SparkPeople Blogs  •  walking  •  health

Take the Pledge to Walk by Participating in National Start! Walking Day

By , SparkPeople Blogger
While many of us spent the past three to four months cooped up in our homes, now that spring has sprung, you may be looking for the perfect motivation to get up and moving. And what better way to start then to take part in the American Heart Association’s National Start! Walking Day which begins on Wednesday, April 8th.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of all adults. Just by making small, permanent changes in our lifestyle, many of us may be able to avert many of the problems associated with a lack of activity. And walking is the perfect activity to do just that.

Although I have spent the better part of 3 years running, I have not always been a runner. I actually started walking long before I started running. What makes walking such a great activity is the fact it can be done almost anywhere at anytime. There are really no excuses. And the great thing about walking is the results are cumulative while being a tad easier on the joints than running. It also allows you to share some activity time with non-running friends and family.

Walking is such a phenomenal activity by warding off many physical ailments. The benefits of walking include the following:

  • Reduces the risk for heart disease
  • Reduces the risk for cancers
  • Reduces the risk for stroke
  • Reduces the risk of Type II Diabetes by stabilizing blood sugars
  • Reduces stress
  • Reduces one’s risk of a hip fracture
  • Helps control blood pressure
  • Helps to increase one’s HDL (or good cholesterol)
  • Helps one to lose weight
  • Helps one to sleep better at night

    By having a day such as the National Start! Walking Day, it allows many of us to start an exercise routine that has been missing over the cold winter months or because we have yet to start one. Consistency is essential to everything we do; therefore committing yourself to meeting your fellow co-workers each day for a nice brisk walk may be the just the springboard you need to get up and get active.

    So sign up today and be sure to bring your walking shoes to work with you on Wednesday, April 8th and challenge your co-workers to a good walk. Just a brisk 30 minute walk may be all you need to get you on the path to a healthier you!

    Would you be willing to lead a walking group with your fellow co-workers? Are you willing to take the pledge of walking 30 minutes a day? Do you currently walk?