Remember the Time When Pokémon Go Accidentally Made the World’s Biggest Fitness Movement?
It was 2016. You’re outside, phone in hand, chasing a digital Charizard across the park. Strangers nod as you pass; you’re all on a mission. You walk further than you have in weeks, and suddenly exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. That summer, Pokémon Go got millions of people moving without even trying.
We may not be catching Pokémon as often these days, but the motivation to walk, explore, and connect hasn’t gone anywhere. Sometimes, we just need the right spark to get back on our feet. If you love challenges, nature, games, or just need a reason to go outside, here are eight fun ways to make walking part of your routine again.
1. Nature Walks Checklist
You don’t need a national park to enjoy nature. Local trails, conservation areas, or even a quiet tree‑lined street can completely shift your mood. Instead of focusing on steps or speed, try using a simple nature walk checklist (or just keep it as a mental guide) that brings your attention to all five senses. Listen to the birds, feel the ground beneath your feet, notice the air on your skin, and take in the shapes, colors, and movement of trees and plants. Whether you're in a park, a trail, or your own neighborhood, this kind of mindful walking helps you slow down, reset your nervous system, and enjoy the outdoors in a deeper, more relaxing way. When you walk with your senses engaged, the whole experience becomes grounding, calming, and much more enjoyable.
2. The Conqueror Challenge
This app lets you “walk” some of the world’s most iconic trails, virtually. The Conqueror Challenge is an app that turns your steps into a global journey. Every walk you take moves you forward on a famous route like the Inca Trail, the Great Wall of China, or Mount Fuji. They even have fantasy-themed maps like The Shire, Hogwarts, and a galaxy far, far away! Yes, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. As you progress, you will unlock beautiful, real-life medals that are mailed straight to you. It’s incredibly motivating, especially for visual learners or people who like to track progress. Plus, it gives your daily walks a sense of purpose beyond “just getting steps in”.
3. Step Count Challenges with Friends
Friendly competition keeps things interesting. Make it a friendly competition by joining or creating step count challenges with your friends, coworkers, or even family. You can use apps like Strava, Fitbit, Garmin, or even the built-in Apple Health and Google Fit apps. Weekly leaderboards, daily streaks, or “most improved” stats make it fun and keep you accountable. Add a reward like coffee on the house for the winner. You’d be surprised how motivating it is to check your phone at end of the day and realize you’re just 300 steps behind your friend.
4. Geocaching
Geocaching is like a real-world scavenger/treasure hunt that turns walking into an adventure. Using the Geocaching app, you can search for hidden containers (“caches”) near you using GPS coordinates. Some are super easy and great for kids, while others are puzzles, riddles, or challenges to find. They’re tucked away in parks, under benches, behind signs; places you would walk past without noticing. Inside, you might find a tiny logbook, small toys, or trinkets to trade. It gives you a reason to explore your surroundings more deeply and makes walking feel like play again.
5. City Exploration Walks
When was the last time you explored a part of your own city like a tourist? Pick a new neighbouhood, grab a coffee or tea, and just walk, with or without friends. No destination needed. You will find murals, alleyway art, hidden cafes, beautifull architecture, or plaques about local history you never knew. City walks are a great way to reconnect with your environment and get your steps in without it feeling like exercise. Some cities even offer self-guided heritage walking tours or street art maps you can follow if you want more direction.
6. Community & Charity Walks
Join a local walk/run for a good cause. These events happen year-round and support causes like mental health, cancer research, food banks, and more. You will often get a route map, a challenge goal (like 10K steps a day for a week), and the chance to walk solo or as part of a team. It’s a meaningful way to move, giving your daily activity a greater sense of purpose. Plus, these walks can connect you to others in your community who care about the same causes.
7. Walk and Listen Habit Stack
Habit stacking is a simple technique where you pair a new habit with something you already enjoy or do regularly. The goal is to make the new habit easier to stick with because it piggybacks off something familiar. In this case, pairing your daily walk with something you love listening to, like a podcast, audiobook, or your favorite playlist, can turn walking from a chore into something you actually look forward to. Some people use this time to learn something new, unwind, or reconnect with loved ones through calls. Others use it to calm their nervous system by listening to nature sounds or mindfulness tracks. When walking is stacked with something rewarding, it stops feeling like another thing on your to-do list and starts becoming a habit you want to keep.
8. Pokémon Go (yes, really — it still exists!)
Believe it or not, Pokémon Go is still going strong, and it remains one of the best “gamified fitness” tools out there. The app encourages you to walk to hatch eggs, find rare Pokémon, visit Pokéstops, and battle in gyms. There are weekly fitness challenges and rewards for hitting movement goals. The app is constantly updated with new creatures and events to keep things fresh. Whether you’re playing solo or joining a community event, Pokémon Go gets you outside, moving, and exploring, with just enough nostalgia to make it fun.
Final Thoughts
Walking doesn’t need to be boring, repetitive, or all about hitting step goals. It can be playful, calming, competitive, adventurous, whatever keeps you moving. Whether it’s exploring your city like a tourist, tracking your steps through a fantasy map, or tuning into a good podcast, walking can become something you look forward to. The best part? You don’t need fancy gear or a gym membership, just curiosity, a comfy pair of shoes, and a reason to take that first step.
About Dr. Yehia
I’m Dr. Yehia, a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario, and I help people build healthier lives in ways that feel natural, sustainable, and actually enjoyable. Whether you’re trying to boost energy, manage stress, or just get moving again, I offer a personalized approach backed by science, not trends. Curious where to start? Book a free 15-minute consultation (Ontario residents only) and let’s figure out what works best for you.
