National Walking Day

Pet Dog and Owner. Love Your Pet Day, February 20 holidays. April 11. National Walking Day

About National Walking Day

When is National Walking Day? This holiday is celebrated on the first Wednesday in April

Spring is in the air. It’s time to go outside for some fresh air and a little exercise. Most Americans do not get enough exercise. That makes today the perfect day to get outside and take a walk or a hike on National Walking Day.

National Walking Day was created by the American Heart Association to remind people about the health benefits of walking. The goal of this special day is also used to encourage us to begin, maintain, or expand the healthy habit of regular walks.

We think National Walking Day is a very special event. We hope you get hooked on walking regularly. It can launch you into a new and healthier lifestyle.

We only wonder why this special event was set up in mid-week when most people have work, school, and extracurricular activities pulling them away from taking a walk. But, when you think of it, if you can begin the habit of walking during your busy week, then walking on the weekend, when there are countless walkathons will be a cinch.

The American Heart Association encourages everyone to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. If you are new at it or in poor health, start with just a short walk. For the average person, set your sites on a 30-minute walk today. For the very experienced walkers or runners, make it a goal to walk 10% over your normal walk.

Today’s Motto: Walk as if your health depends upon it… it does.”

Tip: You will find that walking with another person or in groups, will make for a pleasurable walk, and the time will fly by.

Set Walking Goals for a Healthier You

If you haven’t done so already, National Walking Day offers the perfect incentive to set goals and establish a new routine of daily walks.  Here are some walking tips and guidelines to help you to take steps toward a healthier you:

  1. First, set walking goals.
  2. Work towards consistently increasing your step count until you reach your goals. Then, beat your goals and raise your target step count.
  3. Try to walk each day. If you select the most convenient time of day for your schedule, then you’re more likely to achieve this goal.   
  4. Walking speed is not a key factor. However, if you are generally in good health, increasing your pace over time is a good goal, too. 
  5. Walk with a friend. It’s much more fun and rewarding. 
  6. Listed below are the general guidelines for how many steps you should take each day. However, many factors can affect the target number of steps that are right for you.
  • Children and Teens: 12,000 to 16,000 steps per day.
  • Adults under 60: 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day.
  • Senior Citizens 60 and older: 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day.

How to Celebrate National Walking Day

There are so many ways you can get a walk in today. Here are just a few ideas.

  • Walk to and back from work or school.
  • Walk during the lunch hour with friends or work associates.
  • Take an early evening stroll in a park.
  • Organize or participate in a walkathon today.
  • If you have a dog, take him or her for that 30-minute walk. Long walks are good for your dog, too.
  • It is okay to walk or run.

Do you want to live a lot longer? With today’s 30-minute walk under your belt, make a goal to walk 30 minutes a day, three or four days a week. Your physical and mental health will improve as a result.

Today's Quote

“To forgive heals the wound, to forget heals the scar.” – – P.T. Barnum

History and Origin of National Walking Day

This special day was created in 2007 by the American Heart Association. Their goal is simply to encourage Americans to live longer, healthier lives.

We found no reference to a presidential proclamation or act of congress declaring this a true “National” day. However, we feel strongly that the message of this day is so important, it should be a national day.

Definition of “National” Days – Discover why it is so important to distinguish true National days.



More About Today

This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in April. See what happened on this date in history.

Famous April Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!

Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for National Walking Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.

Flower of the Day: Mallow

Recipe of the Day: Tossed Greens Salad

Holiday Insights, where every day in April is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.

Did You Know? Besides National Walking Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Further, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.