Man, 28, Walked 17 Miles a Day for a Week — What It Did to His Body
That’s what 28-year-old British YouTuber Jack Massey Welsh did for a week — racking up a staggering 250,000 steps in just seven days.
The result was a mix of surprising body changes and brutal injuries.
Before the Challenge
Before the challenge, Welsh weighed himself and took body measurements to track his progress.
He said he didn’t change his diet much, except for adding an extra 150 grams of protein daily to preserve his muscle mass. He also started taking glucosamine for joint support.
Then, he set off, breaking down his 35,000-step goal into two daily walks — each about two hours long.
Day 1-2: The First Steps
“I am tired, but I am fine,” Welsh told his followers on his first day. “It’s just one step in front of the other.”
But by Day 2, he was already feeling the burn.
“Now putting one step in front of the other is no easy task at all,” Welsh admitted, his legs aching from walking 17 miles the day before.
Day 4-5: Joint Pain and Blisters
By Day 4, the pain in his muscles had subsided, but a new challenge arose: joint pain.
“It feels like now the only limiting factor in this challenge is just physical joint pain in my feet,” Welsh said, adding that painful blisters were also slowing him down.
By Day 5, the agony was so intense that Welsh resorted to painkillers to keep walking as he battled swollen feet and ankles.
After the Challenge
At the end of the week, Welsh retook his measurements, and the results were eye-opening.
“I seem to be narrower … which I didn’t really expect,” he said, adding that he was 2 pounds lighter.
“Each body measurement is a little bit smaller, apart from my thigh which has grown by half a centimeter,” Welsh said. “I wasn’t expecting to be able to see any difference, so this is really surprising.”
Conclusion
Welsh’s extreme challenge may not be for everyone, but his experience highlights the importance of regular physical activity for overall health and well-being.
Aiming for a moderate 8,000 to 20,000 steps a day, as recommended by Welsh, can have numerous benefits, including stronger muscles and bones, increased heart and lung function, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The best part? It’s low impact and requires nothing more than a good pair of shoes.
FAQs
- How many steps should I aim for daily?
- What are the benefits of regular physical activity?
- Can I try this extreme walking challenge?
A review of 15 studies suggests that people over 60 should aim for 7,000 steps a day to increase their chances of living longer. For younger adults, the health benefits appeared to level off at around 9,000 steps.
Regular physical activity can work wonders for mental health, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression while boosting energy and focus. It can also strengthen muscles and bones, increase heart and lung function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
While Welsh’s experience was unique and not recommended for most people, he does suggest aiming for a more moderate 8,000 to 20,000 steps a day based on your personal fitness level.
