Actress Jennifer Lawrence is "terrible at walking," according to her "Hunger Games" costar Liam Hemsworth. She once broke a heel and took a tumble while walking with him. She also fell on her way up to the stage at the 2013 Oscars, and the same year she was tripped up by a curb while walking with Bradley Cooper at the BAFTA awards.

Your missteps while aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day might not be so high profile, but they can keep you from exercising regularly — and cause real pain.

The most common walking-related injuries come from poor posture, which can cause pain from your neck to your toes.

To prevent that, do not stare at your phone screen while doing your paces. In addition, keep your shoulders back, your torso open and elongated, and the crown of your head pulled straight up, centered over your shoulders.

Aim your gaze about 10 to 20 feet in front of you. If the surface you're walking on is too irregular to do that, walk somewhere else.

You may also experience shin splints, sprains, and tissue inflammation from walking in the wrong shoes (too tight, too heavy, too worn down, not well-cushioned, or too cushy), from carrying hand weights, or from walking on ankle-twisting surfaces.

Your goal is to feel great while getting 10,000 steps a day — the minimum amount for maximum heart, brain, and immune system health.

However, a new study shows that just 8,000 steps one or two days a week delivers real rewards (healthier heart, longer life) as you build endurance.

The next step is up to you.