{"id":12187,"date":"2026-03-18T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12187"},"modified":"2026-03-25T16:06:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:06:11","slug":"step-count-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/step-count-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Join our \u2018Spring in your step\u2019 challenge\u202f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Walking more is a brilliant way to build fitness and improve your physical and mental health \u2013 and now that the weather is starting to warm up, outdoor activity is looking more appealing. If you\u2019d love to step things up this spring, these simple challenges will help you get going at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is increasing your steps important?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting more active benefits your health and weight loss in so many ways, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>better sleep&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improved mental health&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stronger bones and muscles, which will keep you mobile and robust as you age&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintaining your weight loss long-term<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/nearest-group-search\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"122\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GetRealSupport-SmallCTA_SlimmingWorldBlog2.jpg\" alt=\"get real support - small CTA\" class=\"wp-image-11411\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to get started<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choose your goal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a common myth that we need to hit 10,000 steps a day to stay fit and healthy. The truth is, any extra movement uses energy and helps to improve health.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re new to activity, 10,000 steps might be an unrealistic target. Instead, aim to do a bit more than you currently do, and build up gradually at your own pace. That\u2019s the key to making activity an enjoyable habit.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Body-SpringInStepChallenge-Shazza_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15996\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Shazza has lost an incredible 10st with Slimming World and has three furry companions to help her clock up those extra steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Track your progress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping an eye on your progress will help you stay committed to your goal. Most smartphones have a built-in step counter, or you can pick up a smartwatch for less than \u00a320.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>More for members: Connect your fitness app to our activity tracker to automatically record your step count. Last year, our members clocked up more than 34 million steps between them!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/what-happens-online\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Online-AutumnCampaign-Small-CTA.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn campaign small CTA\" class=\"wp-image-9865\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 ways to boost your step count<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore the outdoors<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending time in nature has been shown to improve our mental wellbeing, and nature reserves or local parks are excellent places to start. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-your-local-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find somewhere new near you on the UK Government&#8217;s local park finder.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Body-SpringInStepChallenge-LouiseSheppard_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15998\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Slimming World member Louise, who\u2019s lost more than 5st so far, enjoys an adventurous hike in the Lake District.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take walking breaks<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even for very active people, sitting still for too long can increase the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Break up long periods of sitting by going for a quick stroll. Even getting up and walking from one side of the room to the other will clock up extra steps and start to bring benefits \u2013 make it a five-minute walk for even more of a health boost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Body-SpringInStepChallenge-HelenLambeth_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"Woman walking with dogs in woods\n\" class=\"wp-image-16000\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A daily dog walk is a great way to make activity a part of your routine. And regular activity will help our member, Helen, to maintain her inspiring 10st weight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sign up for an event<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Organised running and walking events boost your commitment to activity, and get you discovering new routes and meeting new people.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Body-RaceForLife-EmilyKingV2_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"Emily King at Race for Life 2025\" class=\"wp-image-13159\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Our member Emily added an extra layer of motivation by running Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d love to take part in Race for Life, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/race-for-life\/\">keep an eye on this page<\/a> for an amazing discount coming soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maximise your commute<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking to work is an easy way to boost your step count and fit activity into your existing routine.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t walk the entire way, you could park further from your workplace, get off the bus a stop early or walk to the train station.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find a fitness friend<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pairing up with an encouraging walking partner can really increase our motivation to exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could join a walking group, meet a friend for a walk around the park&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;or take a brisk stroll along the beach with your family, like Slimming World Consultant Kerrie.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Body-StepChallenge-Kerrie_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"Slimming World member Kerrie with her son and greyhound.\" class=\"wp-image-12137\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use the stairs instead of the lift<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Climbing a flight of stairs gets your heart and lungs working harder and helps tone your leg muscles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make it fun<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Combining a walk with other activities you enjoy will encourage you to stick to your fitness plans. These ideas will liven up any stroll:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Press play on your favourite playlist or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/podcast\">podcast.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you walk on a treadmill, watch your favourite TV show.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use apps like <em>Pok\u00e9mon<\/em> Go, Walkr and Geocaching to turn your stroll into a game.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Walktheworld-blogbody-px.jpg\" alt=\"walk the world infographic\" class=\"wp-image-12811\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Matching step count distances to real-life locations can give an even greater sense of achievement. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/walk-the-world-steps-challenge\/\">Tick off well-known landmarks with our Walk the World challenge.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Try a Slimming World walking podcast<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/move-slimming-world-walking-podcasts-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exclusive guided audio walks<\/a> are here to help members walk their way to better health and fitness \u2013 and have fun while they do it!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Body-SpringInStepChallenge-RebeccaDykes_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15997\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Slimming World Consultant Rebecca loves an early evening stroll. She says;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Movement isn&#8217;t just about burning calories. It&#8217;s about clearing your mind, boosting your mood, and giving your body the care it deserves.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take the first step to a fitter, healthier you<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you join Slimming World, you\u2019ll gain access to our full activity tool kit. It has everything you need to level up your activity, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>the Slimming World app and website<\/strong> \u2013 home to our activity tracker, exercise guides and fitness-themed podcasts&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>more than 90 workout videos<\/strong> to suit all abilities, ranging from five to 30 minutes long&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>mindset-shifting online articles<\/strong> to get you off the starting blocks and make moving more a regular part of your week&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>our unique FITT log<\/strong>, to help you identify and overcome any personal obstacles&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>motivating activity awards<\/strong>, to inspire you through your fitness journey and celebrate your achievements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/group-or-online-membership\">Join Slimming World<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*If you\u2019re planning to start a new exercise programme, we recommend you check with your GP first \u2013 especially if you have an existing health condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. If you\u2019re pregnant, check the suitability of the exercise with your midwife.&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Step up your fitness levels with our &#8216;ways to walk more&#8217; checklist<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":16001,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[22,25,14,26],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12187"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12187"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12187\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16014,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12187\/revisions\/16014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}