Member Stories

Reaching 10,000 Steps Before Bed

“Thank you all for your stories, I find them motivating. I found this site and a pedometer in November 2008 and was shocked at how little steps I am taking. I am studying but spend most of my time stressed about it and on the couch. I finally committed to 10,000 steps and have just finished my first month of it. YAY!! I couldn't wait to get the numbers in and see my chart. I won't go to bed if I haven't walked a minimum of 10,000 even if it means doing housework at double time or doing laps up and down my street at midnight. I am very grateful to the people who have established and continue to maintain and upgrade this site. You are all helping me keep moving and become more healthy.”

Finding the Community

“I found the 10,000 Steps website as it was printed on my pedometer, it has given me the incentive I had been lacking to do my walking on a daily basis. I am thoroughly enjoying my walk through France. I had always been an extremely active person but over the last 18 months it had all slipped away. Lots of issues in my life during that time but I have now found myself again & am enjoying this site immensely. My friends are not interested in walking so it is a solitary pursuit but now I have 10,000 steps it doesn't seem like that anymore. I am so encouraged by all the stories I have read and cannot wait to reach my first target for the month. I only joined this month.”

Positive Stories

“I am loving all of these stories. The people on here are so positive and give such wonderful stories of their lives. I am walking about 15,000 steps a day and it can be difficult but so rewarding. I eat a pretty balanced diet and I am trying to drink more water! Very difficult with the water though. I home school to my nine year old son and now he wants to start walking as well”

Timer to Keep Active

“This is my 4th year of step-counting and I sometimes joke I am going to have my pedometer grafted into my waistline for more convenience. This is also the first time in my life that I have maintained this consistency with any form of exercise. My dietician recommended 12,500 steps a day and I have been maintaining it. To combat the time spent at my computer, I use a timer which rings every 30 minutes. I position it far away from my desk so I have to get up to turn it off and reset it. Then I take a couple of minutes to do some on-the-spot stepping or some small job which requires moving around before returning to the computer. By the end of the day, I don't have so many steps to complete. Then, if necessary, I step on the spot during TV ads, using the ad music to increase intensity.”

Now I Run with the Dogs, go to the Gym and Swim

“I have been recording my steps for several years and increasing my goals for a few years now; entering health statistics; encouraging friends to join and using the data to illustrate case study design with measurable outcomes in my teaching. I've signed up for other websites for calorie counting and health promotion, but this one just seems to be easy, quick to use and part of my daily routine. When I first entered my steps I was more than 30 kgs heavier while challenging myself daily to reach the 10000 steps minimum. Now, I run with the dogs, go to the gym, swim, enter fun runs and generally enjoy all the benefits of excellent health. My goals are measured, graphed and highly visible so I can't delude myself or graze around with my head in the sand. Life is fuller when I am alert and alive to what is around me as well as what choices I make to achieve fitness and vitality. My friends notice and it is fun wearing things I love with the confidence that comes with having that extra spring in my step and energy to be socially engaged. I needed all the motivations this site had to offer to get moving and stay on track ... now it is fun to keep on running and get the compliments that come my way from dear friends and family.”

Motivation to Move

“I started using the pedometer and have clocked in 10,000 steps daily since Jan 2009. I also have maintained a low-carb diet since then, cutting back on my rice intake switching to partly brown rice meals. Eating less fried foods. The 10,000 Steps program has really been a motivation for me getting me to move. I have so far lost 2.5 kg and I am hoping to lose more with this walking program and healthy diet.”

Tracking Steps

“Isn't this a fabulous site? I joined in 2004 and have so far logged 24,040,705 steps - that is so amazing. I can't say I have logged everyday but I have most days. I'm 59 years old, feel fit and healthy and I know that this site has a lot to do with that.”

Stay in Bed or Get up to Walk?

“At 5.55am the alarm goes off! Do I stay in bed or do I get out and walk? While staying in bed is the more comfortable option, the walk in my Crescent is much more enjoyable. I live on acreage and therefore the morning sounds are quite different to my city cousins. As the humidity rises so does the sweat, and it feels GREAT to shower and then head into the office.”

