The 10,000-steps-a-day challenge has been around for decades—but today, it’s more than just a catchy number. A new Parade article breaks down exactly what happens to your body when you commit to 10,000 steps a day for an entire month, and I’m excited to be featured as one of the experts weighing in.

Walking remains one of the most accessible and sustainable ways to improve health. Experts in the article highlight improvements in heart health, energy, digestion, sleep, and mood—benefits that can show up surprisingly fast. And while many people start walking for weight loss, the real magic is in how consistently hitting your steps can reduce stress, increase daily calorie burn, and build a foundation for long-term fitness.

In the article, I share why morning outdoor walks can help regulate circadian rhythms for better sleep and how gradually increasing your step count—rather than forcing yourself into 10,000 steps from day one—creates the best long-term results. I also explain how adding intensity through hills, intervals, or a weighted vest can help you break through plateaus once your body adapts.

👉 Read the full article: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Walk 10,000 Steps a Day for a Month