Due to its simplicity, at National Today, we are a big fan of walking as an exercise, and this year’s Walk to Work Day, which falls on April 5, has got us excited. Walking burns calories, exercises the muscles, and refreshes the mind. Our day-to-day lives often require us to sit in one place, with little to no movement exerted on our limbs. This sedentary lifestyle is not healthy, as it can lead to weight gain, heart problems, and more. Did you know that a brief walking session every day can help boost your immunity? Now, that’s a win-win situation.
History of Walk to Work Day
Walking is one of the simplest exercises out there, and this is why Walk to Work Day shouldn’t be a hindrance to most. Just putting one step in front of the other is liberating in itself. Let’s walk ourselves through the day’s history and how it came to be.
In 2004, “Prevention” magazine came up with Walk to Work Day and decided on the first Friday in April as the day for it to be celebrated. This magazine is famous for providing its readers with health strategies and information to help improve physical- and mental well-being. The Walk to Work Day idea was soon backed up by the U.S. Department of Health as it was a step that they had been pushing for years. While the day is unofficial, it is still celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm.
Walking is not only good for our health but also for the planet’s. Those who cannot opt to walk to their work due to great distances can simply walk to public transport instead. This provides for a much-needed break from pollution or spending money on gas. Keeping these points in mind, the Pedestrian Council of Australia also declared a National Walk to Work Day on November 13. The Australian government has been commemorating the day since 2000, with 2003 becoming the first year when a unanimous date was decided on for all Australian states.
Walking can be a great stress reliever. It not only works the muscles and increases heart rates, but also allows the senses to take in different environmental stimuli, from the gentle breeze and bird sounds to the smell of flowers in the air and a much-needed dose of vitamin D. If you’re working from home, you can celebrate the day by simply walking within the spaces of your home or taking a stroll around the block.
Walk to Work Day timeline
Herb Elliott, a celebrated athlete, leads a celebrity walk across Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, appears in multiple TVCs and radio shows to promote the benefits of walking to the general public.
Backing “Prevention” magazine’s initiative, the U.S. Department of Health officiates the Walk to Work Day on the first Friday of every April.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discover that walking at least nine miles a week leads to lower heart disease- and death rates.
Walk to Work Day FAQs
How can I just walk to my work when it is quite a distance away?
No need to worry, simply walking to your public transport from your home also counts. The essential part of celebrating the day is through walking, so it doesn’t matter if you actually walk the whole way or just walk to the bus stop near you.
How can I celebrate the day while working from home?
You can walk the same route you used to follow when you were going to work. By following the same steps, you will be getting your mind ready for the rest of the day. Give yourself walking breaks throughout the day by getting up from your work desk and stretching and walking to other areas of your house.
Do I really need to walk because … ugh?
Hmmm, well, you don’t have to if you don’t like it. But, trust us, in the future when health problems will most likely be plaguing you, your body won’t like it either.
Walk to Work Day Activities
Ditch your vehicle for the day
Forego your vehicle for the day and reap the benefits of walking! Breathe in the fresh air, cherish the sunlight on your skin, and just enjoy the overall experience. You are not only benefiting your body, but also the environment in the long run by reducing pollution.
Invite your friends and colleagues
Make a special day out of the occasion by getting your friends and colleagues in on the action. You will enjoy the walk more, and y’all can stop by the local coffee shop to grab some snacks on the way.
Make a habit of it
What better way to honor the day and the cause behind it than by walking to work daily? It will benefit you for years to come, and you will also be able to save money on vehicle maintenance and fuel/gas.
5 Facts About ExerciseThat Will Blow Your Mind
Walking gets your muscles moving
By taking a single step, you engage a whopping 200 muscles in your body.
Exercise helps prevent aging signs
If you exercise at least three times a week for 45 minutes, your body will show fewer signs of aging as compared to those in your age group who do not exercise.
Running converts your pressure
The pressure your foot applies on the ground as you are running is three to four times your body weight.
Exercising helps memory and mood
Moving those muscles helps improve your mood as well as your memory.
Music and exercise sync well
Listening to music while you work out can improve your performance by 15%.
Why We Love Walk to Work Day
It’s a celebration of health
Not taking our health for granted is one of the greatest lessons we have learned in today’s day and age. Valuing it and protecting it while we still have it is the best thing we can do. So, do not think twice before taking that walk to work.
It’s a celebration of walking and its benefits
There are a ton of exercises out there to help your body. But walking happens to be one of the simplest and easiest exercises you can do. The pros far outweigh the cons.
It’s a celebration of a great cause
With our sedentary lifestyles, it has become more important than ever to break free of this habit to promote healthier lifestyles. Walk to Work Day is just one part, albeit an important one, in the overall campaign of living and staying healthy.
Walk to Work Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 1 | Friday |
| 2023 | April 7 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 5 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 4 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 5 | Friday |
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