Member Stories

A passion for walking

“As kids back in time, we had to walk at least 5kms to reach bus stop to going to school twice a day, with a load of at least 20 books in the school bag. Then fast forward to 1999 in New Zealand - I started my first job as door to door salesman and walked almost every suburb from Warkworth to Bombay hills from 12noon to 7pm. Now walking has become a passion. With challenges like these, every step is a motivating factor to add to the daily numbers and gives a fierce sense of competition. It is also a healthy habit and is a talking point with the colleagues on a daily basis. I have done Auckland Marathon from 2006 to 2019. Shall resume the same from next year to celebrate my eligibility for the Super gold card at 65 years and also to celebrate my 25 years in New Zealand.”

Time to turn the clock back 10 years

“10 years ago I was 85kg, and dieted and exercised to look good, losing weight to 70kg for my best friend's wedding. Add in Covid-19, working from home, no exercise, and stress that caused me to emotionally eat. I was gaining weight and this created health issues. Reality hit when I tipped the scales at 90kg, yep 20kg, the biggest I had ever been. I didn't like the figure in the mirror. This past 2 months I have changed jobs and moved to Katherine, NT. I started cutting down my eating- removing soft drink, bread and fast food, cutting down proportion sizes. Then I started swimming daily as it was the only way I could exercise initially for 2 weeks. Determined, 8 weeks later I was walking and moving, walking stairs daily. I am taking the 10,000 steps challenge very seriously. I can actually jog, after losing 8 kilos in 8 weeks. Now I've started there's no time to stop! Motivated to be part of a team tournament at work, this will keep me further disciplined. I am already feeling benefits to my health and my ability to keep moving has greatly increased. At 54 I plan to reach a goal of 75kg. If I can get back to 70kg I will have turned the clock back 10 years! ”

Press Reset on Life, Health and Wellbeing

“I have had my struggles with health issues over the 13 years and one of my greatest achievements was to lose 132kg. I am happy to announce that I am now at 75kg. I would say I have 9 lives and am still trying hard to get things right. That's why my heading is called "Press Reset on Life, Health and Wellbeing"! Every morning I wake up at 4:30am; my day finishes at 10:30pm. I am running around getting most things done before the middle afternoon. For me, to maintain my weight and fitness is to keep moving, keep up with my dietician appointments, and eat healthy. Walking my two dogs, and taking my rabbits out across the park on leads. Has anyone tried keeping up with rabbits? It's quite the challenge. As I work two jobs, 7 days a week, I am on my feet all day. I try not to sit, only when I am driving places. When I am not working in the mornings, I have heaps of appointments, too many to mention. I will park 5km away, and walk there and back to my car. Accidental exercise is also great as housework and shopping requires leg work, lifting, and bending all the time. Where I live and work are located in perfect places to walk, and to soak up the atmosphere around me. This is known as my time to reflect on what lays ahead of me. This is just a snapshot of what I do. Happy walking and keep smiling!”

I am tired... I am unwell... so decided to do something about it...!

“I used to weigh 55kg and now 70kg due to working from home nearly 2 years as a result of COVID lock down. Now I have moved from Melbourne to WA and working in a office where I have to walk 7 minutes in the morning to the train and back home. I decided to walk every day near my house after work around the lake 6000 steps (5 laps) and will be gradually increase to 10,000 steps. At work I am in 6th floor and steps 200. I have done this changes in my life and already feeling much better. This is only a starting step and have to go a long way to be able to be healthy and happy again. I cannot eat anything my stomach is bloated and very sick due to less exercises and the digestive issues, I have been to the doctor and taken all the medical advice and doing my bit to support my self to be happy again. If you think you can do anything, no one can stop you... but you need to have a strong determination to carry on what you have decided to do to achieve your goal, the satisfaction is unlimited. I wish you all to succeed in your dreams!”

Who is that in that picture? No that can’t be me!

