Member Stories

Hi everyone, Just wanted

“Hi everyone, Just wanted to share my story. I joined the programme on the 27th Sept. I had had back surgery late August, and walking was part of my healing process. I started doing the 10,000 steps and it was not easy. Then I decided that I needed to have more motivation and did the I challenge. That was the best decision I made. It gave me a goal and now I am happy to say that I do my 1000,00 steps in the morning before breakfast, which works out to be around 5 Kms, so all the steps I do for the rest of the day are a bonus. I feel so good when I achieve that goal. I have also made my I challengers a little harder. I say give it a go. You will feel great. Lib”

Greetings from Boulder City,

“Greetings from Boulder City, Nevada, USA. I'm 64 years old and have been walking an average of just over 15,000 steps a day for about a year. I am always looking for things to keep me motivated in my walking and recently became aware of a website that tracked the migration of the Willie Mormon Pioneer Handcart Company from Iowa City, Iowa to what is now Salt Lake City, Utah. My Great Grandmother, Sarah Moulton, was a member of that Company and made the 1,297 mile trek in 115 days, averaging 11.28 miles per day or 22,557 steps a day, 2,594,000 steps total. I have been attempting to duplicate that effort and will finish on February 16 if successful. Fortunately I don't have to push or pull a handcart and can walk on paved trails. I read and listen to my favorite music while walking. This can be hazardous to your health, however, but so far so good. Thanks for your inspiring stories. I haven't lost any weight, but I can eat anything I want and don't gain weight because of all the walking. Best regards to all, Dave Martin”

After reading others' contributions,

“After reading others' contributions, I thought I'd share my story to hopefully encourage those who have just started and have a fair bit of weight to lose or wonder if they'll ever get fit. I started trying to do something for myself a year ago, when I finally topped the 100kg mark. At 103kg and 176cm (female), my BMI was 33 and I'd been heavy for many years, gradually putting on more and more weight and getting less and less fit. I started with some dieting and haphazard exercising on my own with some success, but this February I joined 10,000 steps and in March joined a national weight loss programme. I chose a plan that used sensible eating and normal food, as I could imagine adopting this as a lifetime eating pattern, and for the first time in my yoyo dieting career I had accepted that an active lifestyle and healthy eating were a permanent change and not a temporary thing required to attain my desired weight. To stay healthy, this is how I eat forever. In the past year, I have lost 29kg and am hoping to lose a few more (aim BMI 22). My BMI has dropped from 33 to 24, and I am now in the healthy weight range. My waist and hips have both lost about 25cm but most amazing, my resting heart rate has dropped from somewhere well over 70 to just 60. I love being active now, moving is easier and I can actually run! I used to struggle to get my 10,000 steps, now I regularly do many more. I enjoy Metrogaining, rollerblading, walking and netball regularly, but even when I don't set out to exercise, I am moving more because it's easier. I don't do 10,000 every day (I like my rest days too) but my average is well over 10,000. Let me encourage you all not just to do the 10,000 steps programme at whatever level you can manage, I encourage you all to set yourself challenges that really extend yourself (especially mentally) beyond what you think you can do. Do the toughest i-challenge you dare and GO FOR IT. The i-challenges have really helped me push myself and improve my fitness. If you're just starting out, use the health assessment. It is soooo motivating looking back at where you've come from and I regularly look back at my health history to remind myself what I have achieved, especially when I'm finding the going tough. And take a fat photo- you might not want to show anyone yet, but when you look different and people are noticing how much healthier you look, you might want to refer back to what your "old self" used to look like. Find the right support, and hang around people who encourage you. Avoid those who try to sabotage your attempts to get healthy. Keep on track, and if you fall off, hop back on as soon as you can. It's never too late. Remember, this is your life and if weight has always been an issue, you will probably always have to look after yourself with healthy eating and exercise. If I can do it, anyone can. I wish you all well in your endeavours. Caroline”

Hi Steppers--Well I did

“Hi Steppers Well I did it... I set myself a Spring Challenge to walk 1000000 steps and I made it with a few days to spare! Halfway through I discovered this website and I found it very fitting that on the day I reached my 1000000 steps my prize for winning the October I-Challenge arrived - a pair of Aasics shoes. So keep at it everyone... join in the I-Challenges as they keep you motivated. I also lost about 7kg over Spring, which was not even planned! Regards Melanie”

