How to Truly Achieve 10,000 Steps Daily

      You already recognize how vital it is to achieve your daily step count. The goal of walking 10,000 steps per day isn’t just a random figure provided by your Fitbit—it's a prolific form of exercise. Walking is beneficial for digestion, weight control, lymphatic drainage, cardiovascular health, and more. However, with the prevalence of desk jobs, decreasing walkability in U.S. cities, and the distractions of binge-watching Netflix, consistently getting your steps in can prove challenging. Yet, just because it requires effort doesn’t mean it’s unmanageable. From enjoyable walking challenges to helpful tips that enhance convenience, these nine strategies will simplify reaching your daily goal of 10,000 steps.

      1. Try a “scavenger hunt walk”

      If you find straightforward walks boring, a scavenger hunt walk can be just what you need. This TikTok trend is about seeking specific items during your walk. Consider tasks like finding an item for every color in the rainbow (known as “rainbow walks”), gathering flowers, leaves, or sticks (where a dog companion could be beneficial), or spotting murals in your area. The more detailed your list, the more exploration you’ll do. The aim of scavenger hunt walks is to engage fully and be mindful, with the added benefit of increasing your step count. You’ll be so focused on your treasure hunt that you’ll accumulate steps without even realizing it. You can even add an element of friendly competition by inviting friends, your partner, or a date along.

      2. Incorporate strength training into your walk

      If you tend to prioritize the gym over a walk, thinking walking lacks intensity, we’ve got solutions. Consider using wrist or ankle weights to tone up as you walk, or opt for a weighted backpack to gain more strength training benefits while accumulating steps. Nordic walking (using specially designed poles) is another way to enhance your walk, activating up to 90% of your muscles compared to just 50% with regular walking. This technique offers strength training for the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, upper back, and core, providing a comprehensive workout while you walk.

      3. Lose yourself in an audiobook

      For multitaskers and book lovers alike, this tip is perfect. If you prefer diving into a story than just walking, you can enjoy both. Achieve your step goal while addressing the challenge of finding time for leisure reading. This approach may even encourage longer walks, as you’ll want to keep listening to reach the climax of the story (making you walk more!). Whether you enjoy romance, thrillers, or self-help books, you may find yourself surpassing your previous walking distances or discovering your new favorite routes before you know it.

      4. Take multiple “micro-walks” throughout the day

      If your initial thought to “get 10,000 steps” is “who can fit that in?” I understand your frustration. Finding 30 or 60 minutes for a walk can seem impractical. Instead, incorporate small walking sessions, or “micro-walks,” of five to 15 minutes throughout your day. Imagine a 15-minute morning walk, a five-minute stroll during your lunch break, a few laps around the office, and a 10-minute evening walk. Even walking around while on a phone call or using a treadmill during commercial breaks can contribute significantly to your total.

      5. Enjoy a full album while walking

      Sometimes, what transforms a mundane walk into an enjoyable one is a great album to set the mood. This is where TikTok’s album walks come in—listening to an entire record from start to finish (like a soothing album from The Lumineers or any album you connect with) and evaluating how it impacts your walk or run. You won't hit “skip,” and with the right tunes, you’ll experience a range of calming vibes to energetic beats. This also solves the “how long should I walk?” dilemma (as most albums last around 30 to 45 minutes) and encourages you to continue walking until the final track ends. You might even find yourself going for an extra loop just to finish the album. On those days when you want more intensity or the weather isn’t favorable, consider trying the Taylor Swift treadmill workout.

      6. Go on a manifestation walk

      Combine your manifestation practice with walking to gain twice the benefits. Walking clears your mind for what you wish to attract in your life by promoting mindfulness, adjusting your mindset, and aligning your energy with your aspirations. Recent research indicated that pairing step tracking with mindfulness notably increases motivation to be more active. So, when you walk while practicing manifestation, you’ll naturally feel motivated to walk longer (and improve your manifesting abilities). During your walk, visualize what you desire and feel as if you already possess it. Then, plan actionable steps towards your goals, either mentally or by writing them down. Remember the core principle of manifestation: the energy you project is what you receive, so walk as the