“In September 2019 I looked at a picture of my beautiful daughter's wedding and was shocked at what I looked like. I wore size 44 pants and XXXXL shirt size, weighed 115kg and had four chins. At that moment I changed my mind-set. I began walking a little each day and counting my calories everyday. I started using the 10,000 Steps app at the beginning of 2021 in January and set a goal of 7 million steps by the end of 2021. I broke down each day what I needed to accomplish. I accomplished the goal and went further and finally finished with 7,504,499. I now weigh 84kg. I wear size 32 pants and large shirts, and blood pressure is perfect for a 60 year old and resting pulse is down to 54.”

Randall's Story

“City boy here during work week - rural country boy on weekends in the Kaipara. I do not have a car - mostly walk and use public transport. My husband has an eco-friendly ute on the farm. Walking is the spice and secret of my physical health! Walk the world with 10,000 Steps!”

Kick up the bum I needed!

“I love walking and this challenge is just what I have needed to get started again. Needed some motivation after winter and COVID. Hoping at 57 I can still get my fitness up again to do fun runs again in the future. Thanks 10000 steps.”

Stepped up for Down Syndrome Queensland and found a new and enjoyable daily activity

“For 21 days in October I raised some funds for Down Syndrome Queensland by taking on 10,000 steps each day and achieved a total of 242,600 steps. But this is not the end. Thanks to 10000Steps and DSQ I have found a new daily routine to relive the boredom and improve my health while isolated and in partial lockdown in Dhaka Bangladesh. Borders are opening up slowly, flights are coming back on, maybe I will get home by Christmas, but that appears unlikely. I am really enjoying my new found past time, pity I cant walk home.”

Vadrevu Purushottam

“The timing of this challenge has been perfect. Since we are in lockdown, indefinitely so far in Auckland i could dedicate at least 3 hrs of brisk and slow walking apart from all the routine chores in the house. I would like to know details about any ongoing oneds in the future after the end of current challenge on October 17th .”

The Challenge is small but the steps are great

“I started the 10000 step challenge with a goal of 5000 steps per day after double knee replacement. On average I am at 2995 steps per day making the 5000 steps at least once a week and sometimes twice. I know it isn't anywhere near the 10000 steps but every bit helps and I just wanted people to know that the challenge may be small but the steps are great, so don't let 10000 steps put you off just set your own benchmark and when you make it move the benchmark.... Julie”

My poor little trotters

“Day 1 - Goal per day: 7,000 steps, walked to work from train 1,951, lunchtime walk around the river 4,843 (longer than I intended and in heels!), back to train after work, another 1,995, warm out leave your coat at work she said to herself. Total = 8,789 goal achieved high five me. On the train...hang on where are my car keys (in my coat at work), another 4,175 back to my house... in heels with not much path! My poor little trotters were humming. But in myself I felt a huge sense of achievement and happiness that I can do all that... IN HEELS, did I mention that already ;-).”

Walking with my great mate!

“Counting steps is easy when you are outside walking in the fresh air and sunshine with your best 'dog' friend. There is something truly very relaxing about walking in the outdoors (especially on the Northern Beaches), with your Dogga! Love my little guy and proud of my STEPtember walking achievement. :)”

Walking for better health

“Joined the 10000 step challenge in October 2020 and throughout the year come rain, hail or sunshine, I still continued to challenge myself. I Received the badge for the 4 million steps milestone and am aiming high for the next achievement :)”

Just out there having a go

“As a relative new member of DTMR and one of the Western District offices, it is refreshing to see how wellness and wellbeing is being promote within the workplace. As a employee from Private Sector, this is something that is recognised as major part of employment, the personal wellbeing and wellness of employees. Great to see the executive of DTMR from top down promoting this in our workplace. Our District loves a bit of banter and great to see the effort across QLD, and thanks to our Captain and wellness and wellbeing advocate for all his work in this area. School Holidays now so a bit more hours to enjoy the outdoors, healthymind=healthbody=winwin Keep having fun everyone”

It is a revelation

“2020 AND 2021 have been the laziest years of my life, due to the lock down. I was even more disappointed that my registration fee for so many running/walking events was not refunded for the year 2020 and i was more upset. So i have decided not to do any more registrations for the year 2021. I used to register myself for couple of Full marathons, Half marathons and a few more charity walks. I was very excited to do the 10000 step challenge during this gloomy and sedate times. This 10000 step challenge has ignited my motivation for walking and so at the end of each day /during the day i am able to spend at least 2 or 3 hours for walking to keep my physical and mental health intact part from the daily routine. I am very happy to be in the team Massey for the challenge.”

