Will you get paid to walk?

• Who is this post for? Anyone interested in earning money just by walking
• What does it discuss? The launch of a new virtual currency and service called Bitwalking
• How does it benefit you? Get fitter, get richer

Walking is good for your health, and it might soon fatten your wallet too. A new virtual currency and smartphone app called Bitwalking has been developed that will pay its users based on the number of miles they walk each day.

The app is launching very soon on Android and iOS in the UK, Kenya, Malawi and Japan and people can request an invite to download the app from the firm’s website right now (I have, what have you got to lose?)

People will need to walk around 5 miles to earn the current equivalent of 1$US. That would mean about an extra £5 in my pocket each week but in less affluent nations, this could seriously affect income in a positive manner. It will be fascinating to see how this is adopted in Kenya and Malawi, Africa’s two launch nations, where rural workers can sometimes earn only about $1 a day. By walking with a tracker in their pocket, they could double their salary.

It has also been suggested that many companies will participate in the scheme, in order to encourage their employees to stay fit and healthy. For a more in-depth look at the service and to evaluate its chances of success, read here.  Let us know what you think of this initiative? Brilliant idea or totatlly harebrained?