Hi everyone,-This is the

“Hi everyone, This is the first day of 'evolution'. I am 35 years old, have two lovely children and weigh the heaviest I ever have. I am 169cms and have hit 'the ton', that is 104kgs. My progress has been slow and I have deliberated and promised over and over on doing something about my weight. I guess I'm afraid of failing. This week when my size 18 jeans started to feel tight I resolved that it was time I faced the facts: I am categorised obese and I am actually having difficulty moving freely and get short of breath sometimes. I don't want to feel this way anymore. So, I've put in place a couple of tools (pedometer, scales, and healthy eating plan)that are going to support me in my journey back. I also hope that by joining this site and being with like minded folks the possibility of not succeeding will be minimalised. This journey will be very real for me and I'm sure as I face my challenges I won't feel so alone. Thanks for listening. Kelly”

Hi everyone-I was someone

“Hi everyone I was someone who was always fit and looked good until I had 4 Children, three are under the age of 5. With every child I have gained 10kg. I use to weigh about 60kg and now I weigh 103kg. I am 174cm (5ft'8 I was really feeling low about my weight knowing I couldn't commit to going to gym because of the Children). Yes I am classified as Obese I always hated that word and couldn't bring myself to calling me that! Then I spotted the free pedometer with the Coles/Woman's Day promotional magazine, and I just love getting something for free. The very next day I thought that I would see how many steps that I do on a normal day. Then we took the Children on a ferry to Darling Harbour and that wasn't so normal, in fact I did about 16,000 steps that day so I had to monitor myself the next day and I achieved over 10,000. It was then that I decided to join in the challenge as I knew it was possible for me to achieve the goal of 10,000 a day. Yesterday I managed to do just under 20,000 steps and my average is 12,500 Thankyou to those who created the 10,000 step challenge it is a great motivational tool for those like myself who had lost all motivation. ”

Hi everyone. Wow -

“Hi everyone. Wow - what a simple tool for motivation and yet how powerful! I too got my pedometer from the magazine and I can honestly say it has changed my life! Although I was walking and trying to lose weight before - I certainly wasn't measuring my steps. But the pedometer has become my best friend! It motivates to make sure I get at the very minimum 10,000 steps in a day - and finally I'm actually DOING all the tips the Health magazines have been recommending forever (walking to the corner store, parking further away from the shops etc etc). All the gym equipment I have bought over the years and used once or twice (Thai Bo videos, ab crunchers, fit balls, weights etc etc etc) - and all I needed was a tiny pedometer! Boy have I been stupid! But onwards and upwards now - and hopefully goodbye to my final five kilos! PJ”

Hi everyone,--Congratulations to everyone

“Hi everyone, Congratulations to everyone who is doing so well on this program! I am 26 years old, and although I am not overweight, I am at the top of my healthy weight range. I was recently diagnosed with a genetic abnormality, which resulted in a severe clotting disorder. Following two clots in my right leg, I have permanent vascular damage and put on a fair bit of weight (partly due to dietary restrictions, from being on Warfarin - I can't eat as many green vegetables and salads as I used to). I have been wanting to do something to take control back in my life, and I went and bought a pedometer. Then I found this site, and it has done so much to motivate me... I am just less than a week in, and already keen to push myself that little bit further each time. My point is this - if I can do this, anyone can. I have permanent pain and swelling in my right leg, but I am still beating my target of 7,000 steps most days, and am so very grateful for the ability to walk in and of itself - so many others can't. Can I encourage all of you out there - health is a precious and finite resource, and anything we can do to conserve and improve our health and fitness is more than worth it (obviously preaching to the converted on this site!). Had I been walking more earlier on, I may not have had both of the clots with the same severity, as my circulation would likely have been much better... Good luck and keep it up everyone! Jane”

Hi all,--I joined the

“Hi all, I joined the site in October after hearing about it from my health coach, a service I found I could access through work. I was motivated to finally do something about my weight and health after my child wanted me to go on a sideshow ride, that was punishing and I realised that if I didn't do something I wouldn't be able to do the ride at all next year. Walking has been my main exercise, I reckon when I started I'd be lucky to do 3000 steps on most days, by the time I signed up here I was up to maybe 6000 per day. Now my average is over 16000 per day and I just completed the November I-Challenge with 3 days to spare. Between the exercise and a major change of diet I'm down around 17 kilos and about 16cm off my waist, figures I find hard to believe but the numbers are on the scales and tape. As I work in an office and spend half my time as a single parent it can be a challenge to get the steps in some days but it's worth the effort. Good luck to all, enjoy the festive season but keep up your stepping while you do.”

