friends to hit daily step goals.

National Walking Month Hero

Hippocrates

Often called the 'Father of Medicine,' Hippocrates was an ancient Greek physician born around 460 BC. He famously stated, 'Walking is man's best medicine,' recognizing the profound health benefits of physical activity long before modern science. His holistic approach to health, emphasizing diet, exercise, and environment, laid foundational principles that resonate with the spirit of National Walking Month.

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

1864

World’s Oldest Walking Club is Formed

The Schwarzwaldverein is formed in Germany.

1860 to 1903

Walking Becomes a Leading Sport

Walking becomes a leading sport in Europe and America.

1906

Olympics Include Walking For The First Time

The Athens Olympics (Interim Games) includes walking as a sport for the first time.

1969

Man Walks on the Moon

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Walking Month

Local businesses can champion National Walking Month by organizing community walking events or sponsoring local health initiatives. Fitness studios might offer free outdoor walking classes, while shoe retailers could host ‘walkability’ clinics to help customers find the perfect pair of walking shoes. Cafes and restaurants can create ‘walk-in’ specials for customers who arrive on foot, encouraging pedestrian traffic. Businesses can also partner with local parks to promote scenic routes or provide maps of walkable areas, making it easier for employees and customers to participate in the month-long observance.

National Walking Month FAQs

When is National Walking Month?

In 2027, National Walking Month again spans the full month of May, providing ample opportunity to integrate more steps into your daily life and explore local trails.

What are the health benefits of walking?

Consistent walking helps manage various health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It’s a low-impact exercise suitable for most ages and fitness levels, promoting overall well-being.

How many steps should I walk per day?

For adults, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking, per week is recommended. This often translates to around 30 minutes most days, which can be broken into shorter segments.

Is walking better than running?

Walking offers similar cardiovascular benefits to running over longer durations and is often more sustainable for a lifetime of activity. Running provides higher intensity and can build greater endurance, but carries a higher risk of injury.

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.