I Walked 10,000 Steps a Day for a Month and This is What Happened

Six weeks ago, if you’d told me I could walk 10,000 steps a day for 31 straight days, I would’ve laughed, reached for a cupcake (or two), and probably changed the subject.

Back then, my sneakers had collected dust for almost two years. Exercise and I had been estranged for a while. My Fitbit was more of a fashion accessory than a fitness tracker. And despite being in love with my body, my attitude toward my health? Not the same story.

But something shifted that July. Maybe it was the looming milestone birthday or just the realization that I was tired of feeling tired. Either way, I decided to stop waiting for the perfect time and set a challenge for myself: 10,000 steps a day for 31 days. No excuses.

The Rules I Set for Myself

Before this challenge, I was probably averaging 3,000–4,000 steps a day — on a good day. Between a sedentary job, a long commute, and a city not the most conducive to walking on the streets, I was stuck in a cycle of low energy and mid-afternoon slumps. So no, I wasn’t doing this as a fitness expert or a gym rat. I just wanted to feel better in my body, and I guess I just wanted to start somewhere.

My rules were really quite basic: a minimum of 10,000 steps every day and a few tiny changes to my diet. I also did not have some miraculous expectations of complete body transformation. It was less about achieving a complete lifestyle overhaul and more about finding a starting point.

My Experience

For 31 days, I walked a lot. Yes, I hit 10,000+ steps every single day. Some days I would hit about 5,000-6,000 steps on a morning walk before work, and then deliberately walk around a lot in office. But most days, the 10,000+ steps target was hit late in the day, circling my block at 10 p.m, racing to hit my goal. Some days I even managed to cross 10,000 steps without trying — errands, a mall trip, a catch-up walk with a friend. Other days, it felt like dragging myself through every single step.

Weekends were relatively easier. I added in Zumba classes on both Saturday and Sunday, and turned grocery runs into movement sessions. I found myself getting oddly excited about walks. I fell in love with overnight oats (who knew?), rediscovered music I hadn’t listened to in years, and even started looking forward to certain podcasts.

Of course, not every day was picture-perfect. There were still a couple of take-out lunches with colleagues, pizza nights, and a stubborn cola habit I’m still working on. But the difference this time? I didn’t let those moments derail me. I stayed focused on the one thing — getting those steps in.

By the end, my body didn’t look dramatically different, but my mindset did. I stopped seeing movement as punishment and started seeing it as a mood buster and lifestyle enhancer. I felt connected to my body, my choices, and my life in a way I hadn’t in years.

What I Learned From Walking 10,000 Steps for 31 Days

As much as I loved hitting that streak, the real win was what the process taught me:

1. What works for someone else may not work for you

Endlessly long cardio sessions at the gym bored me. But walking? I could get behind that. We’re all wired differently — so find the kind of movement you can actually enjoy. That’s what makes it stick.

2. Be realistic

Expecting to lose 10 kilos in a month? Not it. Thinking one challenge will fix everything? Also, not it. Small, sustainable goals are what actually create change. Push yourself, yes. But don’t set yourself up to fail.

3. Don’t hide behind excuses

Prior to this challenge, I’ve used every excuse in the book — no time, too tired, too lazy, too late. The truth? I just wasn’t ready to take ownership of my habits. This challenge reminded me that the only one who can change my story is me.

4. Focus on the present

Missed your workout yesterday? So what. Go today. Overate at lunch? Eat a nourishing dinner. Don’t let one bad decision ruin your whole day/week. You’ve always got the present moment to recalibrate and realign.

5. Rest is not a reward — it’s necessary

By the end of 31 days, my muscles were sore all the time. Pushing through felt like a badge of honor, so I did. After all, I had the challenge to complete, and I did not want to let myself down. Looking back, I think it would’ve been gentler on my body if I’d scaled up more gradually. Maybe started with a 7,500-step goal in the first month, then worked up to 10,000.

6. You can love yourself and still want to improve

I wasn’t doing this because I hated my body. Quite the opposite. I love who I am, but I knew I wasn’t showing up for myself fully. You don’t need to loathe yourself to change. You can start from a place of love.

Did I Drop Kilos or Get a Six-Pack?

Of course not. I didn’t lose as much weight as I’d hoped. I still had my moments of overindulgence. But I also didn’t quit. And that part? That’s huge for me. I kept walking. Kept showing up. Kept going.

That 31-day streak became proof that I can commit to something, even when it’s uncomfortable. It reminded me that progress isn’t just about outcomes. The effort matters just as much.

And most importantly, it helped me build trust in myself again.

And let’s not forget that walking itself has so many health benefits beyond helping you potentially lose weight.

What’s Next?

As I start a new challenge — 45 minutes of activity every day (with one rest day a week) — I’m carrying these lessons with me. Every time I want to give up, I’ll remember how good it felt to finish what I started. How proud I was of showing up for myself!

If you’re thinking about doing something similar, consider this your sign. It doesn’t have to be 10,000 steps. It simply has to be yours.

Have you completed a 30-day walking challenge? I’d love to hear your fitness stories in the comments!