5 Ways to Celebrate National Walking Day
Before exploring all the ways you can celebrate this national observance on April 5, 2023, let’s talk about why National Walking Day is even a thing.
Walking is simple, beneficial, and to be celebrated everywhere as a great form of exercise! We know from expert studies and anecdotal evidence that regular exercise improves overall health. It can improve your heart and lower your blood pressure. Furthermore, it can lower your cholesterol, keep off unwanted pounds, and help prevent diabetes. Walking also offers tremendous mental health benefits, helping to improve your mood, feel better about your body, and reduce stress. It can even help you get a better night’s rest.
Celebrating National Walking Day doesn’t necessarily involve walking 5 miles a day – although that’s a great goal. Start with one or more of these simple additions to your daily routines:
- Park far away from the store. Those steps between your car and the front door add up.
- Shun the elevator. Take the stairs to your 6th-floor doctor’s appointment.
- Discover one of the many hiking areas in Fairfax County.
- Walk the dog – and not just by hanging around the front yard for a few minutes of poop time! You’ll both enjoy a walk around the block.
- Leave the car at home whenever possible. Walk to work, school, or to the local farmers market.
These five suggestions serve to get you walking more and may even inspire you to become a genuine fitness walker. When that happens, keep this important tip in mind from board-certified podiatrist Kenneth R. Wilhelm, DPM at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center:
Wear the right shoes. You’ll need high-quality, supportive athletic shoes for your fitness walking. Shoes designed specifically for running or walking both fit the bill. If you’re planning to hit the trails, hiking boots are a must to avoid ankle sprains and other foot and ankle injuries. We recommend going to a store whose specialty is evaluating and fitting people for athletic shoes. Alternatively, Dr. Wilhelm can analyze your gait and recommend what kind of walking shoes you should buy.
If foot or ankle pain prevents you from reaping the benefits of walking more, visit our podiatry office in Centreville for caring, expert medical advice. Call (703) 996-3000 or make an appointment with Dr. Wilhelm online.