It Gets Easier

“I have just started the challenge through work. I actually started walking before the challenge commenced to get in some practice. I am a nurse and I realised something, I have watched people only a little older than myself in hospital because of chronic disease, which is attributed to lifestyle choices. Well I thought about that and deciced that I can do something about it now, to stop the process. I don't want to be 50ish ending up in hospital with regrets, thinking "if only I'd started walking 10 years ago". Well it is 10 years ago and I am now walking. I've halted things that could happen later in my life by setting myself this challenge. 10,000 steps a day, not hard, and getting easier every day.”

Challenge Goal

“Since joining 10,000 Steps I have begun to participate in the Challenges. I am now averaging over 10,000 steps each day. Yahoo! Currently though I'm not climbing too many mountains, so am hoping to factor in an incline on the treadmill so I can tackle those alps. I am inspired by the stories below.”

Walking the Dogs Too

“I think habit is a huge step in achieving our 10,000 steps each day. I have 2 sausage dogs and know how important it is to keep them at a good weight so they don't end up with back problems, so I make myself walk them twice a day every day. Some mornings I'm very pressed for time but I still make myself go for that walk even if it ends up being a mere 5 minutes. Remember every step counts and something is better than nothing!”

Damo,--35kgs!!! You have really

“Damo, 35kgs!!! You have really inspired me. I remember you from before and I just can't believe the change in you. You used to get puffed walking to the local McDonalds, you were always depressed and had skin disorders from way back. I saw you the other day and it took me a while to recognise you!!! Good for you. I couldnt believe how fast you were walking and how slim you looked, even in bike pants. When I feel unmotivated or depressed I just think of you and it just perks me right up. I hope one day to have your energy and positive outlook. Sean (Used to love pizza)”

Damo,-Your story amazes me.

“Damo, Your story amazes me. I have started my 10,000 steps challenge only 2 month ago and still can't drop my weight, but after reading your story it has given me the motivation to keep going. Hopefully in the future I won't feel as guilty eating my big turkey sandwich. You rock! C”

It's Therese here, back

“It's Therese here, back again after 3 years off the 10,000 steps program, but here I am back on again. I'm not surprised to find out that I have put on that 7kgs that I took off 3 years ago! Oh well, at least it wasn't double that, and 10,000 steps will again become my internet 'reminder & encouraging' buddy as I need a lot of plodding to start with. It wasn't just my weight that I found needed shifting, it was my attitude. When I don't walk, I feel just plain gluggish and lousy; it's that simple. There has been a few major adversities during my last 3 years, but I'm not focusing on that anymore; rather I'm focusing on the rest of my life and I want so much to feel good again! They say it takes around 3 weeks to make a good habit, and I'm halfway there.... I'm encouraging all those who are depressed, anxious or have health problems, if you are able to walk at all, please do, you will lift your spirits as your weight drops. NEVER give up, there are so many friends you have yet to meet, and even though you can't see us, we are all walking together each day in spirit. xx”

Gidday Everyone,-Obese and not

“Gidday Everyone, Obese and not enjoying myself as much as should, I am trying to work myself up to the 10,000 steps and also do a little extra in exercise bike and swimming on different and alternate days but I love to walk but I seem to get shin splits if I walk alot - any one got any ideas to help overcome this problem! Graeme”

Hi everyone, I joined

“Hi everyone, I joined the 10,000 step program recently and have found that unlike so many other fitness ventures I've been on, this one makes me wanna stick to it! It's so simple and the only person you feel you have to do better than is yourself. I've had a few good days so far going over 10,000 steps, and a couple of not so good days, but such is life. I'd like to tell a really inspirational story - that of my eldest brother. He is in his early 30s and ever since he was about 12 years old he has been a bit chubby. A few years ago he reached the point where his 5'10" frame was carrying in excess of 140kg and he knew he had to make some changes. With our father as a long suffering diabetic he knew what was awaiting him if he didn't take action, so he decided to shed some kilo's and save some money by walking to work. Now, 2 years later, he is under 100kg, walks almost everywhere and has new found self confidence. He's never joined a gym or gone to boot camp etc - he's just been walking and avoiding unhealthy foods. He is a true inspiration to me, my family and hopefully to many others out there. Deezie from Tassie”

