Al Roker Shares Fitness Secrets and Walking Routine at Start TODAY Event

Al Roker, the beloved TODAY show weatherman and co-host, has become a beacon of motivation for thousands through his dedication to walking and fitness. At a recent Start TODAY event in New York City, Roker shared his personal health journey and the simple yet effective routine that keeps him moving: walking over 10,000 steps daily.

Roker, 70, revealed that he starts his day early, often walking a mile on a treadmill before heading to work. “I try not to go hog wild. I just like to work things in,” he told DailyMail.com. “That’s why I like to walk. You can walk to other things to go do stuff.” On the day of the event, Roker had already logged 15,000 steps, thanks to a combination of walking to appointments, using a treadmill desk at work, and incorporating movement into his daily routine.

Roker’s commitment to walking stems from his own health challenges, including prostate cancer surgery in 2020 and a subsequent gallbladder removal in 2022. His doctors credited his walking habit with aiding his recovery and potentially saving his life. “My doctor said the physical condition I was in because of the walking — because of the cardio — that probably helped save my life,” Roker said in a 2023 interview with TODAY.

Despite his success, Roker admits he struggles with motivation like anyone else. “I sometimes have to have a talk with myself. ‘Look, you got to get up. You got to get out,'” he said. To stay on track, he reframes exercise as self-care and prioritizes morning workouts to avoid distractions. “I try to put myself as a priority, at least my health as a priority, because if you’re not good for you, how are you going to be good for those that you care about?”

Roker’s journey has resonated with the Start TODAY community, a Facebook group with over 165,000 members dedicated to supporting one another in achieving fitness goals. Roker, dubbed the “Chief Motivation Officer,” regularly posts updates and encouragement, fostering a sense of camaraderie. “The overarching theme is, we’re in this together,” he said. “You know that whatever you need from the community, they’re there for.”

Roker’s philosophy is simple: “Something is better than nothing.” He encourages others to start small and build gradually. “You can do something. That’s the bottom line: You can do something. And if you keep doing something, and you do okay at it, then you’ll do something more,” he said. “I’ve built my career on mediocrity, and every now and then, if I go above that, wow. Bonus.”

The Start TODAY event also marked the launch of a new health and wellness app, offering fitness challenges, meal plans, and expert advice. Roker’s walking routine and motivational approach are central to the app’s mission of helping users prioritize their health. “We meet you where you are,” Roker said. “You don’t have to be pressing 100 pounds. Use small weights; you can use cans of beans, do whatever. Use your own body weight. Eventually, you’ll get a little stronger and you’ll move up.”

Roker’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and community support. As he continues to inspire others, his message remains clear: “Give yourself grace, be patient, and try to enlist some friends.”