National Walking Month

In most places, at least in the northern hemisphere, this month typically brings warmer weather and the opportunity to get outdoors. And that’s why it makes sense that it’s time for National Walking Month! 

History of National Walking Month

Since research shows that even a small amount of physical activity can make a big difference in a person’s health, National Walking Month is a great time to get connected and get moving! Walking is an exercise that almost anyone can participate in, whether slowly or quickly, long distances or short. Even parking at the back of the parking lot and walking a bit further into the office is a great way to make small steps that add up.

National Walking Month was born out of the desire to encourage more people to get moving and stay healthy. It is linked with an organization in the UK called Living Streets associated initiatives include Walk to Work Week and Walk to School Week.

This event comes a few weeks after National Walking Day, which was started in 2007 by the American Heart Association and takes place in April. 

How to Celebrate National Walking Month

Such a simple concept, National Walking Month offers all sorts of different opportunities for getting involved, including some of these:

Start Walking

While taking a walk or two during this month is a good start, the idea behind National Walking Month is really more about taking the time to establish a habit that has the potential to last! So on May 1st, it would be good to take a short walk. On the 2nd take another. And every day throughout the month start adding a slight amount of length so that by the end of the month, this new habit of walking has been created, leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle!

Those who are interested in hosting a National Walking Month event for a community can get resources such as posters, checklists and other resources from the Living Streets website. 

Listen to a Motivating Walking Playlist

For those people who have trouble getting motivated to get out of the house and walk, perhaps making a playlist with some incredible tunes as a soundtrack for walking would help! Hop onto Spotify, Apple Music or some other online music platform and get creative by building a playlist with some funky tracks that will make walking more enjoyable. Check out a few of these song titles to get started with:

• These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra (1966)
• Walking Man by James Taylor (1974)
• Walk of Life by Dire Straits (1985)
• Walk On By by Dionne Warwick (1964)

Other days that are also celebrated along these same lines include National Take a Walk in the Park Day at the end of March , Take a Walk Outdoors Day in late January and Walk to Work Day in early April.