Hi--This is Kerryn, (52y/o

“Hi This is Kerryn, (52y/o female) former athlete with a long history of knee injury, on which I had 3 recons & 12 arthros & in December 2005 a Total Knee Replacement. I had a really hard time in recovery leading to manipulation 12 weeks post surgery. Almost 3 years on I am feeling confident and getting back my skills of balance and losing my fear of tripping/falling. I have relocated to Perth for a better lifestyle & want to get fit again. I walk around 5000-7000 steps a day to and from train/work & at lunch times & I want to boost that to 10000 at least 5 days a week. KB ”

Damo, your story has

“Damo, your story has been inspirational. Your progress gave me so much motivation. I am now averaging over 10,000 steps a day, and I haven't felt this good for a very long time. You are a hero and you should be proud of yourself -EC”

Hi All, -I joined

“Hi All, I joined 10,000 steps mid last month and will get my first 200,000 steps today! First million here I come. I have had good and bad days, and you certainly notice the days that you have been lazy when at bedtime you look at your pedometer and you have only done 6,000 steps... but with going to gym I have been able to get my average up to 9,973 so I am nearly at 10,000 steps per day. I will have to start walking the dogs now the days are longer. For all you walkers in Brisbane, there is a 10km walk on next Friday, late afternoon starting at 5.30ish from Southbank Parklands, great way to end the week. It isn't free and you do need to register though, you can google 'Moonwalk', it is fundraising for MS. Kim”

Hi Jo (and anyone

“Hi Jo (and anyone else interested!) In reply to your 28 Oct post, I also sit in front of a computer most of my work day - but I've got into the habit of rising with the birds and doing an early morning walk - a bonus also as the days get hotter in Queensland as summer roars towards us. I find I do my 10,000 steps in less than 90 mins - and go to work with an extra spring in my step as well :) Peter”

To the 24 year

“To the 24 year old dog walker :) (you didn't leave a name:) ) One of the reasons joints will feel sore or clacky is that they are not properly hydrated. Make sure that you are drinking at LEAST 8, 8 oz glasses of water or juice (anything non-caffeinated and non-carbonated) to keep hydrated... Another thing that can help is good shoes... I had knee and back pain so bad it sent me to the doc and to physio therapy... bought myself a high end pair of shoes (about 85$ US) and it cleared it up... Also... google "stretches"... find a few good stretches and make sure you stretch for 5-7 mins before AND after your workout... If they still feel bad after making these simple changes... there are some vitamins and minerals that can help with joint pain... your doc could also do a few tests to make sure it isn't something more bothersome :) Jenn ”

I've been recording my

“I've been recording my daily steps since the 9th of January this year and I'm coming up to 4 million steps in November. It's a really motivating thing to do and sure increases your fitness. First thing each morning I clip on my pedometer and last thing each night,I enter the results. Keep on stepping everyone, this program is great, free and self motivating. Cheers, Jenette”

Hi Everyone. I'm not

“Hi Everyone. I'm not exactly what you would call a 'slim' guy and after years of dieting, hypnotherapy and medical procedures I was getting nowhere with my weight loss. Recently my workplace entered the 10,000 Steps program and I decided to get a pedometer and join all the other walkers. I haven't been in the program all that long - but I have already lost 35 kilograms! I feel so alive and invigorated, and I am finally making some friends! I really consider the 10,000 Steps program to be one of the greatest achievements in my whole life. To be honest I haven't reached 10,000 steps in any one day yet - but I will get there! And the day I do I have decided to go but myself a big turkey sandwich as a reward. Good on all you guys who are in the 10,000 Steps program and come on all you others who haven't joined yet - what are you waiting for! Damo ”

I started the challenge

“I started the challenge 4 days ago and I am very excited by it. It is amazing how much extra activity it is encouraging me to do. While at work, I listen to the radio and do a little dance while I am working ( haha, discreetly :-)) I am finding excuses at home to do that extra bit of activity around the house, cleaning, dusting etc. My hubby thinks I have gone mad. My doggie thinks it is great though. My work mates and I compare all the time. It is such fun.”

One thing that might

“One thing that might help if your joints ache from walking is to consider joining a gym with good quality equipment. The reason is that concrete footpaths have no "give" whereas good quality treadmills have impact absorbtion and cross trainers do not jar your joints. Just don't turn up the level of difficulty too high or you can end up with the same problem. For me the pedometer works fine on the cross trainer and if i decide to increase my speed to vigorous then that time counts for extra steps. Good luck, George.”