About Frank S. Ring
Frank S. Ring
Frank S. Ring is an educator, author, fitness coach, and mindset mentor whose work centers on one simple mission: helping people walk more, move better, and live stronger.
With decades of experience as a coach and teacher, Frank built Walking for Health and Fitness to give people practical, science-backed tools for lifelong wellness. His books—including Walking for Health and Fitness, Walking Works Blueprint, Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, and Walking Inspiration—have inspired readers across the world to take control of their health one step at a time.
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Frank’s coaching philosophy blends walking, functional strength training, breathing practices, and mindset work grounded in personal development principles. His programs are designed to be accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable—removing the friction that keeps people from staying consistent.
After his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, Frank experienced what he calls “the fog of war”—the emotional and mental disorientation that often accompanies life-changing illness.
Emerging from that battle, he created the STRONG Through Prostate Cancer™ Method, a structured 1:1 12-week coaching program helping men navigate treatment, rebuild energy, restore confidence, and move forward with purpose.
Frank also hosts the Walking for Health and Fitness Podcast, publishes the weekly WIN Newsletter, and partners with companies to bring walking-based wellness programs to their employees.
He believes walking is far more than exercise—it is a gateway to clarity, confidence, and a healthier life.
Frank Ring’s Virtual Walk Around the United States
Two of my maps as part of my virtual run around the US.
Over the years, Frank Ring often joked with his students about the maps displayed in his classroom—maps marking all the states he had “run” through. What began in northern New Jersey became a long, imaginative route traveling south along U.S. Route 1 all the way to Key West, Florida.
To add to the fun, Frank Photoshopped himself into photos at famous landmarks in the states he was “running” through. While he genuinely ran—and later walked—every mile, he wasn’t physically in those locations. Still, his students happily bought into the story that he had run all the way to Key West.
After completing that initial journey, Frank set his sights on a much bigger goal: covering the entire perimeter of the United States.
On June 24, 2020, Frank completed 11,285 miles, the full distance of his virtual walk around the United States. Unfortunately, the final miles of this milestone coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. What was meant to be a celebratory walk—covering the last three miles from the George Washington Bridge to Palisades Park High School alongside family and friends—had to be postponed.
Despite the quiet finish, the accomplishment stood as a powerful testament to consistency, long-term commitment, and the belief that meaningful goals are achieved one step at a time.Over the years I’ve goofed on my students about this as I have maps of all the states I “ran” through; first beginning in North Jersey and traveling down US Route 1 to Key West, Fl.
For a laugh, I Photoshopped myself at various landmarks within the states I was running through. I ran the miles… just not in those locals… but my students bought the whole running to Key West ruse.
After completing that “journey” I headed west with the idea of running around the perimeter of the United States.
June 24th, 2020 was the day I completed 11,285 miles around the United States perimeter. The end of my journey can during the Covid pandemic and was a real letdown as I had was looking forward to walking the final three miles from the George Washington Bridge to Palisades Park High School with family, and friends.
Read all about My Virtual Walk Around the United States.
Back Pain & the Dreaded Diagnosis
Over several years, Frank Ring began experiencing back pain that radiated down his left leg. Physical therapy initially helped, and the pain eventually disappeared. However, after returning to running, the pain returned—this time more severe—along with a painful inner right knee. Unlike before, physical therapy no longer brought relief.
An orthopedic evaluation revealed the diagnosis: a significant herniated disc. Frank was advised to stop all physical activity and pursue pain management, with surgery a looming possibility.
For four months, he did nothing—no running, no physical therapy, no yoga. Even sitting or lying down caused pain. During that period, his physical limitations took a toll on his mindset, clouding his outlook and energy.
After three epidural treatments, the pain finally subsided. Frank returned to teaching and coaching that fall, though lingering fear and a demanding schedule kept him cautious about resuming physical activity.
Recovery and Discovery
During his recovery, Frank Ring began walking regularly and quickly discovered how much he enjoyed it. Living in a hilly area of New Jersey, he naturally incorporated hills into his walks for a strong, effective workout.
Walking also opened the door to something new—podcasts and audiobooks. Unlike running, walking allowed Frank to slow down, listen deeply, and enjoy learning, reflection, and music (especially classic rock from the 1970s).
To his surprise, he didn’t miss running at all. Walking brought clarity, solitude, and enjoyment. As he committed fully to walking, two important changes followed: the weight gained during inactivity came off, and his thinking became noticeably clearer. Since transitioning exclusively to walking, he has remained injury-free.
Feeling healthier, happier, and more purposeful, Frank recognized a new mission—to share the powerful benefits of walking with others.
That mission led to his first book, Walking for Health and Fitness: The Easiest Way to Get in Shape and Stay in Shape, which later became the #1 best-selling walking book on Amazon (Digital Download category, October 21, 2024). He has since authored additional walking-focused titles, including Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, Walking Inspiration, and The Walking Logbook Journal, and created multiple programs, including the Walking for Health and Fitness Complete Walking Program.
Many of the ideas behind Frank’s books and programs were born during his daily walks—often captured as notes on his iPhone—proof that walking fuels both health and creativity.
Sincerely,
Frank Ring
Author: Walking for Health and Fitness, Fitness Walking and Bodyweight Exercises, Walking Inspiration, and my latest book Walking Logbook and Journal
Contact Frank Ring at: Frank@walkingforhealthandfitness.com
All photography provided by Frank Ring (Walking Man Frank)