10,000 steps

“When I first completed the 10,000 steps, I clapped! ez”

From Global Village to Self Reflection

“Over many years, my family and I had the opportunity to visit family and friends across different continents but COVID has taught us how to enjoy the "Self Time" we have been given as a gift. Whilst it has always been eye opening to seek so many beautiful places, meeting new people and enjoy nature, we miss that personal touch but walking with my husband and talking about those memories has also been a pleasure over last 18 months more so than before. We were more encouraged by our neighbor Norma who at 75 walks for 2-3 hours daily and comes back with a flower arrangement of sorts for me. In return, I have been making extra food and sharing with her to break the routine of cooking your own meals all the time. Congratulations to all who have reached out to help others at this very difficult time and may you all achieve your personal challenge goals.”

By saying it out loud, then I can follow it through.

“Graduation is coming up in 3 months and am so hoping to have the size I can feel comfortable with. I'm currently size 16-22 - depending on the style of clothing, but will be nice to lose a few inches on the mid part. Just before the August 2021 lockdown, I hadn't been to the gym for a few months. During lockdown, food became my best friend and enemy at the same time. Then when I got an email about the 10,000 steps challenge coming up, I knew I had to do it. I'm around 100 - 106kgs and only 172 inches tall. There is a difference between having the extra weight on and just having the right weight for my height. When I'm on the weight I am comfortable with, I don't feel to take too many clothing when travelling. Anyway, will update you in the next couple of weeks. I'm taking lemon water for the next 7 days and see what happens. Enjoy stepping!”

Travelling to beautiful cities including a few Wonders of the world

“Over many years, my family and I had the opportunity to visit family and friends across different continents but COVID has taught us how to enjoy the "Self Time" we have been given as a gift. Whilst it has always been eye opening to seek so many beautiful places, meeting new people and enjoy nature, we miss that personal touch but walking with my husband and talking about those memories has also been a pleasure over last 18 months more so than before. I have been doing my walk almost 3 to 4 times a day to focus on positives as the world around goes through this extreme change where families are losing loved ones and or we experience COVID within our families abroad, minimum 8k a day has been the routine. It was a bit hard to rope in my hubby who struggled to cope with the Lockdown after couple of weeks, but eventually he joined and we both made good use of our time walking without a purpose which really helped us relax. A few friends have also picked up this and we now have a number of our network just walking to shake off the bad vibes. We were more encouraged by our neighbor Norma who at 75 walks for 2-3 hours daily and comes back with a flower arrangement of sorts for me. In return, I have been making extra food and sharing with her to break the routine of cooking your own meals all the time. I can proudly say that I have maintained my weight and happiness at same levels since March 2020 when I started working from home but fitness level is another matter and I cant wait to do gym activities with my friends once again. Congratulations to all who have reached out to help others at this very difficult time and may you all achieve your personal challenge goals.”

This Challenge Has Helped Me To Discover So Many Places In My Neighborhood

“I used to love walking to and fro my former place of work but then I got promoted and got redeployed to the Capital city which is about 40 mins drive from my house. I used to enjoy the night lights, the incessant dramas, and the discovery of cool joints to have fun every now and then. Before the challenge started in August 2021, I got ill and was on admission to the hospital. I was gutted cos I had planned to enjoy the challenge and possibly win. I lost about a week's participation as I wasn't moving much. But after I got back home, I rested for a few days and started looking for every opportunity to walk around. Seeing the low figures posted on my dashboard, I decided to not drive to work but carpool with my colleague. So, every morning I walk to our meeting point and in the evening I ask that he drops me off couple of miles away from my house so I can walk. At work, I stopped taking the elevator but the stairs, I also take the longer route to offices or places I want to go so my steps can increase. This event afforded me the opportunity of knowing/discovering places I never paid attention to in the past cos I would have just driven home and after being tired from the hours spent behind the wheels, I just freshen up and rest for another day. I can say for a fact that I feel so alive right now! Thank you so much CQUniversity and Ikeja Electric. Anticipating the next one!!!”

