WeWard's First State of Walking Report
In an era where the importance of physical activity is increasingly spotlighted, the WeWard app has taken a significant step by releasing its first-ever State of Walking Report. This report offers a detailed examination of walking habits in the United States, drawing on data collected from 7.7 million users, of which 1.3 million are Americans. The insights were compiled between January and June of 2025, presenting a clear picture of Americans' walking behavior.
Key Findings of the Report
The report highlights concerning trends about physical activity levels, emphasizing that many young adults are not engaging in sufficient walking compared to older generations. Specifically, it reveals that individuals aged 16 to 24 are trailing behind the 45 to 54 age group by approximately 15%. Men, on average, are also more active, averaging 8,745 steps daily, which is nearly 30% more than their female counterparts.
While the recommended benchmark of 7,000 steps a day remains unmet nationally, some states are notably more active than others, with New York leading at an average of 6,947 daily steps. Other proactive states include California, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. However, the overall picture is troubling, as less than half of the population in each state meets the recommended daily step target.
Comparatively, the United States is lagging behind other OECD countries, with a ranking that lands it second to last in daily average steps—just ahead of Canada.
The Broader Impact on Public Health
The report by WeWard goes beyond mere statistics; it aims to spark discussions around the inactivity epidemic that affects a staggering 81% of young adults according to WHO data. Factors influencing walking habits, such as income, accessibility to green spaces, and screen time, are also analyzed, revealing how these elements contribute to the disparities in physical activity among different groups.
Yves Benchimol, Co-founder and CEO of WeWard, expressed pride in the report's potential to inspire healthier behavior. He states, "Despite the disparities we've uncovered, bridging these gaps is entirely attainable with the right tools."
WeWard's Vision
The ultimate goal of the WeWard app is to encourage individuals to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. The application employs gamification elements that reward users for their walking achievements with incentives like cash, gift cards, and community contributions. With over 25 million active users, the app has demonstrated a remarkable increase in walking time by nearly 25%. Furthermore, it is available in 29 countries worldwide.
Conclusion
As society grapples with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, WeWard's findings underscore an urgent need for change in how we view and engage in physical activity. By leveraging technology to promote walking, WeWard continues to be at the forefront of a vital movement advocating for healthier, more active lives. To dive deeper into the report and its findings, visit
WeWard's official website.