Member Stories

During the month of

“During the month of May, my workplace had this 10,000 step competition I decided to join it. I was very surprised to find, how few a steps I took each day. Being a locomotive Driver, I spend most of the day on my rear end. I entered the steps program, as a way to get myself motivated in doing more physical activity. I started only doing 8515 steps per day, way below the 10,000, so I increased my walk route, and varied it, so it would not become boring. By the end of the second week I was averaging 10,199 steps. The program at work has finished, but I’m doing the Individual challenges. The program at work asked people to share their stories about the 10,000 steps program, My story was one they picked as being a good one, my prize was a $50 voucher from Amart sports, so as they had a sale on, I got myself a good pair of walking shoes with the voucher. M. Digby Queensland, Australia ”

Hi steppers-i started back

“Hi steppers i started back in april but really slacked off due to some family things going on. But im back on track once again now. I got the dog lead this morning and my 11 yr son and off we went for a 40min walk the poor dog was pooped before us hehe. anyway i managed to do over 7000 steps but find that my feet are really sore was wondering if anyone else has this problem as well and what have they done or tried to do to fix it. i do have a good pair of runner with air in them so it isnt that but was wondering if it was cause of my weight. I started off at 120.7 kilo and down to 115 which im happy with so far.”

Hello Everybody,-I'm an obese

“Hello Everybody, I'm an obese "Bionic Hippy Lady! [Bilateral Hip Replacements] Riddled with Osteo Arthritis and various other unhealthy ailments! I found this site accidently while looking for something else on the 'net one day, so I went out and bought the 10,000 Steps Pedometer and came back here to register. Here is a Community Centre on a Housing Estate Where I do Volunteer work running an Internet Cafe! I must be the most sedentary person ever! I found that when I have a whole day at home I don't move much at all - I'm flat out like a lizard drinking recording 500 steps on the Pedometer - usually less! So I'm sorting out ways and means to up the Numbers! I've started reading through other's stories to get a few ideas I can try. One sugesstion though came to me from a lady at a weight watchers class I used to attend. She uses the Sydney White Pages Directories - without unwrapping them - as a step stool. So as our White pages have just been delivered I think that might be a good way for me to start. Especially when I am spending the day inside. I'll keep you all posted when and if I think I'm getting it right! yours in Walkies Cathrene ”

Hi All (very long

“Hi All (very long - sorry), I kept hearing the ads on the radio about getting a pedometer from your local library.. I kept on thinking "I wonder how many steps I do each day". Knowing that it easily had to be 10,000 steps. I organised to borrow a pedometer from the local library and I was shocked..most days I only did about 3500 - 4500 steps.. surely that must be wrong, because I am up and down all day. As soon as I started wearing the pedometer, I quickly noticed some little things that I could do that would increase my steps each day.. Instead of driving around trying to find the closest carpark to work. Now I head straight to the back corner and have no problem with a carpark. I no longer cross roads on a diagonal, I walk to the end then cross in a straight line. No more standing at the photocopier, I take the opportunity to walk the 154 steps to empty the recycling bin no matter how little paper is in it. I only take the lift (one floor) if I am carrying something heavy) After 2 weeks (last Saturday) I had to take the pedometer back, but before I did I went to the local sports store and bought myself one.. This week I have started an even bigger increase, a very brisk walk (approx 3200 steps in a half hour) at lunch time. Which for me is a really big thing. But I can feel the benefits already. I have gotten less red in the face after each walk (ok so I know it has only been 3 days but I have to start somewhere). I am even sleeping better and waking up more refreshed. The biggest thing for me though, is I am keeping this all a secret from my husband. He knows I am trying to do 10,000 steps a day, but has no idea that I am passing that goal each and every day or that I am walking at lunch time. He is not very encouraging when it comes to this kind of thing, but then I don't blame him with all the 'exercise regimes' I have had over the years. I want to wait until he can see a change in me, then I will be able to proudly tell him, just how many steps I have done. I found this site today and signed up straight away, then went on to sign up for one of this months challenges. What a nice surprise, when I came home and entered all my steps from the past 2 and a half weeks to find that I am almost 50% of the way through the challenge. So I am just going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and see just how far I can go. Have a great day Kathy”

