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May 2008, Brett
A Healthy Way to Work
There never seems to be enough hours in a day to get all the things done on our lists. Unfortunately, physical activity tends to be on the “get it done when you can” list, instead of on the “must do today” list. If you are looking for ways to get more activity in during your day to improve your health, consider active commuting.
Active commuting, as fancy as that might sound, is nothing more than getting to work in ways that require more than a little foot movement on the gas pedal. Not everyone lives within a mile or so of their workplace, so getting to work may require a little extra planning. There are several things to consider when planning your active commute: time, appearance when you get there, and fitness level. Time is always of concern, so planning for a commute can be tricky. If you work in more of an urban location, you may spend quite a bit of time in traffic and finding a parking place. In urban areas, research has found that walking or biking can actually be faster for people who live within 5 miles of their work.
How you look when you arrive at work is important as well. The last thing you want is to look like you came straight out of a Kansas tornado as you get into your office. Many locations have fitness centers, locker rooms, and even showers you can use to get ready for work. Many have made arrangements for active commuters who don’t use the fitness center. Some active commuters have found that baby wipes are a great way to freshen up before they get into the office. You may find that the end of the day is the best time for you to be active; consider taking the bus or carpooling, then walking/riding a bike home.
Fitness level is often the most concerning part of active commuting. That one mile walk to work is fine, but what if you live 20 miles away? Consider driving part way, then walking or riding a bike the rest of the way to work. At the end of the day you can ride back to your car or bus. Another suggestion is to split up your commuting style; try riding your bike to work in the morning, then driving home with a car you left overnight. The next day you can drive to work, and then ride home. There are a lot of options, each with some planning involved. The advantage is you get quite a bit of activity in that you otherwise would spend sitting down. Think about making your commute an easy way to be active without having to go to the gym. If you are trying to be a little more “green,” walking or riding your bike will not only save you gas money, it will help you be healthier. And that is always a good thing. Keep Moving!
If you have questions about this, or any other fitness topic, contact Brett McIff at Bmciff@utah.gov. You can also sign up for weekly emails on physical activity by sending a blank email to join-moveit@list.utah.gov.
