30 minutes of interval walking—walking, evolved.

Discover the Japanese method that delivers 13% stronger legs, 8% better cardio, and lower blood pressure—with native apps for iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS that guide you through simple walking intervals.

13% Stronger legs
8% Better cardio
95% Adherence rate
App Coming Soon
How StepFlow works ↓
StepFlow app interface showing timer and breathing animation

The Science Behind Interval Walking

What is Japanese Interval Walking?

Japanese interval walking alternates 3 minutes of fast walking with 3 minutes of slow walking for 30 minutes total. This gentle method was developed by researchers who found that this specific pattern delivers superior health benefits compared to steady-pace walking.

"High-intensity interval walking training markedly increased physical fitness and decreased blood pressure after 5 months, with 13% increase in knee strength and 8% improvement in aerobic capacity—significantly greater gains than moderate continuous walking achieved."
— Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2007 (Nemoto et al.)

Cardiovascular Benefits

Clinical Proven
  • 8% improvement in aerobic capacity (VO₂ max)
  • Significant blood pressure reduction
  • Better glucose control for diabetes management
  • Improved cholesterol profiles

Muscle & Strength

13% Stronger
  • 13% increase in knee strength after 5 months
  • Enhanced thigh muscle power
  • Better flexibility and balance
  • Low-impact, joint-friendly exercise

Watch App Convenience

Hands-Free
  • Haptic guidance without looking at screen
  • Real-time heart rate monitoring during walks
  • Native Apple Watch & Wear OS apps
  • Always-on display optimized for outdoor visibility
Native watch apps provide hands-free interval guidance with vibration feedback

Mental & Cognitive

95% Adherence
  • Improved cognitive function vs steady walking
  • Better sleep quality and mental health
  • 95% adherence rate in older adults
  • Sustainable long-term fitness habit

Science-backed benefits in a simple app

Cardiovascular Health

  • 8% improvement in aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) vs steady walking
  • Significant blood pressure reduction in clinical trials
  • Better glucose control for type 2 diabetes management

Muscle Strength

  • 13% increase in knee strength after 5 months of training
  • Enhanced thigh muscle power compared to continuous walking
  • Low-impact exercise suitable for older adults and joint health

Metabolic Health

  • Improved BMI and cholesterol profiles in research studies
  • Better flexibility and cognitive function than steady-pace walking
  • 95% adherence rate in older adults over 5 months

Cross-Platform Native Apps

  • iPhone, Android mobile apps with full interval control
  • Apple Watch & Wear OS native apps for wrist convenience
  • Haptic feedback guides interval transitions without looking
  • Heart rate tracking with HealthKit and Health Connect integration

Research from Mayo Clinic Proceedings and Journal of Applied Physiology shows interval walking delivers 8–13% gains in aerobic fitness and strength, plus significant improvements in blood pressure, BMI, glucose control, and cognitive function compared to steady-pace walking. (Mayo Clinic, PubMed, J Applied Physiology)

What early users are saying

"Finally found a walking app that doesn't make me feel rushed. The breathing rhythm is perfect for my morning walks."

Sarah M. — Seattle

"The gentle cues are a game changer. I can focus on walking without constantly checking my phone."

Mike J. — Beta tester

"Love that it celebrates consistency over speed. Building a habit that actually sticks for once!"

Anna K. — Portland

Anonymous beta quotes

See StepFlow in action

Native apps for iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS

StepFlow Home screen with Start button and quick presets
Home

Start your interval session with quick presets (iPhone & Android)

StepFlow Settings screen with interval customization
Settings

Customize your intervals and preferences

StepFlow workout timer showing FAST phase
Fast Phase

High intensity interval with clear timer

StepFlow workout timer showing SLOW phase
Slow Phase

Recovery interval with gentle breathing

StepFlow history screen showing completed sessions
History

Track your progress and completed sessions

Frequently asked questions

What is StepFlow?

StepFlow is a mindful interval walking app that uses breathing-based rhythm and gentle cues to help you build a sustainable walking habit. It's designed to be calming and accessible for all fitness levels.

Is it free?

Yes, StepFlow is free during the beta period. We're focused on building the best possible walking experience with user feedback.

How long are walking sessions?

Sessions are flexible and customizable. Our default recommendation starts with 6 intervals of 30 seconds fast / 60 seconds slow (about 9 minutes total), but you can adjust this to fit your schedule.

What devices does StepFlow support?

Currently available for iOS and Android phones. Native Apple Watch and Wear OS apps are coming soon with haptic feedback and health data integration.

When will watch support be available?

Apple Watch and Wear OS apps are currently in development. Beta testers will get early access when ready. Sign up below to be notified!

Will it work if I'm new to exercise?

Absolutely! StepFlow is specifically designed for beginners. The breathing-based rhythm and gentle intervals make it easy to start where you are and build gradually. No pressure, just progress.

Who developed this method?

Japanese interval walking was developed by Professor Hiroshi Nose and Associate Professor Shizue Masuki at Shinshu University in Matsumoto, Japan. Their research team published the foundational studies showing superior health benefits compared to continuous moderate walking.

What science supports StepFlow?

Interval walking has been studied extensively by researchers at Japanese universities and validated by Mayo Clinic studies. Research shows it improves aerobic fitness by 8%, strengthens muscles by 13%, lowers blood pressure, and supports glucose control. Key sources: Mayo Clinic Proceedings, PubMed, TIME, Washington Post.