One of my favorite ways to reset my mind is simply getting outside and moving.
In Tucson, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop is one of the best places to do that. It’s more than 138 miles of paved, shared-use paths connecting different parts of Tucson and the surrounding area, which means there are plenty of places to hop on for a walk, bike ride, or just some time outside.
Walking the Loop has become one of my favorite ways to clear my head, get some fresh air, step away from screens, and get some movement in without making it a whole thing.
And it turns out, that movement counts for more than I used to give it credit for.
Walking at a steady pace can be a form of low-intensity steady-state cardio, commonly called LISS. While it may not feel as impressive as a hard workout, regular aerobic exercise is legitimately helpful for managing weight and body fat. A 2024 meta-analysis of 116 clinical trials found that increasing aerobic exercise was associated with reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat, with greater benefits as weekly exercise increased.
Basically, walking counts.
And while we’re talking about walking, can we talk about the 10,000-step goal?
I always assumed 10,000 steps was some scientifically determined magic number. Turns out, it wasn’t. The goal appears to have originated with a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s.
More recent research gives us a much more encouraging number. A large 2025 review found that around 7,000 steps per day was associated with substantial health benefits, with benefits beginning even below that. More steps can absolutely be beneficial, but 10,000 isn’t a pass/fail line for having a healthy day.
Personally, I find that incredibly freeing.
Walking doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t need to leave me exhausted, and my watch doesn’t have to hit some arbitrary number before it “counts.”
Sometimes the best reset isn’t another app, complicated productivity system, or intense workout.
Sometimes it’s just a walk.
Sources for additional info:
Jayedi A, et al. (2024).Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. JAMA Network Open. The meta-analysis included 116 randomized clinical trials and found increasing aerobic exercise was associated with reductions in weight, waist circumference and body fat. Read the study
Ding D, et al. (2025).Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. The Lancet Public Health. The review found substantial health benefits around 7,000 daily steps, although benefits can begin at lower levels and may continue above 7,000 for some outcomes. Read the study
Wise J. (2024).Sixty seconds on… 10,000 steps. The BMJ. Covers the 1960s Japanese marketing origins of the 10,000-step target. Read the BMJ article
Pima County.About The Loop. Pima County says the Loop currently includes more than 138 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes. About The Loop