Have you upped the ante when it comes to family walks this year? If you’re hitting the sidewalks and trails more now than ever before, you aren’t alone.
According to a new survey conducted by Rockport, more than half of Americans walk between one and five miles more per day now than in years past. Why are so many people walking more these days?
photo: Daniel Reche via Pexels
Other than the obvious pandemic-related lack of anything else to do, it turns out Americans are walking to relieve stress. Fifty-seven percent of the people surveyed said they walk as a stress reliever and 67 percent agree walking can help clear the mind. Thirty-six percent of survey respondents walk one to two miles daily and 21 percent walk between three and four.
Along with stress relief, Americans are also walking more to take a break. Thirty-three percent of people surveyed said they use walking as a way to take a break from the daily grind of work and 28 percent use this form of physical activity to catch up and reconnect with their family
Lisa Laich, Chief Marketing Officer at The Rockport Company, said in a press release, “For 50 years, Rockport has celebrated walking and comfort, helping people power their lives from morning to night. And while routines have changed this past year, 2020 has shown us the clear value and importance of walking – even if it’s just one mile each day.”
Laich continued, “This survey shows that Americans of all ages and across geographic locations are more interested than ever in getting in their daily steps, and we’re excited to help people navigate each step of their walking journey.”
Even though the uptick in walking may seem like a popular pandemic trend, the survey revealed this activity is here to stay. A whopping 93 percent of people surveyed said they’re very or somewhat likely to continue their walking routines after Covid-related restrictions are lifted.
—Erica Loop
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