World Walking Day: how much walking adults need each week
World Walking Day falls on the first Sunday in October. The CDC says 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, like brisk walking, brings real benefits.
The first Sunday in October is World Walking Day, a simple prompt to get moving. It is also a useful moment to ask how much walking actually makes a difference.
The CDC's answer for adults is 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. Brisk walking counts. That works out to about 30 minutes, five days a week, and the minutes can be split into shorter walks through the day.
The CDC lists both quick and long-term benefits. Right away, physical activity helps people feel better, function better and sleep better, and it can reduce anxiety in adults. Over time, it lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer, strengthens bones and muscles, and lowers the risk of falls in older adults. The CDC also cites research that taking 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day, depending on age, is linked to a lower risk of early death.
Much of California is in a heat wave this weekend, so timing matters. Walk in the early morning or after sunset, bring water, and choose shaded routes. If you feel dizzy or sick, stop and cool down.
If you have a health condition or have not been active in a while, check with your doctor about what is right for you.
A good way to mark the day is a short walk with someone, before the heat builds. Ten minutes around the block is a fine start.
Sources
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