That is amazing Noelene

“That is amazing Noelene I am no stranger to back pain myself have had a back issue since i was 10 years old but i do agree with you walking helps you feel great. And i don't know about you but it helps me sleep better too. Keep up the good work. From Trudy ”

Hi fellow walkers. -I

“Hi fellow walkers. I joined 10,000 steps a day in April after hearing about the website on the radio whilst in Sydney. I have completed the Kokoda Trail Challenge for April and averaged 10,000 - 12,000 steps a day. In May I had back surgery and was dismayed to have to step back my stepping. Now 6 weeks later I am back to 12,000 steps a day and increasing all the time. Walking is SO GOOD for bad backs. You build up the muscles and hence reduce stress on the discs. My favourite walk is 4 km alomg the Hume and Hovell walking track beside Mannus Lake near my town of Tumbarumba. I take my two dogs with me and they love the walk as much as I. There are pelicans, swans and ducks to watch over as we walk and plenty of rabbits for the dogs to chase... a few roos and wombats and the odd brumby grace the area. Get out into the outdoors and enjoy walking yourself into fitness. Noelene ”

Thanks to all you

“Thanks to all you people who have shared your inspiring stories, I read them all and feel new energy to keep trying. I have found that this programme has helped me, I only have a few kilos to lose but am unfit and tired. Recently I have found that I'm not even tempted to have an afternoon snooze, even if I have the time. I feel so much better although I'm only averaging aroud 8800 steps per day. So guys even if time and circumstance stops you getting in your full 10000 steps it is worthwhile. At this lower level it has been easier to make a habit of it. Happy walking everyone.”

Hi,--I've been a bit

“Hi, I've been a bit sick over the last couple of years and am now just starting to feel normal. Of course I still have days when all I want to do is curl up and eat choccy biscuits, but on the whole I'm good. 10,000 Steps is giving me an incentive to keep moving and that can't be a bad thing.”

I have managed to

“I have managed to lose 30kg over a period of 5 months (120kg to 90kg). The greatest benefit I have achieved is the ability to cope with stress in my high pressure job resulting in a increase in productivity in a relaxed state. Also, by walking 10,000 steps a day, I have realised three major life goals over the past 5 months; to get to my ideal weight, to obtain work in Europe and the ability to manage the ultimate renovation of my house. I look and feel FANTASTIC!”

Hi Everyone,--I am just

“Hi Everyone, I am just so excited I just clocked my first million (1009861 to be exact) and it took me 56 days, I am so wrapped. Bring on my second million. Keep up the good work everyone all it takes is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and it will happen. Stride it out. TRUDY”

Hi again,--I have been

“Hi again, I have been walking now for approx 1 month (on treadmill) as this seems to work for me with running a home business plus it doesn't give me the "it's too hot, it's too cold, it's too!!!!!" line of routine. I walk at least an hour a day on the treadmill each day except Saturday - I let myself have a day off and this is the day I normally do my shopping & cleaning and therefore I usually get quite a bit of exercise in anyway. The benefits so far have been great - lower back pain starting to ease off - foot pain starting to ease off - not getting out of breath when I move anymore and this has all happened in such a short time. I thought at my size and my age (46) this would have taken much longer. I can feel clothes fitting more loosely (I refuse to weigh myself because in the past this has really messed with my resolve - you know you do all the right things one week, refuse Aunt Maggie's Scones & Cream, eat lettuce leaves all week and gain 1 kg - I know I'm overweight and therefore know this is a long term plan not an instant fix so at this point I don't need to scales to tell me I need to lose weight). Good luck to everyone - keep up the great work and for those of you who read the stories - share yours - you may not think it is worth reading and some people may also feel the same way - but it is great to write stuff down even if only for yourself - it helps to motivate yourself!!! ”

