This workaround lets you track your walking distance with Google Maps

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone who loves taking leisurely walks and refreshing jogs for fun, fitness apps and health trackers are useful for keeping track of distance traveled, calories burned, and other wellness-focused stats. However, if your exercise needs don’t require a complex app or device to track every metric, Google Maps offers a simple and convenient alternative, hidden in plain sight, for those simply looking to spot routes and gauge the length of their trip.

Some would even say it’s the best app for walking. Google Maps is often used to provide walking directions from point A to point B, but users can extend this functionality with Google Maps Timeline. It automatically generates a map based on the places you’ve been and the paths you took to get there. Maps also has a Measure Distance tool that lets you place pins to determine how far apart they are, which is handy for more circuitous walks.

Trail icons scattered throughout the app highlight walking and running routes for those looking to avoid roads and other areas unsuitable for pedestrian traffic. You can also search for “running trails near me” to zero in on nearby options. Whichever path you choose, each is a great Google Maps feature that can improve your walking travel.

As nice as it is that Google Maps’ workout features go beyond just distance tracking, walkers, runners, and joggers looking for more — like perhaps a working pedometer or calorie counter — will need to find alternative options. If you want to stay true to the Google brand, the company offers an app for iOS and Android called Google Fit that tracks physical activity and provides coaching tips.

It is hosted in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and prioritizes heart health through Heart Points. These data incentives are designed to reduce the risk of heart disease and promote better physical and mental well-being through AHA-recommended activity levels. Google owns several major brands, including Fitbit, which specializes in fitness bands and smart watches. If you need a device that monitors your exercise and health trends, the Fitbit is a good option for keeping fitness at the forefront of your mind.