Alexis Kestler
Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise. It requires no equipment, can be done anywhere, and has numerous health benefits. But finding the motivation to walk regularly can be challenging. That‘s where apps that pay you to walk come in!
These apps track your steps and miles walked using your phone‘s sensors or a connected wearable device. For reaching certain step goals or milestones, you earn points, tokens or cash rewards. It‘s a fun way to get paid for improving your health. Here are 10 great apps to earn as you walk:
1. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is one of the most popular apps that pays you to walk. For every 1,000 steps recorded through the app, you earn 0.95 Sweatcoins. These coins can then be redeemed for cash rewards, gift cards, merchandise, charity donations and more.
Sweatcoin uses phone sensors to detect and reward outdoor steps and active movement. So no treadmill walking unfortunately! But it encourages you to get outside and explore. Sweatcoin says their users average a 20% monthly increase in activity.
An easy way to earn passive income, Sweatcoin has paid out over $10 million to date. The app is free and available on iOS and Android.
2. PK Rewards
PK Rewards takes a broader approach by rewarding you for any workout or activity. Using motion sensors, it detects activities like walking, running, cycling, yoga, dancing, strength training and more.
For every 1,000 activity points, you earn $1 in rewards. Redeem your earnings for gift cards to popular brands like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Nike and Lululemon. PK Rewards donates to charity for every sign up too.
Available on iOS and Android, PK Rewards makes earning rewards for your active lifestyle easy. No wearable device is required.
3. StepBet
StepBet takes fitness gambling to a new level. Users join step challenges by betting money on their ability to reach a step goal for 6 weeks. If you hit your goal, you win your share of the pot. If you fall short, your bet goes to the winners.
Step challenges range from beginner to advanced. Payouts also scale based on the size of the betting pool, averaging $35 but up to $465. It‘s a unique approach that motivates you to walk for profit and accountability.
StepBet integrates with Fitbit, Apple Health and Google Fit. Get ready to make walking profitable on iOS and Android.
4. Lifecoin
Lifecoin rewards you for daily walking with digital currency. Using your phone‘s sensors, you can “mine” Lifecoins by going on walks. 10,000 steps earns 1 Lifecoin.
Once earned, Lifecoins can be redeemed for cool rewards like gift cards, gaming consoles, TVs, drones, smartphones and more. There are also sweepstakes for big ticket prizes. Or convert them to cryptocurrency.
Lifecoin aims to incentivize health habits with fun digital rewards. You can even become a "Walking Ambassador" to earn more. Available on iOS and Android.
5. Charity Miles
Charity Miles lets you walk, run or bike for charity. Corporate sponsors pay out donations based on the miles you move. Over $3 million has been generated for charities to date.
When you train using Charity Miles, you choose from 40+ charities like Habitat for Humanity, Stand Up To Cancer, and the Wounded Warrior Project. The sponsors reward your miles with donations of $0.25 per mile walked and $0.10 per mile biked.
With social sharing and leaderboards, you can engage family and friends in earning for the causes you care about. Available on iOS and Android.
6. Fit for Bucks
Fit for Bucks allows you to redeem steps and active minutes from Apple Watch & Apple Health for rewards and discounts.
1,000 steps earns you 100 Bucks. For every 45 active minutes, you get 100 Bucks too. Redeem your Bucks for discounts and reward cards to local and online brands. Discounts are wide-ranging – think massage, yoga, restaurants, groceries, clothing, and more.
Fit for Bucks motivates you to close your activity rings and supports local businesses. An Apple Watch and iPhone is required. Only available on iOS.
7. winwalk
winwalk is another app that pays you for walking and achieving step goals. Using your phone‘s sensors, it tracks your daily steps and walking distance.
For every 10,000 steps, you earn $0.50 redeemable as cash via PayPal or for brand name gift cards. There are also weekly contests to earn bonus rewards.
winwalk is available on iOS and Android. An easy way to earn passive income from daily walks!
8. HealthyWage
HealthyWage runs step challenges with cash prizes up to $10,000. By setting a step goal and paying a signup fee, you can win big rewards for improving your health.
Challenges run from 6 to 12 months. If you achieve your step goal, you earn 100% of your signup fee back plus a portion of the cash prize pool. Miss the goal, and your signup fee goes into the prize pool.
HealthyWage is available on iOS and Android. Make your daily walks even more profitable with large potential cash rewards.
9. CARROT Fit
CARROT Fit takes an sassy approach by having an AI motivator push you to walk and exercise more. The CARROT persona cracks jokes and throws insults if you slack on your step goals.
For staying active, you earn carrots which can be cashed in for rewards like gift cards, merchandise, donations, and entries to sweepstakes. There are also leaderboards to compete against friends.
CARROT Fit doesn‘t require any wearables, relying just on your phone‘s sensors. Available on iOS only.
10. Optimity
Optimity focuses on rewarding you for overall wellness rather than just fitness. By completing “Missions” focused on steps, exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness and more, you earn coins to redeem for prizes.
Optimity uses a combination of connected devices like Fitbit and your phone‘s sensors to detect activity. For walking challenges, you would sync up a wearable or enable Optimity’s Motion Tracking.
With a broader wellness scope, Optimity aims to motivate multiple areas of self-improvement. It’s available on iOS and Android.
Beyond making extra income from these apps, walking has tremendous benefits for your physical and mental health:
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Improves heart health: Regular walking reduces risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke by strengthening your heart muscle.
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Aids weight loss: Walking helps burn calories and body fat, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
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Reduces stress: The rhythmic nature provides meditation benefits by lowering stress, anxiety and depression.
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Supports better sleep: Studies show walking helps improve sleep quality, duration and consistency.
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Boosts immunity: Moderate walking 3-5 times per week can increase immune cells that fight illness.
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Enhances mood: Physical activity releases endorphins that make you feel happier and more relaxed.
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Easy on joints: The low impact nature of walking reduces strain on joints versus higher intensity exercises.
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Convenience: Walking requires no equipment or gym and can be done year-round both indoors and outdoors.
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Socialization: Group walks allow you to spend time with friends/family and meet new people.
The health benefits go on and on. Even just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.
With so many apps that pay you to walk available, it can be hard to decide which is the best fit. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Platforms: Make sure the app is available on your smartphone OS – iOS or Android.
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Tracking method: Do you want automated tracking via phone sensors or prefer syncing with a wearable device?
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Reward types: Cash, gift cards, sweepstakes, charity, or merchandise rewards? Select your preferred reward.
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Reward structure: Apps vary in how steps/miles convert into rewards. Calculate expected earnings.
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Motivators: Gamification through competitions, social elements, or goal-setting features that drive you.
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Price: Some apps charge small signup fees or subscriptions while others are free.
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Redemption process: How easy is it to collect your rewards and how quickly are they delivered?
Think about which features align with your goals, motivations and schedule. Testing different apps also helps identify which one resonates best with you. The key is finding the app that makes walking enjoyable so it becomes a lasting habit.
Turning more steps into extra earnings is a win-win for your health and wealth. Even a modest daily walk can add up to a nice chunk of change and better fitness over time.
So lace up your sneakers, download a rewarding walking app and start moving more! Maintaining motivation and consistency is critical, so leverage the apps’ tools like social connections and goal setting. Consider recruiting family and friends to join you in getting paid for healthier choices.
Optimizing your routine for even small amounts of walking is also key – take conference calls on the go, walk the dog longer, park farther away, take the stairs. It all adds up.
Sticking with the habit is how big results happen over time. Consistent walking is one of the best things you can do for your body. Getting paid for it makes it even sweeter. Get moving and earn with every step!