Hi all,--I thought I

“Hi all, I thought I would share my story with you all as my friends and family have all found it inspiring.In 1994 age 24, I weighed 126kg with 10% body fat, I looked and felt great. Since several injuries laid me on my back for a few years (me personally feel that it just became a habit not to exercise and I became lazy) put on a lot of weight. In November 2005 I had my 20th operation on my right leg and had to weigh myself before the operation. The scales that I had at home would not record my weight, so I took a guess of around 140kg (Oh how wrong was I!)My doctor said to me before my operation that my leg was just a quality of life issue now and that if I really wanted to turn things around I would have to get off my bum and do something about it. As usual not listening to the doctors advice is something that I am very good at. After not listening to my doctor in November, I was over the park with my son in Febuary 06 playing with the football. I ran out of breath and started to hyperventilate. This obviously gave me a large scare. I decided that I would get a pedometer just to prove to people that I do walk every day and that I really was not as unfit and overweight that everybody made me out to be. I read the 10000 step website and said to myself how easy is this, I will be able to do 10000 steps a day easily, without any extra walking. Well my first started and finished and I had logged 3583 steps. Obviously I was shocked and knew something had to change for myself and my young family. I started on the 10000 step program in Febuary 2006 and I haven't looked back. After 2 weeks of walking I stepped on my bathroom scales and I weighed 149.8 kg, so I am guessing that I was as high as about 155 kg. I originally set my target at 6000 steps a day but since the first day I am proud to say, have never been that low. Currently I am 113kg as of 21 June 06, yes that's right 42 kilo loss, I walk a minimum of 10000 steps a day now plus jog for 6 kilometers every night and go to gym for 4 hour and half sessions per week. The weight loss is one thing to feel proud about, the way my leg feels is something to be relieved about, the time I am having with my family is something that I will never forget, and the great thing is....I am going to be around a lot longer to enjoy them. I hope this inspires someone because if it wasn't for stories like this I would be 165kg's now eating myself to death. Thankyou 10000 steps and everyone who partisipates. Regards Craig Redcliffe Queensland ”

Hello All--I am thanking

“Hello All I am thanking QR for giving me this opportunity to participate in this personal achievement course. Today, I have reached 1,004,146 steps, and I am very delighted with this achievement. I had been constantly working towards this good course and this exercise has helped me tremendously without taking time out to go to Gym or take up other activies in my busy schedule. Just getting up and about and keeping those muscles moving is the way to go. I feel light and healthy and feel more energetic which is helping me to enhance my day to day activities at work as well as home. Thanks. Malika Anand”

Hi everyone,-I am just

“Hi everyone, I am just so excited to find out that i have reduced my weight by 3kg, my waist sized by 7cm and my hips by 9cm between the 4th of May 06 to the 19th of june 06. To think that i used to think that you had to have the right metabalism or go to the gym for hours how wrong i was. All it has taken is to change my mind set to put my health first and to realise that their are really no excuses because all you are doing is cheating yourself out of your life. I am currently doing the june challenge of 20 days at my goal of 20,000. School holidays have given me extra challenges and i am taking them in my stride like to go for my 7 kilometer walk i have to put my five and two year old in the pram and off i go on flat ground it isn't to bad but up hills is fun, i just keep thinking there goes more calories. One day i will reach my ideal weight and live the rest of my life healther but i am enjoying this process and have committed my self to a long slow process but it is happening quicker than i thourght. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and we can all reach our goals, not to say there won't be bad days but you start to cope a little better each day. Stride it out TRUDY”

Hello to my fellow

“Hello to my fellow steppers. I am really pleased to share my story as I have previously found your real- life stories to be quite inspiring . They helped me to get serious about my health. I have been stepping now for 19 weeks and averaging in excess of 14000 steps each day. I am 67 years of age and have a history of heart problems; had quadruple coronary artery by-pass surgery in 1980 and again in 2000. Prior to logging on to the 10000steps program I was overweight (100 kilograms) and not feeling very healthy. I have now lost 12 kilograms and I am feeling fantastic. I am forever looking for excuses to do a few more steps. I have found the pedometer to be a terrific device in that it takes the guess work out of the equation and stops me kidding myself that I am doing enough exercise. On a recent New Zealand holiday I managed to keep up my walking and enjoyed the discipline of logging on and reporting my results .It is a great motivator. I had a heart echo scan last November which showed I had some real problems. My cardiologist arranged for a further scan last month and he e-mailed me to say there was a major improvement which he could not explain. The fact is he was not aware of the life-style changes I had made .When I told him what I had been doing he understood the major health benefits achieved through getting out stepping and of course adopting a sensible diet. Good luck and good health to my fellow steppers. Bob Pulford ”

