Your step count is way more than just a number: it’s a lifestyle, a source of pride, and sometimes, a deep cry for help. Either way, your step count tells a story about you – no matter if you’re breaking the pedometer, or don’t even know what a pedometer is. (It’s not that thing in your car’s dashboard…)

So, now we’ll answer the question that we all want to know: what does your step count say about you? Using almost no science at all (gasp!), let’s get into it…

Over 20,000 Steps Per Day

Congratulations on becoming a robot! When were you programmed? They did a really good job! How often do you need to see the mechanic to get a tune up? Fascinating!

You walk more in a day than some people do in a week, and I bet you feel good about that, don’t you? You like rubbing it in at every chance you get, and I guess you’re entitled to it.

Well done. You won exercise.

The one downside of course is that your feet are absolutely rank. They have blisters, they constantly hurt, and they don’t smell like flowers either. (Somebody had to tell you…) That’s just what constant marathon training does to you, I suppose. Life is all about give and take!

Maybe some foot support would go a long way, but what do I know? I’m just the one with the normal feet that don’t hurt…

15,000 Steps Per Day

You’re the friend who is always late because you insist on walking everywhere, and you refuse to apologize for that fact. You walk an extra mile just in case your fitness tracker is off for some reason (it isn’t). You wear your workout clothes as regular clothes, and your regular clothes as pajamas. Your dog desperately wants to go on fewer walks, but you won’t stand for it.

You take fitness seriously, but sometimes it can get in the way of your personal life. Remember that birthday party you missed last week? It was your birthday!

You’re still looking for a partner who matches your enthusiasm for working out, but will accept the fact that they will always be second in your life to stepping. So far, no luck.

Your best match might be some new leggings. You know, something active that can hug you better than any future spouse ever could.

You have multiple pairs of the same sneakers, and you don’t think that’s weird.

10,000 Steps Per Day

You are very aware of the fact that you average 10,000 steps per day. In fact, you’ve perfectly curated it to be that way. Yes, you’re proud of your step count, but you also think anyone who steps more than you is a showboating try-hard. And even if you don’t admit it, you also look down on anyone who isn’t reaching five digits like you are. Honestly, you probably need to think about yourself less.

Not everything revolves around you and your amazingly precise 10,000 steps per day. I promise you nobody else cares. Why don’t you get a bumper sticker while you’re at it that says, “10K Stepper on Board!” or “Honk if You Love 10,000 Steps!” Everyone is either looking at you too much, or not enough, and the rest of us are, frankly, sick of it.

You do what you need to do, and we’re all proud of you. But don’t go judging the rest of us just because no one threw you a surprise party. What do you get for the person who has 10,000 steps? Apparently, an attitude adjustment.

Maybe you need some hydration to help you think more clearly? If only it was that simple…

7,500 Steps Per Day

I’m not going to lie, you’re pretty chill and everyone seems to like you. You don’t live and die by the step count, but you remain active and enjoy moving as often as you can. How can anyone have a problem with that?

You like long walks to clear your head, but you’re always there if anyone needs to clear their head too. Your friends know they can trust you and you do not betray that trust.

Of course, you also have those weird moments where you just rip off a half-marathon like it’s nothing because you saw a poster and thought it would be fun. You’re kind of a freak in that way… but that’s just one of your quirks.

Your only flaw is maybe being too likeable and having too many friends, but thankfully an Unlimited Stridekick challenge is the perfect place to keep them all in one place.

5,000 Steps Per Day

No need to panic, you’re doing fine! You might be worried about reaching a higher step count every day, but I promise you’re doing exactly what you should be doing. You’re working hard and making progress.

Yeah, you’re not a world-beater by any stretch, but that doesn’t discount everything you’ve done. There’s a lot of people with much higher step counts who don’t work nearly as hard as you, but somehow have way bigger heads about it.

You have the mentality that everyone should have about working out, and yet people only disrespect you for it.

Let’s egg their house. Come on, we’ll help! Don’t act like that wouldn’t feel good to get back at some of these fakers…

Okay, well, maybe we can’t egg them, but you have my solidarity. Don’t be afraid to keep being you, because to us, you are the rock that keeps the fitness community going. We’re proud of you and please never change! (Unless you want to, in which case that’s totally fine!)

Below 5,000 Steps Per Day

You try. You definitely try. But between work, errands, and the rest of your hectic life, hitting 5,000 steps is your own personal half-marathon. And that’s valid!

You have your running shoes, you own a yoga mat, and who cares if you’re not entirely sure where either of those things are right now. The point is that they are somewhere in the house, and that’s enough sometimes.

You're not lazy – far from it. You just don’t see why we need to get our steps in every single day. Some days are for laying in bed and watching The Summer I Turned Pretty. You need to catch up on Jeremiah’s antics before any exercise happens, and that’s a rule that you just made up right now.

No shame here. In fact we approve. Just maybe mix in some at-home workouts if you’re going to skip another outdoor one, okay?

0 Steps Per Day

You've moved beyond physical movement. You exist in a state of such complete stillness, that your fitness tracker thinks you’re dead. Maybe you’ve been meditating? For six days straight… I guess that’s possible.

Either way, you don’t leave the house, and I’m loving that for you. You laugh in the face of societal expectation. No one would even accuse you of being a social climber, and that’s kind of respectable.

My only suggestion is maybe a few stretches? Or at least stand up. We have to start somewhere! How about a morning routine to get your day started on the right foot? Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were our fitness goals. I believe in you!

Final Thoughts

No matter your step count, we’re not here to shame, we’re here to stride. (And I’m sorry if I thought you were dead, I was worried!)

Just keep improving on your previous mark, and we will all be fine in the end. And remember, even if you’re a “sub-5,000,” you’ll always be an “over 20,000” to us. ❤️

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