Hi to everyone out

“Hi to everyone out there, I have just starting doing the 10000 Steps challenge on the 14/11/2006 when my mother first saw the advertisement on TV. So I raced down to Coles and got the mag (actually 2 so Mum and I would work together) with the Pedometer on it. I know that I walk allot, but in the past week and a half I have walked about 180000 (and my average is about 16000) and to top it off I have also lost about 3-4kgs. It is absolutely fantastic because it makes me want to do the challenges and also lose that weight that I have been carrying for about 3+ years. But not only that I just feel so much more energetic and ready for everything, I also want to lose weight without have to stick to all of those extra rules (which means I didn’t find the motivation I needed) and now I have the Motivation and also the enthusiasm that I was looking for, for so long! Just thought I would add in that I am 21 years old and 178cm and about 94kgs, about 15-20 more to go. So remember everyone to have fun, while being fit, healthy and just enjoy! Toya ”

Hello all,-

“Hello all, I am 45 years old. we started the 10000 step program on the mine I work on the 18th of October. We also started a Belly Blasters program 10 weeks ago since then along with the step program I have lost 12kg, but since starting back on the mine site in February I have lost 19kg. This program is great it gives you something to aim for. We have got 12 teams involved so we are all trying to outdo each other. Good luck everyone, stay positive and healthy. ”

Hi Walkers, I finally

“Hi Walkers, I finally decided to tell you all my story so far. I only joined 10,000 steps late July this year and found all the challenges a real motivator. Over a long period of time I had a real problem with my weight, and being at an age now of 55 years where it is crucial to be fit and healthy, with the help of my GP, Dietitian and 10,000 steps I am working very hard to achieve my goal weight of 65kg. I am only 161cm tall and my weight at present is about 102kg. Since March this year I have lost 13.1 kg. I have been overweight now for so many years, I just cant remember when it all started, so with my slow weight loss I can now see the real me, who has been waiting so long to come out of hiding. It will probably take me at least another year to achieve my goal, but I am count on loosing with the 10,000 steps challenges every month. I hope this story encourages other people who are trying to have a happy and healthy life. I have walked 3,311,193 steps so far this year. Happy Walking Suzanne”

Most of us here

“Most of us here at Home Hill Hospital Have enjoyed the challenge of 10,000 steps. Due to family and work commitments we really couldn't get too overly enthused. Except for the pedometers getting a few dunkings in the toilet bowl, one of our girls breaking her toe, doing nothing in particular, nothing very exciting to report. Cheers Lorraine”

I have been having

“I have been having problems with motivating myself to exercise since moving to a property about 50km from the nearest town. I felt a bit isolated and used the distance from the local gym as an excuse not to exercise I have put on about 8kg which is not good for me as I am only 154cm tall and I was feeling lousy every time I looked in the mirror. I found the pedometer in a magazine that I just bought and put it on straight away. Already today I have done 11966 steps and I feel that this is just the motivation I need to get my act together to lose my tummy and get healthy. Good luck to everyone else.... Sue ”

Natalie Miller Hello everybody

“Name: Natalie Miller Hello everybody, I nearly died a month ago due to a severe asthma attack, I was a heavy smoker. The doctors told me if I didn’t stop smoking I might not have a happy ending like this time, so I made the decision to quit smoking and have felt better for it. I work on a banana farm which keeps me fit, but since I have gotten out of hospital and have lost a lot of condition I haven’t been able to work much and have started eating to substitute smoking. I have put on 10kg. I’m now back at work full time and watching what I eat and increasing my steps per day I have lost 2kg and am confident I will be better than before. People know obesity is not healthy, but a lot of normal weight people like my self are also just as unhealthy in what they eat and do, I wish everyone the best in their goals and hope you all lead healthy and long lives, Nat.”