It seems summer has

“It seems summer has arrived in Boulder City, Nevada, USA. The next few days should see temperatures of 104 degrees fahrenheit (40 celsius). Temperatures will remain hot for the next 100 days or so. This little town of 15,000 residents has built quite a few walking paths and created biking and walking lanes on many roadways. There are several short hikes in the mountains that separate Boulder City from the Las Vegas valley & an old railroad bed has been converted into a walking trail that ends up near Hoover Dam. Walking about 15,000 steps a day has been a challenge since the weather turned hot. Generally the early morning hours work out best. I have a treadmill, but find it a bit boring. Any suggestions any of you might have to help combat the heat would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me track my steps on your excellent website. Very best regards dpmartin@amerityre.com ”

It's great to read

“It's great to read all your stories, lately due to illness,work, assignments and laziness my average has slipped. Reading your comments is motivating. I have now passed the 2million steps mark (Started mid Oct 05)and hope to get close to another 2million before the end of 12 months. After an initial weight loss my weight has remained stable and within acceptable limits (although losing another couple of kilos wouldn't hurt). The I-Challenges are helpful on days when I feel I can't be bothered, it's great that you have different levels to choose from. Keep walking everyone it's worth the effort.”

hi all you steppers-i

“hi all you steppers i have just been reading some of the latest stories, how wonderful they are very inspirational. i am becoming more adventerous, and have started joining the challenges, completed the first one for may, and have now entered the june one, and put up my goal steps to stretch my challenge. so keep stepping everyone and join the challenges. bye linda xx”

Having retired to the

“Having retired to the seaside - I had visions of having a swim in the briney every day, and becoming that silly old lady who locals see every day having a swim, no matter the weather. Well, only 6 years after moving here, I've suddenly decided it seems stupid to live so close to the beach and not make the most of it. I don't like sitting on the sand any longer so I have been having a daily 'bathe' - kicking the legs and making a few splashes - giving my eyes a nice salt water wash-out and doing my own aerobic exercises, while watching all the others walking - while I've got the beach to myself. Have met a nice younger lady who used to teach swimming and she has been giving me free lessons and got to speak with a man of a certain age, like myself, paddling on a 'ski paddle' - which I also hoped I'd get on, when first moving here. So tomorrow, it;s off to Anglesea to GO RIDE A WAVE to check out the 'ski paddle' purchase - which will just give my tubby little body the upper body work-out I so need! All that, combined with having gone to a Naturopath and having my blood group checked and told what foods I should be eating, and the ones I should be avoiding - combined with added calcium, minerals etc. I'm fighting fit! Full of energy - and rarin' to go!!! Where? I don't really want to travel, and forego my new physical regime which is making such a difference to my life, but who knows, I might just become so fit, I might be able to tackle a more energetic holiday than the Coach Tours I've been used to. Wow - Why don't you try it with me! If you're not far from the sea - be a devil - go and have a salt water bathe - even when the weather isn't very good - it;s amazing how quickly your body adjusts and when you come out - you're as warm as toast! I actually bought a Surf Ski at Anglesea and lugged it down into the shallows - it was towards the end of Summer so there weren't too many good days for me to try it out however, I had so much fun - falling off - and breaking out into fits of laughter - I figure I did my exercise that way. Next Summer - look out!!! He Gwendamay comes on her surf ski! Join me - I dare you! Gwendamay Portarlington ”

