National Walking Day is the American Heart Association's annual initiative that champions walking to increase physical activity and help the community move away from a sedentary lifestyle. On this day, Americans are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and walk for at least 30 minutes.
National Walking Day is a nationwide call-to-action for Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Since 1950, sedentary jobs have increased by 83 percent and Americans work 164 more hours a year compared to 20 years ago. Physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 4 killer of Americans – which is why the American Heart Association encourages people across the country to lace up their sneakers and walk on April 2.
Not only is walking free and easy, it's the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, and that children get 60 minutes of exercise a day.
For more information go to www.heart.org/nationalwalkingday
