What is National Move More Month?National Move More Month is every April and the objective of this month is clear and simple: get up and move! Created by the American Heart Association as a way to help improve health of Americans everywhere, National Move Month is aimed at getting more of us to hit 10,000 steps everyday or, even better, to hit that 20-minutes of aerobic exercise mark everyday. History of National Move More MonthThe benefits of living an active lifestyle have been known since antiquity. Cicero said many things, but he also said that “it is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor.” The Romans prized physical fitness, especially among their well-trained armies.Since then exercise has evolved into the complex science we now know it. But this month isn’t so much about perfecting a form of exercise to Olympic-standards but simply embracing the foundations that movement and living an active lifestyle are key components to being a healthier person. In fact, in the 1950s a study of bus conductors versus bus drivers who didn’t have any additional exercise regimens beyond work found that conductors (who are much more active than the sedentary drivers) suffered less from heart disease and other health conditions. Even just being more active at work is a proven way to reduce cardiovascular disease.Regardless of whether you choose the ancient art of hurling a discuss or the more modern takes on weightlifting and calisthenics, getting out and moving more during the month of April is what’s important – even if it’s just walking for a half hour everyday.
Move More Month timeline
In 1965 Y. Hatano created a pedometer based on the concept of 10,000 steps a day (what manpo-kei roughly translates to). Twenty years later in 1985, the research was finally accepted as being scientifically sound that 10,000 steps a day is the rough approximation for which humans experience health benefits from walking.
In 1924, six cardiologists in New York founded the American Heart Association, dedicated to publishing and educating the public on their research and findings.
While the concept of a pedometer goes back to the days of DaVinci, it wasn't created until 1780 by Louis Perrelet of Switzerland. Soon after, Thomas Jefferson introduces the pedometer to America via a French production.
National Move More Month Traditions
Go for a walkYou’ve been doing it for most of your life and it’s one of the healthiest things you can do. Go get those 10,000 steps! Go for a runA little more advanced than walking but just as healthy and just as good for you. Get some miles in and chase that runner’s high. Lift some weightsOr, if cardio isn’t your thing, you could always work those gains and hit the weight room for some good, ole fashioned lifting. Just remember to get a spotter!
Move More Month FAQs
When is Move More Month?
Move More Month is every April, but its impact can be felt all year round.
How do I celebrate Move More Month?
It’s in the name itself! Get out there and get some activity in for thirty to sixty minutes a day.
Does dancing count as exercise?
Anything that gets your heart rate up for a sustained period of time basically counts as aerobic exercise. Granted, we’re not doctors, but dancing is definitely a great form of exercise.
Move More Month Activities
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Go to the gym
It's got everything you need to move more all in one place. Treadmills, weights, ellipticals, swimming pools, and more.
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Go for a walk every day
Move More Month can be used as a jumping off point for your next exercise regimen. Get out and get some regular exercise, you may find that it sparks some initiative to join a gym.
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Play a sport
If gyms aren't your thing then head down to the field and hop in on a game of your sport of choice. Soccer, basketball, or softball are all great ways to move more and some exercise in.
Why We Love Move More Month
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It keeps us healthy
Moving more and maintaining an active lifestyle is key to increasing your overall health and wellness.
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It gets us out and about
Life is more than just your phone screen. Get out there, move around, and get some sunshine. We love this month because it promotes being active and using your body outside.
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It leads to better daily habits
The more you do something the more of a habit it becomes, and getting in some exercise is one of the best habits you can establish.
Move More Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
