We get it. Going out with babies and toddlers is hard. Their moods are unpredictable, and you’re exhausted from running around just trying to keep them fed, happy and safe. Not to mention all the other demands that come with family life. But now, more than ever, is the time to carve out a few minutes for yourself. And, no, you don’t need to find a babysitter to make it happen. Just grab the stroller, some snacks and toys for the little one, lace up your sneakers and set out for a stroller walking class.

Today’s the day. Goal Check Day. It’s a new 99 Walks tradition, and the day we encourage you to take an honest look at the goal you set 10 days ago. It’s a day we hope you’ll reflect on that goal and determine if it’s the right goal for you. For this month. And if you set the wrong goal for yourself, today is the day to change it.

I start new projects with a lot of enthusiasm. I am always the person in the room jumping up and down with excitement at the chance to learn something new or tackle a new project. More often than not, they are my ideas.

Let’s renovate the bathroom.

Let’s learn to ski.

Let’s plan a picnic, write a book or put on a show.

Let’s start a company.

Over the years, I’ve learned to tamp down my enthusiasm and my excitement. Why? Two reasons really. First, I’ve been burned before. Second, I’ve started so, so many projects that haven’t worked out as planned.

It’s okay to admit it. We all start out a little hesitant when it comes to trying new things. Perhaps you think it’s not right for you. It will never work. Or you may even think it’s just downright silly. We get it. When you first hear someone suggest house walking, you may have raised eyebrows and a questioning expression. Since we totally know what you’re thinking—because we’ve been there, too—we thought we’d walk you through the nine stages of house walking. From the “what in the world?” to “you can’t stop me now!”

A new member of your 99 Walks HQ team, Fitness Director Natalie Doornink has jumped in with both feet and truly embraced the 99 Walks community, likely because the values were already a part of her. Today, we’re taking a moment to get to know Natalie, what set her fitness career running, and why she is passionate about making honest connections. Fueling us each day with a “can do” spirit and an energy that makes us all want to lace up our sneakers and head out for a walk, Natalie will remind you of a dear friend always cheering you on.

This February, in honor of Black History Month, we are sharing with you 28 quotes. Quotes meant to inspire. Quotes meant to motivate. And quotes meant to remind us how Black women have done so much for our community. Our country. Our world.

Valentine’s Day, the day you take a moment to show those in your life how much you love them, is just a few days away. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, new or old friends, or maybe even just taking some time for self love, we hope the following tools will help inspire you to share the love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Our history is made up of women who have pushed the boundaries, taken that first step, and truly initiated change not only in our country, but also throughout the world. In honor of Black History Month, we recognize nine inspirational Black women who have inspired us and made an imprint on our hearts.

You hear the wind whistling outside, but you grab your shoes anyway. You stifle a yawn, but still you pull on your coat. Your way too long to-do list is calling your name, but you turn from it and walk toward the door.

Today, you put yourself first and let the strength that you have inside you propel you forward, guiding you toward that commitment you’ve made to yourself. With that first step, you show you are strong. And with each one that follows, you become stronger. Add with the support of family, friends and a like-minded community, you become stronger still.

What you do today makes you strong. And what you do tomorrow makes you stronger.

We’ve all experienced those days. You know, when getting out of bed and starting the day seems too hard. When things you normally enjoy doing bring you little interest. And when you just seem too tired to really do anything at all. Normally brought on during the late Fall and into the Winter months, it’s not uncommon to experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, better known as SAD. But though these feelings may sneak in from time to time, taking a walk just might be the solution for getting you past them and feeling more yourself again.

Sure, we’ve got 99 Core Values. Yup, we celebrate our Pack Members’ 99th walk. And, okay, we once read that spotting the number 99 means it is time to get to work on your life’s purpose and mission. So why are we called 99 Walks? Well, that’s a bit more complicated … and a bit simpler.

Enough people abandon their New Year’s Resolutions by January 17 that the day has officially been dubbed “Ditch Day.”

But not around here.

Around here, we don’t give up on the promises we make to ourselves. We don’t quit on our dreams. We don’t have an all or nothing mentality which means when we slip— when we skip a walk, eat ice cream or snap at our kids—we don’t throw in the towel. We keep going.

Ever wonder why you didn’t get the same results as your best friend when you followed the exact same diet or nutrition program?

You actually aren’t alone! It’s called bio-individuality, and if this is the first you’re hearing about it, I promise, it won’t be your last. Up until recently, scientific studies were far too focused on input (diet) and the result of said diet and not at the physiology of the person. Now, we are fortunate to be living at a time when personalized medicine, and therefore wellness, will become commonplace.

As mothers, we are often the last on the list. Our days — and nights — are filled with taking care of others, Moms are responsible for keeping track of all the details, ensuring all the loose ends are tied, and juggling an endless number of tasks. All with a heart full of love and inherent desire to nurture. But even for the best of us, moms need to take some time for ourselves. To fill our cup, and nurture our own spirit. For it is through mothers that our families learn, absorbing our mental vibes and feeding off of what we give off. So this year, Bell Family Company and 99 Walks have partnered together to encourage moms to make more time for themselves with five easy and actionable steps.

Welcome, new Pack Member! We’re thrilled to have you as a part of our community and can’t wait for you to start walking your way to better. But, we know you may have some questions, so we’ve put together a list of questions and answers our new members often ask. Don’t find the answers you’re looking for? No problem. Our Pack Support Squad is here to help, so just send an email to team@99walks.fit and we’ll follow up with you right away!

During the winter months, a walk outside can be delightful — as long as you’re dressed correctly. After all, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. Knowing what to wear can be confusing, so we’ve pieced together the best clothing and advice to keep your winter walks just as enjoyable as those in the warmer months.

As a follow-up to her guest appearance on The Weekly Walk podcast, we sat down with Nadia Murdock, Mindset and Movement Expert, to delve further into the connection between working on your mind and moving your body. Nadia helps us understand where to start when we’re looking for a change, and more importantly, how to keep going.

When my son was three years old, he crawled under the table to get a toy — one of those small matchbox cars he had been pushing around on his knees earlier in the day, wearing holes in yet another pair of his jeans. He crawled his way into a tight spot. From under the table, a tiny voice called out, “Stuck.” And then with a bit more intensity, “Stuck!” Little did we know that this small word would become an inside joke in our family that we still recall, mimicking that little boy’s voice, 11 years later.

Though that story comes to mind whenever someone gets physically stuck, it also surfaces when I’m feeling mentally stuck. You know, that feeling when doing the things that at one time brought you joy seems like more of a chore.

Every day, you have the power to make the people around you feel good or feel bad, and which you choose defines the kind of person you are and the impact you will have on the world. This month, we challenge every member of the 99 Walks Pack to be a person who leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Because now more than ever, the world could use a little more light, love, joy, and sparkle.