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National Exercise Day

Get your body moving and join in on National Exercise Day - whether it's taking a walk, going for a jog, or doing some yoga, find your perfect fit!

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When it is?
April 18
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Category
Health
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Country
United States
Creator
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Founded

Introduction

It's time to break a sweat and get moving on National Exercise Day on April 18! This day was created in the 1980s as a way to encourage people of all ages, sizes, and abilities to engage in physical activity. It also serves as an opportunity for everyone to become more aware of how important exercise is for our overall health. So don your workout gear and let's get active!

History of National Exercise Day

National Exercise Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Exercise & Heart Disease Study</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Jerry Morris conducted the first significant evidence-based study linking lack of exercise to heart disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Title IX and Women's Exercise</div><div class='timeline-text'>Title IX paved the way for gender equity in sports, substantially increasing the participation and visibility of women in exercise.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Exercise Day Creation</div><div class='timeline-text'>As part of a campaign to improve health and fitness, National Exercise Day was established in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Surgeon General's Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health provided clear evidence on the health benefits of regular exercise.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pedometers Popularize Walking</div><div class='timeline-text'>The broad consumer adoption of pedometers led to the popularization of walking as a simple, accessible form of exercise.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 & Home Workouts</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the global COVID-19 pandemic, home workouts gained massive popularity due to lockdown measures.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Exercise Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go for a run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put on your running shoes and go outside! Take in the scenery, explore a new route, or challenge yourself with a faster pace. Running is an amazing way to get in your daily exercise and celebrate National Exercise Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Do an outdoor workout</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the great outdoors and do a workout in nature. Go for a swim, ride your bike, or find a nearby hiking trail. You'll be getting some fresh air along with all that exercising.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new exercise activity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Have you ever wanted to try kickboxing, yoga, or Pilates? National Exercise Day is the perfect time to give it a go! Research local classes and see if you can find something new to try.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an exercise competition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up your friends and family for an afternoon of friendly competition. Create different teams and have them compete against each other in various physical activities. The winners could even get rewards like medals or trophies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Sign up for a race</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself by signing up for a race like an obstacle course, marathon, or triathlon. This will help motivate you to stay active and stay in shape while having fun at the same time.</p></div></div>

Why National Exercise Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Exercise is vital for physical health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Regular exercise is an essential part of staying healthy and can help ward off serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also helps to increase energy levels, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress and depression.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's important for emotional well being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does exercise benefit your physical health, it has positive effects on your emotional state as well. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can boost self-esteem, increase confidence, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Can be a fun way to spend time with family & friends</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Exercising doesn't have to be a solitary activity - it can be used as a fun way to connect with family or friends! Go for a stroll around the park or take a bike ride together. You can also join group classes like yoga or Zumba to get everyone in the mood for movement!</p></div></div>

5 Unexpected Truths About National Exercise Day

National Exercise Day FAQs

When is National Exercise Day?

National Exercise Day is celebrated on April 18th every year. In 2024 National Exercise Day will occur on a Thursday.

National Exercise Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 18

Tuesday

2024

Apr 18

Thursday

2025

Apr 18

Friday

2026

Apr 18

Saturday

2027

Apr 18

Sunday