There have been plenty of studies about the physical health benefits of riding public transit, biking, and walking versus driving in a car. However, the most recent study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine concluded that commuting by car can actually make you gain weight as opposed to using active transportation to get around. Participants in the study who were car commuters gained an average of over two pounds more than those who were non-car commuters over a period of four years. T
he study results are not that surprising given the fact that sitting in your car on your way to and from work will certainly burn much fewer calories than bike commuting or walking to a transit station each day. Here in Arlington, new research is being done on the public health impacts of active transportation as well as the financial return on investment for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Read more about this study and others on Mobility Lab's blog.
With Spring officially here and warmer weather on its way, change up your commute and try incorporating active transportation into your work trips! Upcoming events such as National Walk at Lunch Day and National Bike Month are great opportunities to get together with coworkers and neighbors and have fun working towards your health goals.
For employers and residential properties, National Public Health Week next month as well as the above events are also great opportunities to hold health and wellness fairs as well as lobby events for employees and residents. Contact ATP today to start planning your event!
Don’t let your commute negatively impact your health! Start working off those winter pounds and get active on your way to work!