A new viral walking trend has taken the nation by storm. It’s gentle, easy to follow and suitable for almost everyone.

Laura Mckenna Audience Writer

07:29, 18 Oct 2025

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLady walking looking at watch The 30-minute routine includes a low-impact walk divided into structured segments.(Image: Simple)

We all know the popular 10,000-step rule and its supposed health benefits including maintaining a healthy weight or burning fat. But a new, simpler walking trend is taking over, promising even greater results with far less effort.

Surprisingly, the 10,000-step target was never based on science. It originated as a clever marketing tactic from a 1960s pedometer company. Recent studies now show that while walking more is generally beneficial, you don’t necessarily need to hit that magic number to see improvements in your health and wellbeing.

TikTok fitness creator Eugene Teo supports this view, highlighting a Japanese walking method that delivers up to ten times the benefits of a 10,000-step walk – in as little as 30 minutes. Even better, it’s gentle, easy to follow, and suitable for almost everyone.

But this isn’t just some fleeting trend either, as it’s all grounded in science. The Japanese walking routine follows an interval training approach: a 30-minute, low-impact yet high-intensity walk divided into structured segments.

It includes three minutes of brisk walking (around 70% of your peak aerobic capacity), followed by three minutes of slow walking (approximately 40% of your peak aerobic capacity). This alternating pace is repeated for five sets, totalling 30 minutes, four times a week, reports the Mirror, reports the Mirror.

The Simple App provides a personalised walking plan

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Even at the faster interval speed, those following the Japanese walking routine should still be able to chat comfortably whilst walking.

As a gentle, moderate-intensity form of exercise, walking places minimal strain on joints including the hips, knees and ankles. A much safer option compared to high-impact activities like running, it makes an ideal choice for individuals prone to injuries or experiencing joint pain.

The Simple app can help users maximise their walking efforts by offering a tailored walking programme based on a person’s ideal step target. Right now, new users can take advantage of a 60% reduction on the app using the code REACH60 at checkout.

For those who might be doubtful about the potential results, they can look at the remarkable user transformations. Take Karen Heffernan for instance, who once weighed 26-and-a-half stone (168.28kg).

Karen HeffernanKaren Heffernan has lost more than 14 stone with the Simple app(Image: Simple)

Following a “health scare”, Karen was able to gain control of her weight using the Simple app, which led her through a series of small, gradual changes.

Across roughly 18 months, this method enabled her to shed an astounding 14-and-a-half stone (92.08kg), bringing her weight down to less than half of her original size. Karen said: “I can’t believe it’s actually been so simple. I’ve not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is ‘delay don’t deny.’ You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up.”

She went on to say: “This isn’t through surgery, it’s not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way.”

To begin their experience with the Simple app, users must complete a short online form regarding their nutritional and exercise goals. The application then utilises this information to create a completely personalised programme that matches their individual needs and schedule.

Using Simple’s AI Coach, every user’s plan is specifically designed for them, delivering consistent feedback. Moreover, the Simple method doesn’t require calorie tracking, cutting out vital food categories, or measuring every bite – rather, it focuses on safety and long-term sustainability, providing support throughout the entire journey.

As an alternative, users may choose the MyFitnessPal application. This all-encompassing food diary, calorie calculator, macro monitor and fitness tracker helps individuals develop lasting habits within a single platform.

Another option is the Hevy app. This free workout monitor for iOS and Android helps people build routines and track their advancement with mates.

A woman holding a water bottleWalking is a low-impact form of exercise(Image: Simple Life)

Trustpilot feedback for Simple is remarkably favourable, with users giving an average 4.3 out of five-star score, drawn from over 7,000 assessments. One reviewer described the app as ‘consistently gorgeous’.

They said: “It’s a great project with a promising future… it’s reliable since it has its own exchange app outside (the) telegram. They are straight forward and care about the community.”

One user praised the app’s simplicity, stating: “The experience was great due to the fact that it was easy to understand, not as complex as others.”

Another individual offered more critical feedback, highlighting network issues: “The app is good, but improvements in processing speed is needed.”

A different user expressed their satisfaction, commenting: “Simple and easy to use. I love this app.”

The Simple app can be downloaded from the website. Use the code REACH60 at checkout for a 60% discount.

AloJapan.com