Member Stories

Stepping out in the UAE

“We are the staff from an international school in the emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. For those of you that do not know the UAE, it is not walking distance from Dubai or if it was, it would be a long, hot walk! As one of our social and wellbeing initiatives at work, we have some 75 staff members in teams of five involved in our team challenge tournament. We are a diverse group of nationalities: from the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India, Philippines, Pakistan, Turkey, Columbia, Egypt, Jordan and other gulf countries. Involvement in the tournament has certainly brought all aspects of the school's operations together: cleaning, maintenance and facilities, security, academic, marketing and admin support have all stepped on board and it's certainly a real talking point around the place. The temperatures have dipped so everyone's out in the fresh air, as well we've seen some really fantastic individual performances. It's had a powerful impact on strengthening our bonds at work and establishing meaningful connections and we've still two weeks to go! Logging steps is simple; the resources on the website are great and overall, it's been fun for everyone - keep up the great work!”

MISFITS Australia, Manny

“I have dug out from storage my wife’s old treadmill and have begun walking 4-5 kilometres every morning. That’s around 5000-6000 steps I wouldn’t normally make. I usually walk around 10 k’s on a normal day at work anyhow, but the 10,000 steps competition has inspired me to do more. Thought I would share this with you. Good luck and happy walking to you all. Manny”

Friendly and healthy competition at work and at home!

“I have to credit the 10,000 Steps program with getting many of my family members to exercise as they wanted to look like they are trying in our "Group". I have found the same to be true at work. The fun practice of checking your steps each day has made for a positive interaction with both of my groups! I notice at home, it is fun to see if you can beat a family member or when a new exercise person beats an avid exercise member. All good and healthy!”

The 10,000 Steps program is perfect for me

“I've found this program most enlightening.  After a long period of knee problems which prevented me from walking far, now resolved, I decided to join 10,000 Steps to keep me honest.  Most days I walk approx. 12,000 steps.  I still have some minor physical problems which prevent me from doing some other types of exercise so this is perfect for me.”

The Stepping Bug caught me...

“I first started the 10,000 Steps and challenges in a 4 week Tournament in 2017 and I initially planned on conducting at least 12,000 steps per day, considering I wasn’t that active, but the ‘stepping bug’ caught me and I even recorded a couple of 50,000 plus steps during the Tournament, and this has all occurred thanks to the 10,000 Steps Program. Since then, I now step an average of 25,000 every day and always log my steps online, participate in 5km Parkrun each Saturday, can now run 10kms without walking and have lost around 18kg and am feeling better and fitter than I have in decades – again, all thanks to the 10,000 Steps Program. My advice to anyone considering the 10,000 Steps Program is to join and just start stepping, who knows what each tiny step will bring. For me it was a huge change in lifestyle and wellbeing, definitely for the better! - Wayne Chetcuti”

Stepping along

“Hi Everyone. I have been stepping since 2013 and every now and then slip up but I have inspired my husband to do 10,000 steps per day too. Being a man he outdoes me most days and has also lost 26 kilo's. He does not do any challenges or record his steps though, but is motivated daily to walk his 10,000 steps which makes me feel chuffed that he does it. Keep up the good work everyone and I like the individual challenges too. Helen Etheridge, Sydney, Australia.”

10,000 Steps since the beginning...

“I've been with 10,000 Steps since the beginning when a couple of health and human performance academics decided to do something practical to improve the overall health and fitness of staff and students at CQ University in Rockhampton. I've personally done over 55 million steps since (more actually, as in the early days there was no website), and shared in the joys and successes of what is now a world wide community of happy steppers. Thanks to folk like Peter Reaburn and Kerry Mummery who got this great effort off the ground, and to the many folk since who keep it humming along today, and hopefully, for many years to come. You can complete monthly challenges at varying ability levels; I've personally found I'm more systematic in exercising when I undertake these. You can link up with other walkers or make up a team. Member stories are also on the website and some are very moving and inspirational. So what's not to like? Join me today and let's aim for half a million walkers before the decade is out :)”

Achieving 10,000 steps, but maybe not all in one day.

“I was getting discouraged seeing my pedometer never clock up the magic 10000 in spite of, what seemed to me, a lot of effort. But I've found a solution that works for me, to keep me motivated. I don't zero my pedometer every day any more. I let it keep running till it reaches 10000 and then I reset it. That means that most days, I see 10000 on the pedometer and I feel I've achieved something. In practice it works this way: Day 1 - I might clock up 7000 steps. But I don't record it and I don't reset the pedometer, because I haven't reached 10000 yet. Day 2 - I continue from yesterday, reach 10000, record it and reset the pedometer. And then keep walking. Maybe I end the day with about 4000 on the pedometer. Day 3 - Same again, I continue from yesterday. Towards the end of the day, I can have reached 10000 again, after doing about 6000 steps. I then reset the pedometer, and any more I do before evening gets carried over to the next day. Day 4 - Maybe I'll have 1000 or so from yesterday to start with, or maybe nothing. I may not reach 10000 this day, but even so, every step I clock up is going to help me reach 10000 tomorrow, so I stay motivated to keep walking. My step average has increased this way, because every step counts towards certain achievement, either today or tomorrow. There are no 'wasted' days. Every step counts.”

