Who even has the time to do that much walking?
A YouTuber set out to push the limits of his physical endurance by walking an astonishing 250,000 steps in a single week. Documenting the challenge on his channel, Jack Massey Welsh, known as @JackSucksAtLife, shared the surprising results—both good and bad—of this extreme feat.
The Challenge: 35,000 Steps a Day
Health advice often revolves around the idea of taking 10,000 steps per day for optimal fitness, a guideline that originated as a marketing campaign during the Tokyo 1964 Olympics. Some experts suggest a more realistic target of 7,500 daily steps. However, Welsh decided to go far beyond these recommendations, walking approximately 35,000 steps daily for seven consecutive days. To achieve this, he committed to multi-hour walks every morning and evening.
The Physical Results
By the end of the week, Welsh’s body showed clear signs of the intense physical toll. He reported swollen ankles, joint pain, and multiple blisters on his feet. Additionally, he suffered from a black toenail, likely caused by the extended periods of walking. Despite these setbacks, Welsh described an overwhelming sense of achievement after reaching his ambitious goal.
Unexpected Changes to His Body
Welsh measured his body before and after the challenge and found surprising differences.
“Strangely, there is actually a visual difference,” he said, showing side-by-side photos of his physique. He noted a two-pound weight loss and minor fat reduction, particularly in his lower abdominal area. Surprisingly, his thigh measurements increased by half a centimeter, likely due to the extensive use of leg muscles. His calves also appeared more defined—an expected outcome given the physical demands of the challenge.
The Downsides
While the challenge brought some physical benefits, it also highlighted the risks of overexertion. Welsh’s swollen ankles and joint pain persisted for days after completing the week-long endeavor. The black toenail served as a stark reminder of the physical cost of such an extreme activity.
Reflections on the Experience
Despite the discomfort, Welsh considered the experience worthwhile for the sense of accomplishment it provided.
“I wasn’t expecting to see any difference, so this is really surprising,” he admitted, reflecting on the physical changes. However, he also acknowledged the importance of finding a balance, as pushing the body to such extremes can lead to injuries and long-term issues.
A Cautionary Tale for Fitness Enthusiasts
This experiment serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. While increasing daily steps can have health benefits, pushing beyond reasonable limits may cause more harm than good. Welsh’s experience underscores the importance of moderation and listening to your body when embarking on fitness challenges.
For most people, sticking to the recommended 7,500–10,000 steps per day may be a more sustainable approach to maintaining good health. At least now, thanks to Welsh’s ambitious journey, we have a clearer picture of what happens when you truly go the extra mile—or in this case, hundreds of miles.