10,000 steps for 100 days - I did it but should you?

Where Did 10,000 Steps Even Come From?

Let’s rewind. ⏪

Why 10,000 steps? Why not 1,000 (too easy?), or 100,000 (literally impossible unless you’re Forrest Gump)?

Turns out, the 10,000-step rule isn’t some deeply researched, science-backed number. It actually comes from a 1964 Japanese Olympic marketing campaign, where a pedometer called Manpo-kei (which literally means “10,000-step meter”) was launched. The number wasn’t chosen because of its health benefits—it was picked because the Japanese character for ‘10,000’ resembles a person walking.

Yep. The entire 10,000 steps a day movement started because of graphic design aesthetics.

Science, however, suggests you don’t need 10,000 steps to get real benefits. Research shows that even 5,000 to 6,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

So why did I choose 10,000 steps for 100 days?

Because it sounded cooler than “5,000 steps for 100 days.”

Obviously.

The Egg-citing 100-Day Challenge Begins

The goal was simple: walk 10,000 steps every day.

All steps counted—whether they were taken outside, inside, pacing while on calls, or doing an emergency lap around my apartment at 11:50 PM because I was 500 steps short.

Here’s how I made it happen:

The Park Loops – The Daily Ritual

I live next to a park with a nice walking loop. Two loops = roughly 5,000 steps.

So my strategy was simple:

• Two loops daily = Halfway there.

• If I had no plans = Three loops, just to be safe.

• If I was out shopping, running errands, or just existing in the world = I’d stop at two loops and let life take care of the rest.

At first, this system felt foolproof—simple, structured, easy to follow. But as the days stacked up, so did the monotony. The once-refreshing routine started to feel like a treadmill I couldn’t step off.

The Hunger Phase – Becoming a Human Vortex

No one warned me about this part.

I was not prepared for how hungry I’d get.

At first, it was out of control. I wanted to eat everything in sight. I didn’t know what full felt like anymore. I was inhaling food like a black hole in sneakers, constantly teetering between hunger and a void that could never be filled.

My body was screaming at me: “Oh, so we’re walking 10,000 steps every day now? Cool. Feed me more.”

Suddenly, I was on a six-meal-a-day lifestyle. Breakfast? Second breakfast? Elevenses? Lunch? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Midnight snack? All of the above.

Eventually, my appetite evened out, but those first few weeks? Unhinged.

The Midway Slump – When the Park Became My Prison

By Day 40, the park loops were starting to bore me. Same trees. Same path. Same everything. My legs kept moving, but my brain was tired of the routine.

So I started to venture out.

🌊 On weekends, I’d wake up early and go walk by the river—because somehow, moving my legs next to water felt more aesthetic.

☕ Some days, I’d walk to a faraway coffee shop just to get a treat. Walking with purpose, people.

🏙️ I explored new neighbourhoods, expanding my walking horizons.

It kept things fresh. It wasn’t just about steps anymore—it was about seeing more, experiencing more.

The Benefits – Was It Worth It?

By the end of 100 days, here’s what I noticed:

💡 More energy – Walking daily became second nature. I felt less sluggish in the mornings and didn’t hit an afternoon crash as often.

🧠 Mental clarity – Walking outside, just me, my music, and fresh air, helped me de-stress and clear my head. It became my daily reset button.

👖 Subtle physique changes – My legs got more toned, and I probably lost a little bit of weight, though that wasn’t the main goal.

Was it life-changing?

Maybe not in the dramatic, before-and-after way you’d expect. But it gave me structure, and some days, it was the best part of my routine.

Beyond 100 Days – Keeping the Habit (Without the Stress)

Here’s the funny thing: even after the 100 days were over, I kept walking.

But now? It’s different.

• If it’s raining, I don’t force it. No more obligatory hallway pacing just to hit the number.

• If I only hit 8,000 steps, I don’t panic. I move on.

• Walking is now a lifestyle, not a challenge.

Because at the end of the day, this wasn’t just about walking—it was about building a habit. A habit of moving, getting fresh air, and making time for myself.

Final Crack - So, Should You Do It?

✅ If you want an easy, low-barrier way to feel more active, this is a great challenge.

✅ If you need structure in your day, walking gives you that built-in routine.

✅ If you already feel overwhelmed, forcing 10,000 steps daily might just add stress.

You don’t need 10,000 steps to be healthier. But if you want a solid, feel-good challenge, it’s a fun one to try.

And if you do attempt it—be prepared for some last-minute hallway pacing at 11:59 PM.