MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – April 1 could be a good opportunity to get up and around. Since 2007, the American Heart Association has marked the first Wednesday of each April as National Walking Day, to help kick off Move More Month.
Across the country, through widespread stress levels and other priorities, less than half of adults and fewer than one in five children get the recommended amount of daily physical activity.
The average person should be getting at least 4,000 to 5,000 steps a day for a healthy heart and mind, with a common goal of 10,000 steps. To achieve this, the Heart Association says to consider taking unique detours throughout your day, even adding an extra route between meetings at work or in between classes.
Another idea is to do more activity as a family to get those steps in together.
“We really encourage movement as a family, especially as the weather starts to get warmer, take a nice family walk before or after dinner, get out and walk the dog,” suggested Marketing and Communications Director, Remi Monaghan. “We know up in the Upper Peninsula it’s still a bit chilly this time of year, so maybe it’s too cold to take the dog out, but try to find a way to move your body.”
More information and tips can be found on through the 2026 National Walking Day and Move More Toolkit.
