Get Fit with Support from Your Community

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Help Plano Win the Texas Community Challenge

This year, Texans need to look no further than their own communities for healthy inspiration. An ongoing statewide challenge is pitting Texas communities against one another in a massive community health project known as the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.

The challenge kicked off January 6 and runs through 5 p.m. on March 1. Individuals, organizations, and even school districts can sign up to participate and compete for prizes. It’s free to sign up and track your healthy activities to build points for your community.

If you’re struggling to find the will to exercise or make a healthy choice, look for inspiration on social media by following the hashtags #CommunityChallenge, #HealthierTexas, and #ItsTimeTexas. Participants all over the state are already sharing their healthy choices!

How to Clock Exercise if You’re a Commuter

Are you finding it difficult to hit your daily step count or work in exercise around your busy day? Adding some exercise to your daily commute can be easier than you think, and it can help you reach your fitness goals.

Here are a few simple ways to make the most of your commute.

Public Transit

Aside from its positive environmental impact, using public transit is also good for your health. Just the walk to the bus stop contributes to your daily step count and physical activity. Bus riders, on average, weigh three to five pounds less than car commuters. Think about the impact of getting your heart rate up by walking to and from the bus stop a few times per day.

Cycling

Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that doubles as efficient transportation. Switch up your daily commute or grab your bike for quick errands to easily work extra exercise into your day.

People who bicycle, even occasionally, weigh five to 10 less than the average auto-driving commuter and live years longer. You may be pleasantly surprised by the boost to your mental and physical health.

Walking

Walking may not be the best alternative if you have a longer commute, but there are plenty of ways to add more steps to your day. After all, walking is one of the simplest ways to improve your health.

• Pick a parking spot at the back of the lot to clock some extra steps.

• Take the stairs whenever possible.

• Keep a pair of sneakers in your car so you can walk on your lunch and breaks.

• Choose the longest route to every destination, even if it’s the restroom on the other end of your office.

• Walk around the house while brushing your teeth or talking on the phone.

• Get off the bus a stop or two ahead of your usual stop.

Carpooling

Carpooling is beneficial to you and your community. Hitching a ride with colleagues or friends is not going to get you extra steps, but it will improve your mental health. Carpooling can leave you feeling energized and refreshed. Try recruiting your carpool to walk together or join the same gym to hold each other accountable.

If you're looking for other ways to put your commute to work, check out our recent blog: How Your Commute Can Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions.

Keep an eye out for more helpful tips over the next several weeks as we support the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.