Take A Walk Outdoors Day falls on January 20 every year, and as the name suggests, it’s a day to step outside for a walk alone or with someone. Walking comes with a bag full of health benefits, and taking a walk outdoors is always more fun than doing it on a treadmill. Walking outdoors lets your body absorb Vitamin D which is good for your bones and muscle growth. For best results, try an early morning walk because only the early morning sun generates Vitamin D, and 75% of adults don’t get enough of it.
History of Take A Walk Outdoors Day
There is no evidence of how this holiday started, but we assume it was established as a way of reminding people to stay active. This is especially applicable in the modern world driven by technology as it is. We tend to spend a major part of our day sitting in front of a monitor. The idea of walking is a significant part of human evolution as we separated ourselves from other animals by walking without our hands.
The Romans came up with the concept of a mile by walking. In their estimation, a thousand military steps were equivalent to a mile. Through the ages, long-distance walking developed into a competitive sport as humans liked to exhibit their outstanding feats of achievement. In the latter half of the 19th century, this became a popular sport in America as well as Europe. Germany boasts of the oldest surviving walking club, Black Forest Wanderverein, which was set up in 1864. The first race walk in the U.S. took place in New York in 1911. Even before that, there is a record of race walks being an official sport in the London Olympics of 1908.
Today, we are familiar with various forms of walking such as race walking, speed walking, brisk walking, power walking, marathons, and so on. Walking has even become a mode of worship. For example, thousands of people marched to Camino de Santiago in 2015, inspired by the movie “The Way,” which portrays an American father walking along the same route in France in search of his estranged son’s body. Who knew walking could have such a glorious history?
If you have a daily ritual, like getting your morning coffee, reading a book, listening to music, or sipping wine, club it with a bit of walking. This way, you don’t have to find an extra slot in your busy schedule for a walk. Think about it.
Take A Walk Outdoors Day timeline
Known as the father of modern pedestrianism, Edward Payson Weston walks from Boston to Washington after losing a bet that Lincoln would lose the 1860 election.
Daniel O'Leary walks 503 miles in six days, breaking Weston’s record of 310 miles to become ‘Champion Pedestrian of the World.'
First March of Dimes, one of the first charity walks, is held in Ohio, later becoming ubiquitous.
Polly Letofsky becomes the first American woman to walk 14,000 miles around the world.
Take A Walk Outdoors Day FAQs
Can walking help tone my legs?
Of course! Brisk walking is an effective cardio exercise that can reduce your thigh fat and tone your calves and hamstrings.
How long should I walk to lose weight?
Walking 10,000 steps a day can help you lose weight. But consistency is the key here. You can’t walk for a day and expect to lose weight magically. Make it a habit and you’ll see the results over time.
What is the best time to go for a walk?
It could be any time of the day depending on your schedule, mood, and preference. From a healthcare perspective, walking for ten minutes after a meal can lower blood pressure for people with type 2 diabetes. Inculcate this amazing habit, and let it do wonders to your body.
Take A Walk Outdoors Day Activities
Help someone who can’t walk
Plan a day out for someone who can’t walk. It could be your neighbor who can’t move without a wheelchair or your baby cousin who loves to stroll in their pram. We’re sure it'll light up their day... and yours.
Check out an unusual site
As this day celebrates our access to the outdoors, wouldn’t it be great to go for a stroll by the beach or a trek to the nearby hilltop? Find your place of choice and enjoy a fun journey on foot with your buddies.
Spread the word
Although most of us are aware of the benefits of walking, a lot of people might not know about Take A Walk Outdoors Day. Take out five minutes of your day to share the importance of this holiday with your folks. Make #TakeAWalkOutdoorsDay the next trending hashtag.
5 Interesting Facts About Walking Outdoors
Oh, so popular!
Despite the rise of various workout regimes and health practices, walking remains the most popular form of exercise in the U.S.
Where to walk?
Walking on a rough outdoor surface requires 50% more energy than walking on a paved street.
Mood lifter
Walking makes the blood flow to the brain which in turn improves your mood.
Longest walk ever
Jean Beliveau traveled to 64 countries by foot — 46,600 miles — which took him 11 years.
M&M candy burn
To burn off a plain M&M candy, you’ll have to walk the entire length of a football field.
Why We Love Take A Walk Outdoors Day
Walking boosts the health
Not all of us like to sweat out at the gym, but taking a stroll outside doesn’t call for much effort. Walking is great for maintaining a healthy body and mind, so let’s start today!
A reason to explore the outdoors
Every day is a good day to step out for a walk, but when it’s Take A Walk Outdoors Day, it adds to the excitement. Be it taking your doggo for an evening stroll, or planning a hike with friends, getting to be outdoors is always a fun idea!
A great opportunity to be social
Busy work schedules, the need for sleep after a long day, a tight budget; forget all the year-long excuses not to see friends and family, and snap up this perfect excuse to finally lure the whole team out. A walk outdoors is relaxing, stress-free, as interesting as you can make it, and costs nothing. Plus, it reminds you and your circle to stay active and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Win, win, win.
Take A Walk Outdoors Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 20 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 20 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 20 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 20 | Saturday |
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