how WalkStyles was started

By Sue Parks, CEO of WalkStyles, Inc.: In the late 1980’s, I started walking as much as possible to help me do two things: to stay fit and to brainstorm about work issues. After a walk, I’d feel so much better, both mentally and physically. As I rose up the corporate ladder, walking was the only exercise I could do consistently. I couldn’t attend regular fitness classes due to my travel schedule, but realized I could wear comfortable shoes and walk as much as possible while working and also carry my walking shoes with me while I traveled. I adopted a “no excuse” rule for myself about walking. As it turned out, I was staying fit and handling stress much better than most of the people around me.

More and more, I incorporated extra steps into my day. I did things that seem like common sense but most people don't do: take the stairs, park farther away, walk at the airport versus taking moving sidewalks, hold walking meetings, schedule meetings in the conference rooms farther away from my office and so on.

While on the road, I’d use the extra time at airports to walk the terminals instead of sitting. I’d use the treadmill at the hotels whenever possible at the beginning or end of each day, or would have the doorman watch me walk outside late at night when necessary.

A few years ago, I started tracking my steps to see how far I was walking. At the same time, I realized there were studies about the Japanese and their focus on completing 10,000 steps a day as a key to a healthy lifestyle. I made 10,000 steps my minimum goal per day and started relishing this daily accomplishment.

In 2003, while on vacation with my sister-in-law, we started challenging each other on how many steps we could walk each day. We saw every inch of Paris, learned so much about each other, and ate and drank everything we wanted without gaining a pound. It was a perfect trip! One thing we discussed is why someone hadn’t invented a device that measures your distance and other key measurements that is both high-tech and easy-to-use but also attractive.

In addition, I started paying attention to some of the frustrations that I had when shopping for walking clothes. Even though I was fit from all the walking I’d been doing, it frustrated me that when I’d look for exercise clothes, they all seemed to be designed for athletes. I didn’t want to wear short shorts or skin-tight pants. When traveling, I wondered why my shorts didn’t have a pocket big enough to put my hotel room key in, let alone a cell phone. Also, my friends and I really started to appreciate some of the characteristics of high-tech fabrics on the market. However, when I went to look for attractive clothes that were also sun protective, I couldn’t find them.

Putting this all together, an “aha!” moment happened! Walking was my passion and we could develop the right system and products to support healthy, active walking lifestyles. Taking ideas from business, such as having metrics readily available each day for a personal dashboard, and using the tremendous support of an incredible group of friends and family, a company started coming to life.

In Orange County, California, where I live, 42 women between the ages of 28 and 65 came together in February of 2004 and started living a walking lifestyle. Their comments were amazing and are included throughout our subscription website and the DashTrak journal. These women developed a tremendous sense of community with each other and our Wednesday morning and Saturday morning group walks continue to this day.

We also had twenty men come together in Orange County and it was wonderful to hear their feedback and learn how they would incorporate more walking into their lives. More men’s products will be added as we move forward but the device and website are perfect for men walkers.

Additional walking groups were formed in Chicago and New York with similar positive results. Women spoke about getting more fit, losing weight, spending more time with friends and family, getting a break from a busy day and reducing their stress. They also shared their opinions on clothing and accessories and confirmed my views that there is a need for a support system as well as better products for walkers.

And so…WalkStyles was born!

why WalkStyles?

We want to help you incorporate more walking into your day by providing you with smart and stylish products and services that help you achieve your goals, encouraging you to feel positive about yourself. Living a walking lifestyle has benefited many across the country. The products and services we offer have come from needs we’ve discovered, as well as input from walkers across the country.

If you look at our logo (which was brainstormed while walking) you can see three "W's." These "W's" stand for our belief that walking works wonders and helps everyone both physically and mentally.

Now that you know the benefits of walking and a little about us, take a look at WalkStyles' unique products and services and how they will benefit you as you walk your way to a healthier lifestyle! Or if you prefer, browse through our online shop.