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Experts Urge Washingtonians to Celebrate National Walking Day
American Heart Association encourages 30 minutes of daily exercise for better health and mental wellbeing.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:53am
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Today is National Walking Day, and the American Heart Association is calling on people in Washington state to get outside and walk for heart health, stress reduction, and mental wellness. Experts say regular moderate exercise like brisk walking can improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and lung strength, while also relieving stress and boosting mood.
Why it matters
With only about one in five adults and teens getting enough exercise, National Walking Day provides an opportunity to encourage Washingtonians to prioritize their physical and mental health through simple, accessible activities like daily walking.
The details
Lindsay Olsen, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Pulse Heart Institute, recommends adults aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, at least five days a week. She advises people to start small if 30 minutes feels daunting, building up from 5-10 minutes at a time. Olsen notes that walking engages multiple muscle groups and allows people to easily adjust the intensity. Regular exercise has been shown to improve cholesterol, blood pressure, lung strength, and overall heart health, while also relieving stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
- Today is National Walking Day (April 1, 2026).
- Washington Heart and Stroke Walk events are scheduled for this fall in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma.
The players
Lindsay Olsen
A clinical exercise physiologist at the Pulse Heart Institute who specializes in recommending exercise regimens for heart health.
American Heart Association
A non-profit organization focused on cardiovascular health and disease prevention.
What they’re saying
“You want to start feeling confident in your body again. You don't wanna say, 'Oh, if I can't do 30 minutes, I'm not gonna exercise at all.' Even starting with five or 10 minutes is great and doing that several times during the day and then building up from there.”
— Lindsay Olsen, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
“As you increase that heart rate, it's gonna lower those cortisol levels. You're gonna get these good endorphins. You're going to feel better when you exercise.”
— Lindsay Olsen, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
What’s next
Washington Heart and Stroke Walk events are scheduled for this fall in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, providing opportunities for Washingtonians to get involved in community-based fitness initiatives.
The takeaway
National Walking Day serves as a timely reminder for Washingtonians to prioritize their physical and mental health through simple, accessible activities like daily walking. By incorporating just 30 minutes of moderate exercise into their routines, adults can improve their overall wellbeing and reduce their risk of heart disease.
