Get Walking Every Day

Walking has a long list of potential benefits, and you can find ways to do it every day! Besides being good for your heart, it reduces stress, improves brain function and it makes you feel good, too.

Try to get 30 minutes in daily. This might seem impossible during the workweek, so here are some tips to make it easier:

Break It Up: try walking for 15 minutes during your lunch break and 15 minutes after work. It will help clear your mind and improve your focus.

Get Out Early: do your body a favor and take a 20-minute walk before breakfast. Studies show that you can stay healthy by starting your day off in an active way.

Tack It On, Add It Up: park farther away from store entrances or take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can add up a few quick bursts of activity and reach the President’s Council on Physical Fitness recommended 30 minutes of exercise time.

How can you get started? Plan on bringing your sneakers to work on a warm Friday this month. Encourage your co-workers to do the same and perhaps you can walk to work together. Even if you all live in different areas around town, figure out a location within comfortable walking distance from work to meet beforehand. Budget a few extra minutes to get out of your cars and onto the sidewalk or trail.