Frequently Asked Questions

Start with 10 minutes. That's enough to build the habit without overwhelming your schedule. Once walking feels automatic (usually 4-6 weeks), you can gradually increase to 20-30 minutes.

Remember: consistency matters more than duration. Better to walk 10 minutes daily than 60 minutes once a week.

The best time is the time you'll actually do it consistently. Morning walkers love the peaceful start. Lunch walkers enjoy the midday energy boost. Evening walkers appreciate the decompression.

Pick what fits your schedule and personality. Then stick with that time—consistency in timing helps build the habit faster.

No. Start with comfortable shoes you already own. Regular sneakers or walking shoes are fine. Don't let shopping become a barrier to starting.

The only things you really need: comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Everything else is optional.

Start again the next day. No guilt, no excuses, no extended break. One missed day is fine. Three missed days starts to break the habit.

Forgive yourself quickly and resume immediately. The habit survives occasional misses—it doesn't survive extended breaks.

The goal isn't to stay motivated—it's to build a habit so strong that motivation becomes optional. Use these strategies:

• Walk at the same time every day
• Track your streak on a calendar
• Lower the bar on tough days (5 minutes counts)
• Remember why you started

Most consistent walkers don't feel motivated daily. They just walk because it's what they do.

Absolutely. A familiar route removes decision fatigue. You can walk on autopilot, which makes it easier to maintain the habit.

That said, having 2-3 routes prevents boredom. Rotate between them or save new routes for when you need fresh inspiration.

Light rain, cold, or heat shouldn't stop you. Dress appropriately: waterproof jacket for rain, layers for cold, light clothing and shaded routes for heat.

Walking in imperfect conditions builds resilience. True extreme weather (ice, heavy storms, unsafe heat) is rare. Most "bad weather" is just an excuse.

If you can't find 10 minutes, split it into two 5-minute walks. Walk during phone calls. Walk to run an errand instead of driving. Park farther away.

The busiest people often benefit most from walking—it's a forced pause that actually increases productivity.

Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially for early morning or evening walks. Tell someone your route. Carry a phone. Trust your instincts.

Most neighborhoods are perfectly safe for walking, but basic precautions are always smart.

Check with your doctor first. Most people can walk in some capacity—maybe slower, shorter, or with assistive devices. Walking is one of the most accessible forms of movement.

Start wherever you are. Even 5 minutes around your home is valuable. Progress from there at your own pace.

Optional. Some people find tracking motivating. Others find it creates unnecessary pressure.

When building the habit, we recommend tracking only one thing: whether you walked that day (yes/no). Once the habit is solid, add step tracking if it interests you.