If you're like most people, when Monday comes around, you're hardly raring to go back to work — but alas, you have no choice. What you do have control over is the way you get there. Forget the bus, the subway and the car. Instead, try these fun ways to get fit while you travel to your 9 to 5.
Walk this way
"Instead of taking the subway or bus to work, I power walk 30 minutes to and from my job, squeezing in approximately one hour of low-impact cardio per day. This routine has stabilised my weight for over one year not to mention the added energy I have after work!"
— Jodi, New York
"I walk to work every morning. It's a little over 3 miles, takes an hour, but I take the bus home in the afternoon."
— Nancy, Seattle
"I walk to and from work everyday. It's about a 15 minute walk door to door and I walk fast. At the end of the day it really is an added half hour of exercise!"
— Cori, San Francisco
Walking Tips
- Wear athletic shoes and move at a brisk pace; don't just stroll along.
- Carry your things in a backpack, rather than a purse or briefcase, so that the load is balanced and your arms are free to swing.
- Find the route with the least traffic lights. That way you can maintain your pace without having to stop at lots of crossings.
- Stay committed. Try not to give up and drive because it's too cold or you're too tired. Make it part of your routine and after a while you won't think twice about it.
SUCCESS STORY: Lisa - walking helped me get healthy for good
Rollin' rollin' rollin'
"I take a 10-minute bike ride to work everyday along Lake Michigan. I'm a busy PR executive, and get very little time for a workout, so this gives me a little bit of one and is also a great way to relieve stress."
— Kellie, Chicago
"My husband and I are newlyweds, and we both exercise on our 4 and a half mile commute to work. He rollerblades and I ride my bike alongside him. It's a win-win situation for both of us. He's lost 17 pounds since he started doing this."
— Charly, New York
Biking Tips
- Have alternate routes planned to vary your scenery.
- Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, then change at the office.
- Use a lightweight mountain or hybrid bike. You don't need a fancy road bike for commuting purposes.
- On the way back from work, extend your ride.
RELATED: On your bike! The good cycling guide
Blading Tips
- Dress comfortably and wear knee pads and elbow pads and wrist guards for protection.
- Blade in traffic-free areas or find a pedestrian lane.
- Bring a change of clothing with you.
And if you want to squeeze in some fun, scooter!
"My job is only a mile away from my apartment. However, that one mile can seem a lot longer if it is a hot day or if I'm running late. My solution: I scooter to work. It's fun, I incorporate physical activity into my daily routine, plus it's definitely a conversation starter."
— Kathleen, Bethesda, MD
Scootering Tips
- Get a lightweight scooter that folds up for easy carrying.
- Choose a route that has some uphill areas and some downhill spots, so you can push, but also enjoy a ride.
- Be aware of the conditions of the sidewalk. A well-maintained path is important to avoid accidents.