April 3rd is National Walking Day! Set aside 30 minutes of your day, round up your friends and/or family and get out there and go for a walk!
National walking day began in 2007 by the American Heart Association with the intention of celebrating physical activity. Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay fit and active. Research has shown that walking can have an impact on your overall health and lower your chances of heart disease.
Tips for Walking:
- Always wear sunscreen!
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks.
- Stay hydrated. Lots of water is key for a successful walk!
- Buddy up. Not only is it nice to have company on a walk, but having a friend come along is safer than walking alone.
- Don’t forget to stretch before and after!
- Pump your arms to get your heart rate up and maintain good posture.
- If you walk at night, be sure to bring a flashlight and wear reflective gear.
There are many local charity walks this Spring in the Raleigh Area, so if you are looking for a healthy activity backed by a good cause, be sure to sign up for one (or some) of these upcoming walks.
Sunday 4/7 – Dog Days 5K and 2 Mile Walk – NC Museum of Art, Raleigh
Sunday 4/7 – Autism Speaks Walk – Duke University Campus, Durham
Sunday 4/14 – NEDA Walk – Downtown Raleigh
Saturday 4/20 – Walk to Defeat ALS – Downtown Raleigh
Saturday 4/27 – PURPLESTRIDE Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer – NC State University
Saturday 4/27 – SPCA of Wake County Dog Walk & Woofstock – Koka Booth, Cary
Saturday 4/27 – March of Dimes March For Babies 3 Mile Walk – Morrisville
Saturday 5/4 – Walk to End Lupus – NC Museum of Art, Raleigh
Friday 5/17 (@ night) – 8th Annual Catching Fireflies 5K Run/Walk – Wakefield, North Raleigh
Friday 5/17 (@ night) – Triangle Walk Like MADD 2019 – Knightdale Station
Saturday 5/18 – NAMIWalks (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Downtown Raleigh
Saturday 5/18 – Wake County Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Downtown Raleigh
Saturday 5/18 – The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia – Clayton