It’s possible that we may have gone a tad overboard with national days (we’re looking at you, National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day), but occasionally one pops up that we think is a really great idea. Like National Take a Walk in the Park Day, which is celebrated annually on March 30. Walking is an all-too-often overlooked activity that yields tons of benefits. Need a little motivation? We've rounded up five reasons why walking is the cat's pajamas:

1. It's Enjoyable AND Good for You

Walking is a fun, relaxing way to give your heart and lungs a workout. Taking a stroll among the pleasant sights and sounds of nature has the ability to renew your mind and body simultaneously. Walking is a great way to relieve stress, and it's an enjoyable way to add a little extra activity to any part of your day. Plus, it's a great way to ease back into your fitness regimen after illness or injury.

2. You Control the Length and Intensity

Walking is highly versatile. You can power-walk several miles on your lunch break or you can take a leisurely 15-minute stroll after dinner. Unlike some other workouts with a set number of repetitions or a specific time requirement, your walk can be as long and intense as you prefer.

3. It’s Great for Active Recovery

If you’ve been hitting your workouts hard, you're probably feeling a bit stiff and sore. Walking is a great way to gently warm up your muscles and stay active while still giving your body the time it needs to recuperate. Plus, numerous studies have shown that active recovery actually helps your muscles feel better faster!

4. You Don’t Need Any Fancy Equipment

Do you have a comfortable pair of shoes? Yes? Then you have everything you need for a walk.

While it is true that you should *technically* wear a shoe that’s specifically made for walking on your strolls, the reality is that any shoe that provides you with cushion, support, and traction is just fine for shorter walks at lower intensities.

Learn more about which shoes are best suited for the mechanics of walking on our blog and, if you’re in the market for a new pair of walking shoes, we have plenty to choose from!

5. You Can Bring Your Friends

Or your kids. Or your dog. More vigorous workouts can make it a bit challenging to socialize, so if you’re looking for an activity that will let you strengthen your relationships as well as your body, walking is a great option. Meet up with a friend for a quick lunch-break walk-and-talk sesh. Make your dog love you even more with a morning stroll. Take a family walk after dinner to catch up on everyone’s daily trials and triumphs.