My 10K Step Challenge: Did It Change My Life?

We’ve all heard about the magic 10,000 steps a day. But does it really make a difference? I’ve always been curious, so I decided to put it to the test. For a full month, I committed to hitting that 10K goal every single day. Along the way, I tracked my energy, my mood, and any changes I noticed. The results might surprise you!

Why 10k steps a day?

The 10k step goal actually started as a marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer in the 1960s! The name roughly translated to “10,000-step meter”, and it caught on. Research does show that walking 10,000 steps daily can offer numerous health benefits, including:

• Improved heart health
• Weight management
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Boosted mood and mental clarity

While 10,000 steps is a great goal, experts now say that even smaller amounts of daily walking can be significantly beneficial. It’s more about being consistent than hitting that specific number every single day. So, I decided to put it to the test!

How I tracked my steps

I’m a big fan of my Garmin watch – it’s been my go-to for tracking runs, hikes, and all sorts of outdoor adventures. But I’ve always wondered if it could accurately track my indoor steps on the treadmill. Inspired by some TikTok hacks, I decided to experiment by wearing my watch on my ankle! Of course, I had to make sure it was accurate, so I double-checked the readings against my desk treadmill’s step counter.

My 10k steps journey

Let’s be honest, some days the motivation to move just isn’t there. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t always easy! Here’s my honest account of the ups and downs.

Week One: Finding My Stride (and Some Unexpected Challenges)

Okay, let’s be real – even with my fancy under-desk treadmill, hitting 10k steps while working from home is tough! I remember when I first got it, I practically lived on the thing, easily surpassing 30k steps. But then… shoulder pain. Turns out, my physiotherapist wasn’t a fan of all that ‘typing while walking’; bad posture and all that. So while the mental boost was amazing, I had to take a break for a bit.

Back to week one of my 10k challenge: I settled into a routine of a morning treadmill session (podcasts for the win!) and an afternoon walk break. And you know what? The difference in my energy and focus was incredible!”

Week Two: Office Days vs. Work-from-Home Wins

Week two was pretty consistent, with my morning and afternoon walk routine. But those office days? Definitely a step-count challenge! You’d think working from home means being less active, but I find it’s actually easier to squeeze in walks. Office days are all meetings and commutes – sometimes the only motivation I have when I get home is putting on those comfy clothes!

So, I made a change: I started blocking out my lunch hour for a walk around the office area. Boom! 5k steps right there. Then, to reach my goal, I’d hop on my trusty under-desk treadmill for an hour after dinner.

Week Three: Battling Slumps and Finding My Rhythm

Week three hit me with a double-whammy: low energy thanks to my cycle, and miserable weather that made those outdoor walks way less appealing. But I wasn’t about to give up! Cue the power of playlists – I made a new, super upbeat one to keep me moving. Even though my energy wasn’t at its peak, I hit my 10k steps every day. Honestly, just sticking with the challenge was a huge mental boost.

Week Four: Finishing Strong and Feeling Unstoppable!

The final week of my challenge was a blast! My energy soared, motivation went through the roof, and I was smashing my 10k step goal – sometimes even doubling or tripling it. I hit a total of 125k steps for the week and felt absolutely amazing.

What I Learned (and What’s Next)

Physically, those 10,000 daily steps weren’t too tough. The bigger challenge? Finding the motivation to do it every single day. Some days were fantastic, but when energy or willpower dipped, it was a struggle.

Will I stick to the 10k daily goal? Honestly, no. I loved seeing the benefits, but the pressure wasn’t for me. My new approach is a 300k step monthly target! This gives me flexibility – on low-energy days, I can rest, and on weekends, I can make up for it with those long hikes I love.

Questions answered:

What are the benefits of walking 10k steps per day?

• Heart Health Boost: Regular walking can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Weight Management: It helps burn calories and can support a healthy weight.
• Stronger Body: Walking builds muscle and strengthens bones.
• Mental Clarity: It reduces stress, boosts mood, and can even improve sleep.
• Disease Prevention: Studies show it can lower your risk of things like type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Do we need to walk 10000 steps a day?

Not necessarily! While 10,000 steps is a popular goal, any increase in daily steps is fantastic for your health. Focus on finding a sustainable amount that works for you.

Is walking 10,000 steps a day considered active?

Yes! The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for adults. Walking 10,000 steps daily generally meets (and often exceeds) that recommendation.

How long does it take to walk 10000 steps?

Most people take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk 10,000 steps at a moderate pace. However, the time it takes to walk 10,000 steps varies depending on a few factors:

• Stride length: A person with longer legs and a faster stride will take fewer steps to cover the same distance.
• Pace: Walking at a brisk pace will naturally take less time than a leisurely stroll.
• Terrain: Walking uphill will slow your progress compared to walking on flat ground.

My Favourite Gear for Getting More Steps

Tackling my 10k step challenge was much easier with the right gear! Here are a few products that made the experience more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable. If you’re looking for ways to make walking a habit, check out my favourites.