STEPtember: 7 Steps to Build Walking Habits That Last
September is a month of fresh starts. After the summer break, many of us have above-average motivation to set new goals – and the energy to act on them. That makes it the perfect time to turn September into STEPtember. (You may also know STEPtember as a popular charity fundraising challenge – a great example of how a month of walking can rally people around a shared goal.) Here are seven steps to build walking habits that last well beyond the month.
Table of Contents
1. Measure Your Steps Accurately
If you already wear an activity tracker, skip ahead. If not, it is worth considering. There is a device for every taste and budget, from simple bands to smart rings, and all of them give you objective data and an extra nudge to move. Just remember: buying a device does not change your lifestyle by itself – using it with purpose does. Here are the benefits of a fitness tracker.
2. Check Your Steps Regularly
Regularly facing your own objective reality is one of the most helpful habits for lasting change. A tip: if your numbers sometimes demotivate you, check them at a time of day when you can still do something about it – like before an evening walk.
3. Step Away From Something
Time never appears on its own – you have to make it. Think about what you could give up to create space for a more active lifestyle. Many people take part in alcohol-free or screen-light Septembers; find the thing that drains your energy, time or motivation, and let it go for a month.
4. Step With Someone
Social accountability is seriously motivating. Agree to walk to the office together, replace some seated meetings with walking meetings, or keep each other accountable in a shared app where you can see each other's progress.
5. Step Somewhere New
Most of us have streets in our own neighborhood we have never explored. Plan a new route each week, take a few photos along the way, and walking becomes an adventure.
6. Learn While You Walk
Pair walking with podcasts or audiobooks to build two habits at once. Walking with others? Agree to read or listen to the same thing beforehand and discuss it on the way. I like to split my walking time in two: part for listening, part for free thinking.
7. Start a Step Challenge
The easiest way to bring all of the above together is a simple step challenge with your team. A consistency challenge is especially good for building the walking habit during the month – and it can become the start of a lasting health culture. Here is how to create a step challenge, and see how many steps a day you really need.
Make It Last Beyond September
Try these steps yourself first, then invite others – being a role model for an active lifestyle is worth striving for. For more autumn ideas, see 10 hacks to stay active in autumn and the car-free September challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is STEPtember?
A play on “September” and “steps”: a month dedicated to walking more and building lasting movement habits. It is also the name of a well-known charity walking fundraiser.
2. How many steps should I aim for in STEPtember?
Choose a goal that stretches you without being unrealistic – for many people, 7,000–10,000 steps a day. Consistency matters more than any single big day.
Start Your Team's STEPtember
YuMuuv is happy to set up a step challenge that fits your team. Book a demo and step into September together.
