National Walk to Work Day has fallen on the first Friday of April every year since 2004. Endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this day serves as a reminder to all working-age adults that just a small amount of physical activity can make a huge difference in your overall health.
Of course, we don't expect you to suddenly transition your 40-minute commute by car into a full hike. If you can't physically stroll all the way to the office, make a point to get an extra 30 minutes of walking into your day. Here are a few easy ways to get a little leg work:
- If you take public transportation, get off one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way.
- Park at the furthest spot away from your office building.
- Walk to lunch. (Use Google Maps to find a place that's at least a 15-minute walk away and to get full directions.)
- Take a walk to a park near your workplace.
- Skip the elevator and do a few laps up and down the stairs when you need a break.
- Have a phone call scheduled today? If it doesn't require you to be at your desk, pace the office while you're on the call rather than sitting in your cubicle/office.
- Have a walking meeting with your co-workers to get them moving as well.
Walking 30-60 minutes per day can significantly lower your risk for a wide variety of health problems. Regular brisk walking helps maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood, strengthen your bones, improve balance and coordination, and prevent or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
How are you going to incorporate walking into your work day today? Comment below.