Hi, I haven't actually

“Hi, I haven't actually started recording my steps yet but will do so after reading the inspriational stories here. I am 45 and lead a very sedentary lifestyle - my husband and I run our own business and I am the only office staff and therefore find that most days I am sitting in front of the computer for 12 to 14 hrs. Over the years obviously I have put on weight until now I am completely unhappy with myself. Fortunately a week ago I decided I would like to purchase a treadmill as getting out early in the morning is difficult as often our phones will ring early in the morning and we are straight on the job but I thought if I had a treadmill I could go and do 10 minutes during the day to give me a break from the computer (I suffer from sore lower back and sore feet - no wonder I here some of you say!). Anyway to my surprise - I wack on a DVD in front of my treadmill and in the first week have managed to do no less that 2.8km each day (I need to wear my pedometer to check the step count)with no great problems at all. In fact I am amazed at how quickly my fitness levels are increasing - for me to have walked that far a week ago would have left me breathless - now just warm! and quite able to carry on a conversation. I do find I am a little more stiff and sore in the mornings on waking but once I am up and about I am feeling better. I can even feel my posutre changing slightly. I have tried walking the pavements before but where I live doesn't have footpaths and the likes and the roads are very uneven and gravelly so have found the treadmill a perfect compromise and obviously I will not have an excuse when the weather is hot or cold or inbetween. All of you keep up the good work and I know I will be able to come back at a later date and advise of good progress. ”

Hi All--Taking this Challenge

“Hi All Taking this Challenge of participating in this 10,000 Steps had proven to be beneficial to me in my day to day activities. I have experienced a level of difference in my overall health and wellbeing which makes me feel lighter and more energetic. Since this program has helped me so much, I will continue to target 10,000 steps a day. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to participate this this great course. It had been a wonderful experience and a chellenging one too. Malika Anand Admin. Officer ”

Well done to Trudy

“Well done to Trudy the mother of 2 who has depression. You are an inspiration. I have fallen off the wagon a bit with my walking in the last few months and it was great to read how important it is to take lots of opportunities to move about as you can. Im struggling with an increased work load, being a mum and a whole lot of other personal stresses. Time to dust off the pedometer again. I forget how much better I feel and cope when I exercise. Thanks.”

I am thirteen and

“I am thirteen and have always been the chubby person I wish I wasn't. I had to face it - I was fat, unhealthy, I had a short attention span and a very short temper and my BMI was on the brink to the status 'Overweight'. One day, my brother came home with this pedometer that he had recieved to do a survey for the government for them to know how active kids are in QLD. He gave it to me after the survey was completed and I logged on to the website printed on the front of the pedometer. I read lots of articles and stories and came to a decision that I was to become fitter and healthier after I discovered that the average steps per day I did was around 5,000. I deleted those old day out of my step log and started afresh. I have now got an average daily steps of 12,500. I am losing 0.3kg a week and I am getting better marks at school and I can fit into the clothes that used to show my belly. If I can do it, you definetly can!!! Just think that in a few months, you will look like what you've always wanted to look like - it's an encouraging thought. Another hint is learn what fat is. This way, you know what you've got to do to lose it. squizzie (: ”

Hi, thanks for this

“Hi, thanks for this great website. I started using my program this month and am already up to 353,321 steps and it blew me away to think that is 264.99 kilometres. My biggest thing I am learning is that there are so many opportunities to walk, like if you take the kids to the park don't just sit and watch walk around the play equipment, if you are stuck at home walk around the house, if you watch TV get up during the advertisments walk around the room. All you need to do is keep moving because every step you take is another step to a healthier life. I am a mother of two and suffer deperession and you don't realise how much a walk can help you mentally and physically I started walking my little girl to school which was 4km a day, and I have worked up from there. Since January I have reduced my weight by 15kg that is only by walking and drinking more water. So don't ever give up keep walking and i will leave you all with my motto "There is no such word as can't it is can not and all knots can be undone." Stride it out From TRUDY ”

Hello from Oregon, USA.

“Hello from Oregon, USA. 22 May 2006 marks the 1 year anniversary of my start to the 10,000 step program. I've logged 4.3 million steps so far and have seen my weight drop by approximately 30 pounds. In order to get my 10,000+ steps each day, I started walking my son to and from school. The unexpected benefit is that we have extra time together to talk about what is on his mind. I thought he would find the walks drudgery, but he prefers walking to riding the bus. It has been an excellent year. I'm proud of the steps I've made to make my life heathier and I look forward to the coming year. Thanks for such an excellent website! Ellen W.”