What Is The Winter Arc Walking Challenge? (& Is It Effective?)

Intimidated by TikTok’s winter arc challenge? Not anymore. This softer take on the trend swaps running for walking, giving all fitness levels the chance to take part. Intrigued, we asked a personal trainer what to expect from the winter arc walking challenge – and whether it’s really worth the hype.

What Is The Winter Arc Challenge?

Created with the goal to set healthy habits, the winter arc challenge is a 90-day self-improvement initiative that focuses on personal growth, health and fitness during the last three months of the year – typically from 1 October to 1 January (although it can be shifted to later in the year or the start of the next year).

‘The winter arc challenge is a fitness programme that is focussed on encouraging individuals to stay active during the winter months,’ explains personal trainer, Pilates instructor and barre specialist, Aimee Victoria Long. ‘The challenge’s primary goals is aimed at promoting fitness and well-being during a time of year when many people may become less active due to cold weather and shorter days.’

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The trend has had a hugely positive reception this year, thanks to TikTok. The platform is currently filled with creators documenting their progress with the 90-day challenge, as well as tips and tricks for staying on track with fitness goals. ‘The challenge can include elements like tracking progress through apps, participating in group walks, or sharing achievements on social media,’ says Aimee. ‘With the overall goal to motivate individuals to maintain or improve their fitness levels while fostering a sense of community among participants.’

Where Does The Walking Component Come In?

For the most part, the winter arc challenge doesn’t have any official rules on how to do it; instead, it’s about creating a tailored experience to the individual, ensuring they meet their personal goals. ‘It usually involves a series of tasks or goals based around being physically active,’ confirms Aimee.

This means you can pick any exercise to take on the challenge – including walking. ‘Walking is more often than not the primary component. Individuals usually go about it by aiming to complete a certain number of steps each day, walking a specific distance or participating in various outdoor activities.’ So yes, you can walk your way through the winter arc challenge.

How To Get Started On The Winter Arc Walking Challenge

1. Set Realistic Goals

Start with a manageable starting point – like 10 to 15 minutes a day – and then gradually increase the duration as you build stamina. You can also convert this into a steps goal, starting with 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day.

2. Find A Walking Buddy

If you’re someone that needs a partner to stay motivated on your goals, then finding a walking buddy or group could be beneficial for your winter arc walking challenge. This also gives you the chance to have some more social time with friends while improving your fitness.

3. Mix Up Your Routes

Sticking to the same walking route will get monotonous after a while, so make sure you mix it up with a regular change of scenery. Divide your time between parks, city streets and countryside walks (if you can), to keep the challenge feeling fresh.

4. Tap Into Technology

Technology is your best friend on this challenge. Whether its listening to podcasts, music and audiobooks or using apps to track your progress, they’re important tools to keep up your motivation throughout the next 90s days.

5. Celebrate Progress

It’s important to acknowledge any and all milestones during the winter arc walking challenge – whether that’s reaching a certain number of steps of completing a specific distance. Serotonin-boosted motivation fuel.

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Is The Winter Arc Walking Challenge Effective?

That depends on what you want to achieve, notes Aimee. With the winter arc walking challenge, there’s a more holistic approach to health and fitness – so while you might not shed four stone in one go, you’ll probably find other surprise benefits. ‘A challenge like this isn’t just about improving fitness,’ emphasises Aimee. ‘It’s about creating better habits that can form bigger change. If you’re moving more, walking more you’re going to improve your cardiovascular fitness that’s a given.

‘I’d say the walking element of this challenge would be aimed more at people that are new to fitness or trying to get back into,’ she adds. ‘But there is no reason that if you’re experienced trainer there is no reason you couldn’t modify the challenge so that it’s more applicable to your fitness levels. For example, the walking element could be running or resistance training.

‘The real winner is the habits you create by being consistent. ‘

Featured image: Yogi Misir, Unsplash