Great Experience

“It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life losing 5 to 6 kg of body weight in one month only by walking as a part of our workplace Tournament. In the last few days of our Tournament, all of our team members visited some high hills and beautiful historical places here in India to get more steps. During this time we got to know each other more. Even though the Tournament has now ended, I am aiming to keep walking and am hoping to lose more weight. ”

Fantastic Motivator

“Hi there I found this website when I had my first determination to loose weight in 2012 through many walks I saw the 10,000 Steps signs and bought a pedometer and started logging my steps, I found it fantastic and very motivational. I had a two year goal to lose 30kg which I accomplished with the help of a huge amount of walking, going to the gym and changing my diet. Once my goal was hit I slackened off a bit, but continued to ensure a step goal of 10,000 steps a day. I have since put all the weight back on and will start a new goal in the new year. Through the years my basic pedometer was replaced with a striiv smart pedometer which I loved but it died on me and as it was not sold in Australia at the time I moved to a Fitbit, which now everyone in my family has a Fitbit as well. I continued to log my steps into your website as it contained all my history and created an account for my daughter. The 10,000 Steps website is always on my mind but as I had a Fitbit I didn't go into it very often and when I did only to update my steps. Today I went in there and it now syncs with Fitbit. What a lifesaver you have come a long way in the years I have used your site and am very impressed with the fantastic updates to the site. My steps are all up to date and having the option to sync with Fitbit, it will always be up to date from now on. Thankyou for a great site and keep up the fabulous work improving it.”

Accountability

“I originally joined in 2009 and have just signed into my old account after a long break of not recording my activity. After great success my slide started with thinking I didn't need accountability. Thankfully, it isn't as bad as when I originally started and never do I want to go back to those days. Just laced up my old shoes and am going to explore my new city which I moved to six weeks ago. Also joined the gym. Back on track, thank you for keeping my old account.”

It Started With Food

“After several years of intense stress, I'm virtually inactive, except for swimming on weekends. I've been wanting to get more active for years. I used to weight-train in my 30s, and one thing I learned (and later forgot) from my weight-training days is the importance of nutrition for sustaining activity. While weight-training, it was my goal to eat 6 nutritious meals per day - 4 x protein, carb, and vegetable, 2 x protein and carb - and 8 glasses of water. No calorie counting. No restrictions. By focusing on getting the right fuel for the body, things like cake and chocolate lost their appeal. I still used to eat them occasionally when I was feeding my body right, but most of the time I just didn't feel like it. I had so many other really satisfying foods I wanted to fit into my day. And I got really fit, strong, and energised. So, as of last month, I'm back to on to nutrition. I've joined 10,000 Steps to track my activity as I get more motivated and to strike a match to all this good fuel I'm taking in. I've chosen 10,000 Steps specifically because it runs throughout the year, and lets me compete against myself, which I like a whole lot more than team-based challenges. The best person to compete against, in my opinion, is yourself.”

Granni

“I have lowered my daily goal from 10000 steps to 7500. I am in my 3rd year of chemo for ovarian cancer and I just do not have the stamina to walk like I use to. I am 80 years old but still trying to stay as active as I can.”

Reflections

“Just been browsing the back stories and see I contributed way back in 2004 (a pedometer lost on the slopes of the Sleeping Giant, Kau'ai, and setting up the sadly short lived Greensteps). I'm a foundation member of 10000 Steps - even before it became a presence on the web - and will be forever grateful to my fellow academics, Peter and Kerry, who were instrumental in getting the fledgling 10000 Steps to fly - as well as the sterling support offered by Queensland Health and CQUniversity over these past decades. I came back to New Zealand/Aotearoa in 2010 just in time for the Christchurch earthquakes and now the Kaikoura one - if the earth wore a pedometer it would be racking up the steps big time! It's been great turning getting into the 76-100 age range - the competition isn't nearly as fierce :) The stories here are incredibly moving - if someone hasn't done a higher degree yet then the stories here would be a great starting place. That's it from me for another decade or so (maybe)... Peter Hallinan”

Road to Recovery

“Until 23rd February 2016 it was easy to complete 10,000 steps or higher most days. I had major right foot reconstruction on that date so was non weight bearing for 8 weeks and then gradual increases in daily stepping have increased mobility of my right foot. At the end of June 2016, my surgeon was so happy with my progress that he just encouraged me and I was discharged from his care. Swelling will continue to occur for at least 18months post surgery. I have found that if I exceed 6,500 steps the foot is too swollen to do much more than 4,000 steps for a couple of days. Being able to log my steps and be accountable to someone out there encourages me greatly. 5 out of the 7 days I usually reach my target of 6,500 steps. Thanks for this opportunity to log my steps manually.”

Parkrun!

