The health benefits of walking everywhere
So last week I sparked a big debate around Critical Mass by saying that it had become unruly social order (head over to my research blog to read the posts and commentary). But at the same time, I realized in the past couple of weeks that despite the fact that I don’t cycle that much, I do walk everywhere, and depending on the distance, I will take the bus or Skytrain or Seabus (all of which are more sustainable transportation choices than driving).
A few months back I was contacted by the BC Healthy Living Alliance for a walking tour (I couldn’t make it unfortunately) and I’ve noticed that they’ve been tweeting suggestions to keep healthy. One of them is actually walking. JT made me realize this the other day, when I mentioned that I actually felt that I still had substantial cardio capacity. He said “well, you walk EVERYWHERE”. And it’s true.
Despite the fact that I do a lot of work in a computer and so on, the fact that I have meetings all over downtown Vancouver, and that I head out the door and walk at least 15-30 minutes to get my bus to the office (and back from the office) actually made me realize that there are, indeed, a lot of benefits to walking everywhere.
Related posts:
- Brunch With Benefits (Fundraiser for @YouthCo)
- On the benefits of exercising… again
- On the health benefits of naps
- The BC Healthy Living Alliance Walk (Tuesday Apr 28th, 2009)
- The Walk Score
Good post, I walk everywhere as well, great for my ass and my heart and lunges.
I have been working in reducing my foot print and walking more is my main goal. Maybe because it’s pretty easy for me. The gallery is three blocks from home so I can even go back for lunch. Downtown is a 25-minute walk away over Granville bridge. What I have been feeling lately is that if I am going to treat walking as mean of transportation I have to take it more seriously and buy good walking shoes. A mp3 player is a must as well as a bottle of water and sun block.
I usually walk or bike in Vancouver rather than taking the bus or driving. Sometimes I walk from where I live (by VGH) all the way down to Stanley Park.
Sadly to say, I rarely walk anywhere… I love sports and being active, but somehow walking doesn’t ever factor into my daily schedule.
I kinda wish I did, I think I’d be in better shape
Kudos to you to keeping healthy!
I agree with everyone – in particular Lily – the MP3 player just ROCKS as well as a bottle of water, and good walking shoes.
I walk everywhere. My car sits weeks on end as I walk around the city to do everything. I love walking!
Hi everyone,
For those of you who are walking instead of driving, we could use your help
check out this website! http://www.projectbluesky.ca
We have a crazy goal of collecting 1 billion kilometres of sustainable travel (i.e – walking, biking or transit) before the 2010 Vancouver games!!
Ali
Thanks for mentioning us! Walking is definitely a great way to stay active for any age. In fact, a recent study found that even a 30 min walk a week could reduce one’s risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease by half (http://ow.ly/jcQr). Keep up the good work!