Top Benefits of Walking Just 30 Minutes a Day - #movemoremonth

The other day, I was thinking about how much exercise I get during the week. Some say that chasing kiddos is enough, and I get my fair share of that! But when I heard April is #movemoremonth, I decided I want to be more intentional with fitness. I've partnered with United HealthCare Services to share the benefits of walking for just 30 minutes a day. Plus, I have details on how you can win some great walking-related prizes, including an Apple Watch®!

Benefits of Walking Just 30 Minutes a Day

I don't know about you, but I get burned out easily with work-out plans. I have trouble following through and sticking with a routine. However, walking for at least 30 minutes a day is something I feel I can commit to. It's a good starting point for making sure I'm getting 10,000 steps in each day!

Studies have shown walking more and sitting less can help people maintain a healthier weight, ward off depression and prevent serious health issues like heart disease. I want to be around for my kids for a LONG time, so I know that making physical activity a priority is important. As a blogger, I spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, and I want to make sure I'm moving around when I can!

I used to go running, but that's more difficult with two young kids. I recently learned that maintaining a quick walking pace has been shown to be on par with running when it comes to lowering the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Sometimes my kids will still let me push both of them in a stroller, and I plan to take advantage of that with some quick 30 minute walks!

Sometimes my kids won't ride in the stroller, and even though they get lots of play time during the day, it's good for them to stay active too! We take family walks through our neighborhood and they love riding along while I walk.

We often stop and feed the fish in our neighborhood, so the kids have that to look forward to when we head out. I love when we take walks in the evening, because if we don't that's the time I usually veg out. It's far too easy to let the kids watch a show and catch up on Netflix. While that isn't always a bad thing, it usually means I'm snacking and sitting instead of getting out during the most pleasant weather of the day.

A report from Harvard Medical School concluded that walking can help curb sweet cravings, boost the immune system and ease joint pain! When I take a walk with my family at night I don't feel the urge to snack. I also feel like both me and my kids sleep better when we take those nightly walks!

Tips for Getting More Physical Activity

Here are a few more tips to consider to help you get out and walk more during April and year-round:

• Get a wearable device to track progress. They’ve been shown to help people remain diligent in achieving those daily step goals.
• Think FIT, which stands for frequency (500 steps within seven minutes six times per day), intensity (3,000 steps within 30 minutes each day) and tenacity (at least 10,000 total steps per day). If those targets seem daunting, remember it works to start slowly and build up over time.
• Pair up with a walking pal. There are several advantages to recruiting a new workout friend, likely because that person can hold you accountable and offer support.
• Enlist a walking group at work or in your neighborhood. Working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent and improves quality of life, as compared to working out alone.
• Check if your employer offers incentive-based wellness programs, as some plans may enable people to earn financial incentives by meeting walking goals.
• Keep your walks from getting boring by exploring a neighborhood trail or scenic pathway. This site has various walking resources and 10,000-step walking routes in more than 50 cities nationwide, helping people visualize what that distance looks like in their local communities.
• Pledge to walk more at uhcwalkingmaps.com, and become eligible for a chance to win one of hundreds of walking-related prizes, including Apple Watch®. As part of the sweepstakes, UnitedHealthcare will donate a total of $25,000 on behalf of the first 25,000 people to sign the pledge to Boys & Girls Clubs to help reduce childhood obesity.

The American Heart Association established Move More Month to encourage people, schools, workplaces and communities to walk at least 30 minutes per day and take a step toward better health. Following these tips can help you do just that.

*Check with your doctor to determine what activity level is right for you.

Are you ready to commit to #movemoremonth and being more active? If so, you can head to www.UHCWalkingmaps.com and take the Step Up For Better Health Pledge on the website! When you do, you'll have the chance to win some awesome walking related prizes! Some of the prizes include Apple Watch®, $100 Foot Locker Gift Card, and a NERF® Energy Game Kit.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S. and D.C., 18 or older. To Enter: Visit www.UHCWalkingmaps.com between 12:01 AM CT on 3/29/18 and 11:59 PM CT on 4/30/18. Prizes: Grand (10): Apple Watch® (ARV $329); First (100): $100 Foot Locker® gift card; Second (100): NERF® ENERGY™ kit (ARV $35). Limit 1 entry per person. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received for each drawing. See Website for drawing dates, details, limitations & Official Rules. United HealthCare Services, Inc., Minnetonka, MN 55343.

I signed up yesterday, will you?

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by United HealthCare Services. As always, all ideas and opinions are my own.