Walk to work tips

Walking for half an hour or more a day is a perfect low-cost, low-impact, aerobic exercise, that greatly reduces the risks of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes and tones your body. It’s also a great way to get to work and back.

Walking only requires a good pair of walking shoes that sustain you comfortably for 15-30 minutes at a stretch. Athletic shoes are another option. You can wear them to work carrying your work shoes to change into. Backpacks, with a water-resistant raincoat tucked inside as well, are a good option.

Try counting your steps. Approximately 500 steps equal one-quarter mile; 1000 steps equal half a mile; and 2,000 steps equals one mile.

Consider this. Experts say that if you add 2,000 steps to your day, you wouldn’t gain another pound and you could start to lose weight. Consider getting a pedometer, although if you know how many miles it is to work and back, you can figure out your number of steps for free.

Variety is spice. Once you’ve planned your route to work, for variety consider other routes and distances. However you go, we’ll bet it will more scenic and relaxing and, certainly, healthier for you than driving to work.

Bike to work tips

Wear a helmet.
While biking is considered generally safe, helmets definitely save lives.

Before each ride, do the ABC Quick Check.

• A is for “air” – Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
• B is for “brakes” – Check your brakes and brake pads.
• C is for “crank bolts, chain and cassette” – Check those to make sure they are in good working order. Be sure to check your quick-release levers to make sure your wheels are secure (make sure the levers are pointing back so nothing catches on them, as well)

A couple more things, before you go…
Check to make sure everything else looks right. Then check again around the first mile or so of your ride. In general, be prepared for mechanical mishaps with tools and basic know-how.

Obey traffic laws.

Ride knowing where you’re going and signal lane changes and turns.

 

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