Step Up for Walk Maryland Day

Want to improve your heart health, meet people around campus and get outside for a last blast of summerlike heat? Today’s the day to take that first step.

The University of Maryland and city of College Park are among the dozens of communities participating in the fifth annual Walk Maryland Day, a celebration of the official state exercise. 

On campus, University Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) will host three 30-minute walks, and the city will hold an employee walkathon at noon to promote walking as an easy and accessible form of exercise to keep you moving throughout the workday. 

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to strengthen bones and enhance cardiovascular fitness. Bonus: It requires no specialized equipment, meaning you can do it virtually anywhere, anytime, said Bre N. Rowh, assistant director of member services in RecWell. 

“If you’re stuck solving a problem or writing an important email, going for a walk can be an effective way to help clear your mind and regain focus,” she said. On the flip side, our bodies often go into “sleep mode” after lunch as blood gathers in your core to aid in digestion, so walking is a great way to awaken the body and mind. 

Now test your own walking know-how with RecWell: