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Dream Job: You Could Get Paid $10,000 to Walk 10,000 Steps in a Day

Mike Brassfield

by Mike Brassfield

Senior Writer

A mother and daughter walk outdoors.
Getty Images

Editor's Note: The application deadline for this job has expired.

Walking is really good for you. In fact, walking a lot is one of the best things you can do for your health.

In that spirit, a new fitness company wants to pay one lucky person $10,000 to walk 10,000 steps in a day. The company, GymBird, is looking for a “chief step officer,” and it’s taking applications.

The person chosen as CSO will commit to walking every day for a month, working up to 10,000 steps a day, recording their progress as they go. They’ll do a two-minute weekly video recap of how things are going.

No prior fitness knowledge or experience is necessary. However, it’s clear from the application form that GymBird is looking for someone who knows their way around social media and who is comfortable appearing on video.

GymBird is asking applicants to link to a YouTube or TikTok video of themselves explaining why they’re a good fit for the job. (This is not required but is “highly encouraged.” You get the idea.) It’s also asking applicants to list their social media profiles.

You have until July 19 to apply.

“If you’re new to fitness and this task seems daunting, still apply!” GymBird’s website says. “Our ideal candidate is excited to take the next ‘step’ in their exercise routine and is willing to commit to walking every day for a month.”

Good walking shoes matter. Here are the seven best walking shoes under $110 for every type of walker.

The Requirements to Be ‘Chief Step Officer’

Here are the requirements for this walking dream job:

  • You must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • You’ll shoot a two-minute weekly video recap of how the job is going.
  • You’ll turn in a written paragraph at the end of every week describing your activities, challenges, success and overall feelings.
  • You’ll do one social media post each week during the month to encourage other people to take their first step.
  • By the last day of the month, you must walk 10,000 steps in a 24-hour period. You can clock your steps however you like: hiking, using a treadmill, doing laps at the mall, climbing stairs or exploring your neighborhood.

You can apply for the job here. The application form asks for some basic information about you. You’ll also be asked to list your social media profiles for Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok, if you have them.

You can walk just about anywhere, but if you prefer the treadmill at the gym, here are seven cheap gym memberships worth checking out.

Why Walking Is Good for You

How far is 10,000 steps? Depending on the size of the person, it’s roughly 5 miles.

If you have a fitness tracker app on your phone, you already know roughly how many miles you typically walk during the day.

GymBird points to studies that show walking helps you live longer. Studies also show that walking can prevent strokes, help combat mental illness and prevent cardiovascular disease. Even short walks can have a positive impact on your overall health.

“Walking is an easy, simple way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine,” said Ashley Walton, co-founder of GymBird. “It can drastically improve your physical and mental health and even help you live longer.”

Play your cards right, and you could get paid $10,000 for it, too.

Like walking, not all fitness plans have to burn a hole in your wallet. Here are five ways to crush your fitness goals without crushing your budget.

Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.