A Journey of Health: My 1137 Days of Walking and Fitness (Hamid Shahzad) Leave a comment
A Journey of Health: My 1137 Days of Walking and Fitness
As an entrepreneur, my life has always been busy, filled with long hours at the desk coding, designing, and managing projects with local and international clients. My work required me to spend a lot of time in front of a computer, and like many others in the modern world, I found myself living a sedentary lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about your health. However, four years ago, I decided to make a change that would not only reshape my physical health but also my mindset. That change began with something as simple as walking.
The Start of My Journey: 1137 Days Without a Break
I began my journey of health with a goal to walk at least 10,000 steps a day, which is approximately 7 kilometers. What started as a simple commitment has turned into a journey that, as of today, has lasted 1137 days—without a single break or holiday. Yes, I’ve walked every day, through scorching heat, chilly mornings, rain, and even under the pressure of work and travel. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like; I never missed a day.
To keep track of my progress, I installed the Pedometer++ app on my phone. This app not only tracks my steps and kilometers in real-time but also counts the number of consecutive days I meet my goal of 10,000 steps. This streak feature has been a game-changer for me.
If I were to miss the 10,000-step mark even by a single step, the streak would reset to zero. The thought of losing this streak has been a powerful motivator for me to stay consistent, no matter what the circumstances. Knowing that a single missed day could break the chain has helped me prioritize my daily walks above everything else. The streak has become a badge of honor, and I believe it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to maintain this habit for so long.
The Transformation: From 85kg to 70kg
When I started my daily walks, my weight was around 85 kg. I was constantly busy with work, sitting for long hours in front of my computer, and snacking on sweets, often without thinking about the consequences. I ate very little, yet my weight kept increasing because my lifestyle was sedentary, and my metabolism had slowed down over time. I was caught in a cycle of work, eating, and sitting, with no time or energy to exercise.
But everything changed the moment I committed to walking every day. Over time, as I built my walking routine, my weight began to gradually reduce. Today, I maintain a weight of 70 kg, and what’s most interesting is that I eat whatever I want—carbs, sweets, fruits, and everything in between—without any strict calculations or restrictions. My metabolism has improved, and I have found balance.
The Surprising Results: A Shift in Perspective
In the beginning, my friends and clients noticed the changes and would ask, “Is everything okay? You’re losing weight!” At first, I didn’t even realize how much progress I had made. But as I started to see the results for myself, I was overjoyed. It wasn’t just the weight loss; it was the feeling of energy, vitality, and overall well-being that made the biggest difference.
In Pakistan, many people believe that a heavier person is healthier. There is a common misconception that being “fat” equals being strong or fit. However, our understanding of health, fitness, and body mass index (BMI) is quite limited. Most Pakistani diets are high in carbs, and we consume far too much sugar—many people can’t imagine life without sweets. This is one of the reasons why obesity and related health issues are common in our society. But I’m here to share a simple message: you can take control of your health and fitness by doing something as simple as walking.
The Health Benefits: No Sickness in 1137 Days
Since I started walking, I’ve been fortunate to avoid any major health problems—Alhamdulillah! I truly believe that my daily walk has played a key role in maintaining my good health. It’s a simple, accessible form of exercise that anyone can do, regardless of age or fitness level.
I also believe in something deeper: that our fate is written, including the food we consume and the number of days we live. However, how we live our life, the choices we make, and how we treat our bodies can influence how long we stay healthy. Just like we can’t control the amount of food we’ve been destined to eat, we do have the power to choose when and how we finish that food by making healthier decisions.
Why Morning Walks Matter
Getting up early in the morning is no easy task. It requires discipline, motivation, and a commitment to your health. But once you get used to it, it becomes an incredibly rewarding habit. There’s nothing more important than your health. By making time for morning walks, you can improve not just your physical health, but your mental clarity and overall quality of life.
At 38 years old, as a business entrepreneur, I understand the challenges that come with balancing work and health. But I’ve learned that prioritizing your health is crucial—not just for your body, but for your mind and work productivity as well. My aim with this blog is not to boast about what I’ve done, but to motivate others to take charge of their own health and start small, one step at a time.
The Conclusion: A World Record of Consistency
Walking for 1137 consecutive days, without taking a single break, is an achievement I’m proud of. I truly believe this could be a world record for walking 10,000 steps daily, without interruption, regardless of weather or personal circumstances. It’s a challenge I set for myself, and now I’m sharing it with the world to encourage others to take that first step towards better health.
To anyone reading this, I want to tell you that no matter where you start, no matter how difficult it may seem, you too can improve your health. You don’t need to restrict your food or count calories; all you need to do is take that first step and start walking.
Let’s take charge of our health together—one step at a time. The world is waiting for you.