10000 step tournament

“I joined a team to do a 200,000,000 step tournament at first I found it difficult to do 10000 steps in 1 day as to went on I added 2000 steps per day now coming close to the end I am averaging 20,000. I walked 5 half hour stints during the dayas the days progressed I became more energetic & motivated I never thought that I would last the distance I am quite enjoying the journey. Gwendoline Goombungee Q”

Keep on keeping on

“It’s about keep on keeping on to keep doing your healthy lifestyle and exercise enjoy your healthy lifestyle and exercise enjoy keep fitness workout going every day drink plenty of water and eat healthy too.  It’s ok I start at 104kg and now I am 81 kg I am doing well as a personal trainer and I am inspiring others to do the same thing in Mildura in Victoria Australia.  Just keep on keeping on and success will come be positive and stay strong we can all do it.”

A pretty and challenging walk

“On Sunday 4 July eight of us from Greater Sydney Conference churches exercised by walking from Cowan to Mount Kuring-gai along the Great North Walk while keeping our social distancing . It is a very pretty walk with Boronia and some wattle in flower at the Cowan end of the trail. We crossed many creeks and took in the splendor of Berowra Waters on a beautiful sunny morning. The track poses some careful walking in places due to its steepness. However overall it was a beautiful walk. For all of us our leg muscles ached at the end but we really enjoyed the walk.”

Take a step means conquer your fear

“I started my journey in the 10,000 steps challenge only recently, and am fortunate to be leading a team of 12 people, all technocrats, engineers, and basically very motivated people. However, working from home and the COVID times have taken a toll on everybody's psyche and it is evident in the subtle change in attitudes. This challenge has now galvanised everybody to swing into action. Since it is 10,000 steps EVERYDAY, it means it is not a one-off marathon or a one-off 100m sprint, but a long term healthy WAY OF LIFE. This has taken some time to sink in but now that we are close to finishing the 4 million step mark, we are all excited to achieve this milestone. Personally, the routine of covering so many steps everyday means a lot, it has injected a semblance of an order in my daily routine and is guiding me to think about how we can be fit for life, by taking steps, small steps, day after day. I would encourage all to take this message to all Corporates, to all schools, colleges and Universities that by taking care of our health, we will be doing a great favor not only to ourselves, but also to the governments: the staggering expenditure on health will go down and the precious money can then be allocated to more needy areas, such as education or poverty. Lets all embrace this 10,000 steps a day motto as a way of life, much the same way as we brush our teeth or take a cuppa! In a way, when we take a step, we are also conquering our fear, we are telling our bodies that hey! you can do it, keep walking, keep taking that extra step. I also found this website very useful https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/walking-for-good-health So our mantra for life: 10,000 steppa, before we take a cuppa!!!! - Diptiman Yadav, Melbourne”

The father of the bride.

“My eldest daughter got married in June 2019. I was a size 44 suit. When the wedding photo came back and I was embarrassed by them. I woke in September looked in the mirror and saw my weight on the bathroom scaled and said “no more”. I started walking and counting calories using my fitness pal app and working with my family doctor from that day. I have lost over 35 kg. Im  wearing trouser with a 32 cm waist. My resting pulse is down to 60 and my blood pressure is at a 30 years age and I just turned 60. I can’t say how well I feel and love myself. People who have known are amazed. So far to the date I’m writing this 7/5/21 from the 1/1/21 I walked 2 600 000 steps in 4 and a bit months this year. I can’t say how important it is to talk to your doctor and keep checking with them. I work full time as a primary school teacher my energy level and coping skills are so good. I’m so thankful for my Fitbit. I hope this will encourage someone to get out and start walking little distances and watching what you are eating.”