Introduction to Walking
Walking 10,000 steps—about four or five miles—has become the latest wellness benchmark and cure-all trend. It’s all over social media, with numerous fitness brands touting it as the ideal, science-backed way to stay in tip-top shape, and for good reason. According to research, there is some validity to this claim. Walking 8,000 steps just a few days a week can improve heart and lung health, as well as overall well-being.
The Benefits of Walking
Studies suggest that it’s also an effective and practical way for most able-bodied people to burn calories, reduce the risk of disease, and even boost their mood. “Most studies show that walking 8,000-10,000 steps a day lowers your risk of death by 20–50 percent,” says Erik Brodie, personal trainer at the Preserve in River Oaks. “Walking is a lot more low-impact than running, so you can still get a lot of the same benefits you’d get from running without a lot of the cons, like the impact that your joints take over time.” Walking can also be more accessible: You don’t have to focus as much on having the perfect form or gait, and there’s less risk of injury, he adds.
The Origins of 10,000 Steps
The concept of 10,000 steps as the pinnacle of wellness, however, has murky origins. The number reportedly traces back to a successful Japanese marketing campaign for a pedometer that launched just before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The Japanese character for 10,000 resembles a person walking, so the device was eventually called the 10,000 steps meter. Even if 10,000 steps, specifically, may be a tad overblown, research shows that there are numerous overall health benefits to gain from walking a minimum of 8,000 steps a day.
Research Findings
A 2023 study by the JAMA Network found that participants who took 8,000 steps or more at least two days during the week had a substantially lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Research shows, however, that benefits tend to plateau beyond 10,000 steps. This means that while walking 10,000 steps a day can be beneficial, it’s not necessarily the only goal to aim for.
Walking in Houston
While achieving 10,000 steps a day is realistic for most people, Brodie says there’s still a large percentage of people who lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle. In Houston, perhaps the most car-centric major city in the country, this can be a significant hindrance. What’s more, it’s extremely hot during a substantial portion of the year, making it sometimes unbearable to take a stroll outside. So, how do you hit 10K in Houston? The short answer: Think beyond the single workout—your whole day counts.
Tips for Walking More
“You have to change up your routine to get as many steps in as you can, whether that is starting up a couple of thousand steps in the morning, spending some of your lunchtime walking, if possible, and then walking after work,” Brodie says. If you struggle to meet your daily step goal because you spend most of your day sitting at your desk, take as many breaks as possible, or stand up and move around when time allows, he says. It’s about getting it in when you can; it doesn’t have to be all at once.
Alternative Options
“A lot of people think they have to go to the gym for two hours every day and walk five miles, but it’s really about trying to get it in here and there,” Brodie says. “Even if you have a day or two where you were a little lower at 7,000 or 8,000 steps a day, you can just add another mile on the weekend just to try to get that average as close to 10,000 steps as possible.” Additionally, if you have the space in your home and the budget, Brodie suggests purchasing a walking pad.
Houston’s Parks
If that’s not an option, head to the nearest of all 43,139 acres of parkland in Houston. For a city that gets a lot of flak for not “being pretty,” Houston took the No. 8 spot for the Lone Star State’s best park system in 2025. Houston boasts more than 700 parks perfect for locals and visitors looking to put a little pep in their steps.
Top Walking Trails in Houston
Here are some of the city’s best park trails made for walking:
Memorial Park
- Best Trails: Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail (3 miles), Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Outer Loop Trail (2.3 miles)
- Pros: Lush foliage, peaceful views, variety of trails, central location
- Cons: Reported incidents of car theft. Traffic through the park can be heavy, and the park is sometimes crowded.
- Best time to walk here: Go later in the morning (after 9am) or late in the evening (after 7pm), particularly on weekdays, to avoid the busiest times.
Hermann Park
- Best Trails: Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail (2 miles), Hermann Park Trail (1.5 miles), and McGovern Centennial Gardens Trail (1 mile)
- Pros: It’s well maintained, with a zoo, gardens, a café, an outdoor theater, and more.
- Cons: It can be busy, particularly during weekends.
- Best time to walk here: Weekdays. With numerous activities for the whole family, the park gets especially crowded on weekends.
Terry Hershey Park
- Best Trails: Over 11 miles of trails, with popular options like the Quail Trail (11.7 out-and-back) and the Blue Jay Trail (6 miles out-and-back)
- Pros: Extensive trails, peaceful environment
- Cons: Limited amenities
- Best time to walk here: Early morning or late afternoon/early evening, especially on weekdays, to avoid peak crowds
Buffalo Bayou Park
- Best Trails: Buffalo Bayou Loop (5.1 miles), Blue Lagoon Trail (2.1 miles), and the White Oak Bayou Greenway (16.5 miles)
- Pros: Well-maintained, beautiful skyline views of Downtown Houston, well-lit at sundown
- Cons: Minimal parking, traffic noise, reports of car break-ins
- Best time to walk here: During the spring and fall evenings, or on summer evenings at dusk
Heights Hike & Bike Trail
- Best Trails: 8.7-mile out-and-back
- Pros: It connects to the White Oak Bayou Trail and offers access to various bars, restaurants, shops, parks, and other amenities in the Heights and M-K-T areas.
- Cons: Busy intersections and shared path with bikers
- Best time to walk here: Early morning, or late afternoon/early evening on a weekday. Weekends can be crowded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, walking 10,000 steps a day can be beneficial for your health, but it’s not the only goal to aim for. With a little creativity and planning, you can incorporate more walking into your daily routine, even in a car-centric city like Houston. Whether you choose to walk in one of Houston’s many parks or simply take a few extra steps throughout your day, every bit counts. So, get out there and start walking – your body will thank you!
