Get off your duff and join the national MOVEment!

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If you don't already exercise, this is the perfect time to start. Tomorrow (April 7) is the American Heart Association's (AHA) National Start! Walking Day - a day to pledge to Start! walking and to become active and heart healthy, especially at work since jobs are becoming more sedentary. Did you know Americans are working 164 more hours a year than we did 20 years ago. Boo! What's up with that???

Tomorrow, the AHA encourages you to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of your day to get up and walk. The goal is to raise awareness of the Start! movement and to give your coworkers a friendly push toward a healthier life. Sign up for a free, download-able National Start! Walking Day Tool Kit here for much more information.

Why walk?

Personally, I LOVE to walk - it's one of my favorite ways to exercise. My BFFF loves it, too. Crazy! ;)

Did you know walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity? Probably because it is so easy to do. And research shows the benefits of walking or doing other moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help:

  • Reduce the risk of heart disease

  • Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels

  • Improve blood lipid profile

  • Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity

  • Enhance mental well being

  • Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

  • Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer

  • Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Source: American Heart Association

Despite all of these benefits, only 15 percent of American adults reach the AHA's levels of moderate aerobic exercise, 30 minutes a day for five days a week. That is so discouraging!

So, what are you waiting for? Leave a comment below, then get off the computer and get up and start walking, okay? And do it again tomorrow for the AHA's National Start! Walking Day… and beyond.

Also see:
Walking could stop chocolate cravings
Best and worst walking cities in America
Tummy-toning walks