“If your looking for a fun way to increase your steps why not try "parkrun"(www.parkrun.com.au for the one closest to you). It's a 5 km walk, jog or run, free to attend and is on every Saturday Morning at 07:00. It's also a great way to meet like minded people in your local community. I tried it for the first time in February 2015 and couldn't make it more 800m before having to go from a slow jog to walking. Over my last 40 parkruns I've managed to build up to jogging (still slowly) for the whole 5 kms and broke 32 minutes for the first time last Saturday. Not a brilliant time, but (for me) it's more about the enjoyment and encouragement you can give (and receive) to the other walkers, joggers and runners. I always leave with a smile on my dial. Cheers, Paul Mac ”

Training for Mt Kilimanjaro

“I had a fair amount of incentive to complete the Challenge. I am currently in training to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in about 6 weeks time. Being an office bound worker, the 10,000 step challenge was a great way to keep me on track. With a couple of 1-2 hour hill climbing sessions a few nights a week, and 15-30 km hikes on at least 1 day each weekend I was well on my way. I?m happy to say that since I started training in earnest in January I have lost almost 12 kg.”

Now I am More Active!

“Using an activity tracker and recording my physical activity with 10,000 Steps has helped me to become aware of how much activity I do and how much I don't do. Working at a computer most days of the week for work contributes to my sitting time greatly. Tracking my steps, I can see that I only reach 2,000-3,000 steps on a typical work day unless I make time to get out of my seat and go for a quick walk around the building to clear my head, walk to and from the printer and the offices and take a walk during my lunch break or during the afternoon. It can be difficult to reach 10,000 steps each day without putting more effort into being active before and after work. ”

Working on a Life Habit

“My 10,000 Steps Story is really a story about taking one step at a time. My first step found me facing up to the fact that my job and lifestyle is embarrassingly and unhealthily sedentary! My second step was realising that I wanted and needed to change. Most days I don't make 10,000 steps, but I am working on it and encouraging others. I figure if I keep it going for longer than one month, exercise will become a life habit.”

Walking at Work

“I have been amazed with how many steps I walk at work. This has helped my energy levels and I have learnt some good tips with parking further away from the shops to increase my steps and walking early in the hot weather!”

Walking and Biking

“I started exercising to support my daughter getting fit to join the QPS. We walked everyday, went for a minimum 15km bike ride.The best effort was an 88km bike ride. I kept up the exercise for 3 years after supporting her because after her effort I didn't want to disappoint her by not keeping up my regime. I increased to minimum 6.5km sometimes 20km walk per day and a 10-20km bike ride. I found it helped with increasing energy levels, stress release and a general feeling of wellness. We all make excuses but sometimes really need to push to achieve results. I need to move it again.”

Everyday Steps

“Hi to all those who are stepping out for better health over the next few months! A challenge for sure but the benefits will be worth it. I have been enjoying my many steps, the early morning walk a favourite and this morning got to chat with two lots of neighbours so it is a way to socialise as well. Just getting out in the fresh air and to see the glorious creation around us is certainly worth the effort to commit to the challenge. Many of my 10,000 steps plus, are doing the chores around our small hobby farm, either feeding the chooks, alpacas and birds or taking my horse from our paddock to a neighbours for some extra grazing. Housework provides the opportunity for extra steps as does collecting the mail and the often mundane of jobs, but it is getting me moving and its great. Hope to share more along the journey. Helen”

Aiming for 10,000 Steps

“In September 2011 I weighed 136.5 kilos, I could hardly walk 10 minutes before my sore back would prevent me from walking further. I discovered exercise and in March 2012 ran in a 5km fun run which I ran all the way. I have since run in another two 10km fun runs, a 12km and a 14km and in a few weeks will attempt my first half marathon (21km). I began to lose weight and exercise regularly I lost a total of 61.5 kilos. Over 8 months since then I have kept it off and my obsession with running, exercise has not dimished. I am loving the idea of 10,000 steps per day and aim to achieve that daily.”

Walking Anywhere

“In 2008 I weighed a bit over 180kg, and had been living in my bed for nearly 12 months because it was too painful to walk. I only got out of bed to do the most important things that had to be done. I went to the shops using a shopping trolley for support, if I couldn't see a trolley out front of the shops I would go straight back home. If I did manage to get inside the shops I would almost be in tears with pain. My doctor told me that I would die before I turned 60, at that time I was 55. I joined weight watchers international in November 2008 and the leader asked me if I could do some walking as part of my exercise. I couldn't even do that so I sat on the edge of my bed and used soup cans as weights. I gradually lost 20kg and I then started to go outside to see how far I could walk with a cane, but I could only make it past 6 house blocks, I had to have a few breaks on the way to get back. In 17 months I lost 100kg, then later on finally went to 107kg.  Not long ago I walked 70km over 88,000 steps, now I can walk anywhere!”

Achieving My Step Goal

“I am a return stepper after a few years of not recording. Although I was still walking each day, not recording the steps stopped the motivation and lessened the number of steps I did. I am now planning on walking Kilimanjaro in January. Having a goal gives one a sense of achievement so recording steps is very important for me to motivate movement. I also swim a few times a week which would add to the step count and take pressure off the legs. Doing the challenge is also interesting as I google the area of the world I am walking in and so I am also exercising my mind and learning about the countries the challenge walks are in as well as exercising my body. Janice Port Macquarie Australia”