We’ve all been scammed. For years, running was the gold standard of fitness. If you weren’t gasping for air mid-jog, did you even work out? From being forced to run the mile in P.E. (traumatizing, honestly), to running shoes becoming a fashion staple, to marathons hijacking the city twice a year – running was absolutely inescapable. Little did I know all it took was a 4-foot machine with a slow-moving belt at a smooth 3mph pace for 60–90 minutes would completely change how I view fitness forever. Wild.
I, like many people, overcompensated at the gym for the longest. I was Orange Theory Fitness girly (which really deserves it’s own storytime), out running all the power walkers every class. While they were hiking at a 15 incline, I maxed out at 12mph. I’d leave each class with sweat dripping down my body, bent over to catch my breath. It was the effect of a “good workout”. I was untouchable. Only to go home ravenous, eating everything in sight. Completely cancelling my entire effort just hours prior. Then I’d guilt-trip myself back into the gym the next day to “burn off” everything I ate the day prior. This toxic cycle continued for years and I ultimately gave up on all of my fitness goals. I slumped into the “working out because I should” category without seeing any real results. Until TikTok came along..
There was a season where every 5 videos, someone had a ‘walking pad‘. You mean.. a treadmil? And they’d reiterate – no, it’s a walking pad. Emphasis on the walking. And.. it was cool (I guess) to walk while you worked at your standing desk. But then videos of creators walking while watching tv, or listening to music, or scrolling along on their phone emerged. I don’t always feel like prepping and packing for the gym just to run on a treadmill. So I, a natural recluse, wanted in on the fun. I clicked over to Amazon, and shelled out $250 on a walking pad (which later gave out after 1 year, and I happily swapped it to a much better $189 option). Walking while I was watching a film in the comfort of my own home? Listening to a new album and people watching outside my window (my walking pad needed a view of course)? Even walking while my sisters and I have our daily debriefs. It was insane how much time could easily pass on the machine and I was addicted.
It became my coffee. If I went a day without a walk, I panicked. I turned into that person who constantly repeats “I need to get my steps in”. Because I did!
Walking 60, 90, and 120 minutes at a time to start of my day was the kick I needed. My daily walks eventually doubled into nightly walks as well. Instead of sitting on my couch for movie night, I pulled out my walking pad, pressed play, and walked…for an entire film. I walked to start my day, I walked to clear my head, I walked to curve periods of boredom. I exchanged running for walking, and that’s when I started to see real change (there’s a life metaphor right there if you can catch it). I didn’t buy a walking pad because of the benefits, in fact – I didn’t know it had any benefits. Besides a casual way to stay active throughout the day, I didn’t think it would do anything. Little did I know all the goals I once craved while running miles on end, I easily accomplished and more with walking. My head was clearer, my sleeps were deeper, I didn’t crash out on calories afterwards – I even knocked out a couple of pounds.
It’s been two years and I’m still walking. 60 minutes at the start of my day, 60 minutes at the end of my day. My sisters each have one now (y’all are welcome!) and I’ve found cool ways to incorporate it into my daily life. Walking & memorizing lines, brainstorming content ideas, scrolling on Tiktok (for my lazy days), and even outlining/editing this article. Now, I’d like to see a walkathon around as much as a marathon but we probably won’t..
I don’t know what the next big trend in health/wellness will be, but for now, I need to get my steps in.
