National Walking Day is celebrated on April 1st and this day encourages Americans of all ages to get out of the house and stretch their legs and get their hearts pumping. The new extension of essential travel till April 30 does not mean you can’t go for a walk or run.
The American Heart Association sponsors this day to remind people about the health benefits of taking a walk. The American Heart Association launched National Walking Day in 2007 as part of its efforts to promote healthy living. Wear your sneakers or walking shoes and take a 30-minute walk, at least once if not more during the day.
Here are some great ways to make that 30-minutes more enjoyable:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Take a friend to pass the time – practice distance walking.
- Make sure to stretch those muscles before and after walking.
- Drink plenty of water or other liquids.
- Move your arms and legs to enhance walking technique.
- Make sure you have good posture and stop to do waling stretches.
- Talk with your friends on the phone as you walk and share the visual experiences.
Find a trail near you or just walk around your neighborhood. Take your puppies with you, too. They need a cardiovascular workout, too. When the family has finished that walk around the block or park, post photos of where you have been and something new you experienced on the walk – first red cardinal or flower.
After you explore a route, create a game for the family like a scavenger hunt, finding items or markers along the path. Then have a celebration at home with some type of reward … like home-baked cookies.
You can also visit a local park district walking paths. In DeKalb, there are many to choose from. Around Hopkins Park, there are many options as well as the Kishwaukee River pathway which connects the north to the south of the city.
Remember – keep social distancing as part of your regime … at least till April 30
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story