Hi, After a visit

“Hi, After a visit to the doctor's last November 2005, I was in desperate need to lose weight for my health. I started with a short walk then progressed to swimming and then aerobics (at home). Today some 12 months on I have dropped 22Kg's. All from that first short walk. It can seem hard to start but I found the easiest thing to do to get started was not to think about it and just 'do it'. I designed my day so that I gave myself time each day - and I am living proof it pays off. As for the Doctor, I went back the other day and told him what I had been up to in the past year. The doctor was very impressed and my blood pressure and Cholesterol was 'disgustingly healthy' to use his words. I encourage you to simply take it one day at a time and give yourself as long as it takes. That may be a year like me. Just 'do it'. Happy walking! ”

Good on you Anna

“Good on you Anna for sharing Go Girl!! One Step after another,that's what my last 2 yrs have been about, and slow but significant progress, with achievable goals are the way to go. Im now a Div 2 Nurse for the last 2 weeks!!! I gave the smokes up a month ago. Yahooo!!! After a 26yr 30 a day habit. !!! There has been a lot of study over the last 2yrs Im a 163cm - 87kg Nurse with sore ankles and feet. As now Im walking a lot wrking 6 days a week. I thought Id try the challenge, because I walk at work, depending on the environment sometimes I don't walk enough to burn the KG's. So I need the motivation and the step goals to make sure I see some results. Becuase often all you want to do is sit down when you get home, and guess what there is where you sit for the next few hours. 16 kg's in 12 mnths is my next big STEP, See you on the JOURNEY!! ”

hi there,-i have recently

“hi there, i have recently finished work and am on 8 weeks paid holiday time. so far ive had 2 weeks. having all this time on my hands i swore i'd do something about my weight, but havent. i went to visit my dad in cairns and saw his ex wife, of whom is like a second mother to me... she told me she was scared about my future health and put me on to this site. ive just done a health assessment and im shocked and devastated. ive never weighed this much in my life. i have to find the motivation to keep to this. its so easy to be lazy. i want to have children though, and at 122kgs, i dont think its a wise idea. thats right. 122kgs. i've got to do this, and i have to do this now. Power on everyone, you only get one chance at life!”

Hi everyone.--After receiving my

“Hi everyone. After receiving my free step counter off my non energetic friend, i couldnt wait to get home to log onto the web site and start. I stopped smoking after 23 years and have been getting up early in the mornings and hitting the pavement for an hour.{beaches are lovely at 6am}. my 14 year old staffy loves to come with me. I will definately be wearing it everyday from now on and cant wait to see the results. Im a widow mother of three lovely girls and would love to loose about 7 kilo and abit more tummy. Heres hoping this will not only side track my mind from the smokes but also help me reach my goal weight. Look out two piece swim suit, this summer for sure..... ”

Wow - what amazing

“Wow - what amazing stories that everyone has shared. Today I bought WW and there it was a free pedometer. I put it right on and started. Not a bad effort I think that I started @ 1pm today and have done 8004 steps.. 5 weeks ago I started looking out for me - and my health to ensure that I am a fit and healthy mum for my 14 month old boy who has just started to walk - someone needs to keep up with him. In the last 5 weeks I have lost 6cm off my waist and 5.5kg. This is really great and an extra motivation - so 10,000steps here I come and I cannot wait for these I-Challenges to head south to Melbourne. Good Luck to everyone.... Lots of Love...”

Wow I'm so impressed

“Wow I'm so impressed and I too was a bit slow to start and move through the process. Initially it was scary to see how much I don't actually move, I work in an office and although I thought I moved around alot - I didn't, which also contributed to my lower back pain. I have found that after my evening meal even if I just hang the clothes on the lines, do the dishes or wash the floor how many calories I'm burning and how many MORE steps I'm achieving. I now cycle go to the gym and swim and do any sort of exercise I can. Like most my weight loss has been slow but I'm still hanging in there and staying positive. Thanks to everyone for your inspiration and a special thank you to those that struggle with an illness which inhibits us from our goals sometimes. HANG IN THERE. ”

This week I have

“This week I have chalked up 2,026,421 Steps. The major part of these steps have been done at work in the shunting yards of the Townsville area. Getting clost to ordering new boots… FLEMO”

Ana, -Your story is

“Ana, Your story is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing it with us who take our health and mobility for granted, it is a very humbling thing to learn of people who overcome illness. Well done to you!”

Hi Ana--What a great

“Hi Ana What a great inspiration you are. My step-sister is also has schizophrenia and struggles with her weight. Like all of us, she has trouble staying motivated, and at the moment is in a bit of a low patch. I am going to share your story with her, and hope that it inspires her as much as it has inspired me! Thanks you for sharing. Kerrie”

1,500,000 steps today... It

“1,500,000 steps today... It only took 4 months and 1 day.. Kathy Gold Coast”