Sticking to the same old trails and paths can become boring, and traditional fitness apps often add to the pressure with streaks and goals that are tough to maintain.
Walk the World is a new app breaking those norms by turning everyday walks into engaging, entertaining global expeditions across iconic and historic destinations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Central Park in New York.
Users pick a trail, walk, accumulate steps and are virtually transported to notable landmarks along their selected path. Workouts become adventures where users are rewarded with scenic checkpoint photos, cultural and historical facts, wildlife encounters, collectible postcards and more as they complete routes – all of which are recorded via the Passport Log feature. Progress milestones can be shared.
Walk the World is ideal for anyone – from those starting or restarting their fitness journey to veteran walkers looking to break away from mundane routines. Steps are tracked via Apple Health, so whether walking around the house, running errands or visiting a park, users are always making progress towards their goals.
The app currently features 48 destinations – with more to come. Premium international routes through Europe, Asia, Africa and more are available for purchase or can be unlocked by redeeming accumulated steps. Courses range from beginner to advanced with options like: Santa Monica Pier – 7,000 steps; Las Vegas Strip – 8,500 steps; Amazon Rainforest – 11,000 steps; Mexico City – 16,700 steps; Inca Trail – 43,200 steps; and Lost City – 61,000 steps.
Impending, the developers behind the app Heads Up! and the productivity app Clear, created Walk the World to help users focus on long-term habit-building, discovery and fun.
“Typical workout programmes didn’t work for me. As soon as I lost a long streak or couldn’t close my rings on Apple Fitness, I’d lose all motivation to start over. That’s how this idea was born – encouraging wellness without punishment,” said app creator Phill Ryu, co-founder of Impending.
“Too many apps keep us glued to our phones. Our goal is to support what people are already doing in their daily lives – so our device becomes a tool, rather than a distraction. With Walk the World, we wanted to give people a reason to go outside, move a little and feel good doing it – without guilt or pressure.”
