Use Public Transit to Get Fit

How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? If you’re still searching for some extra steps, a little “me time,” or opportunities to lower your carbon footprint, consider public transit. 

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Squeeze in Extra Steps

Did you know that sedentary women average just 2,700 steps per day despite the recommendation of walking 10,000 steps per day? Even 7,500 steps per day can have a massive benefit for your health and longevity. You don’t even need to walk it all at once. So, what can you do to track some extra steps?

When you choose to take the bus instead of driving your car, you add extra steps with your walk to the bus stop. Those steps to and from the bus stop add up over the course of a week. In fact, studies show that people who use public transit get three times more physical activity than those who don’t.

For added steps, choose an earlier or later stop than usual. You can also pick up your pace to elevate your heart rate and improve the cardio benefits. 

Make Time for Me Time

Self-care is necessary and often overlooked by busy adults. The pressures of work and family obligations often leave little time for individuals to unwind. What if you could find a little extra time every day to read a book or listen to a podcast?

Catching public transit for your commute opens the opportunity to read a book, catch up on a podcast, or simply zone out for a bit. It’s a form of self-imposed quiet time that provides a mental health boost. Instead of the stress and pressure of driving through rush hour traffic, try DART services for a chance to relax.

It can also be a lot of fun just getting to say hello to your neighbors and having them look in amazement as you walk by. Brief little social exchanges and getting outside elevate your mood and mental fitness too. So do say hello!

Contribute to Cleaner Air

If one of your resolutions involves lowering your carbon footprint, switch up your commute. Choosing public transit contributes to environmental sustainability. Riding transit reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and saving energy. Another plus in the “pro” column along with saving money, reducing commute related stress, and better health.

If you live near transit, Plano’s public transit options work well thanks to DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit). Check out GoPass to plan a trip, buy a pass, and try it this week! 

Help Plano Win the Community Challenge

If you are working on a “fitness” resolution, you've probably already realized  changing any habit or routine is hard; but it's a lot easier if you do it with others. Consider signing up for the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge, now’s the time! We have until March 1 to log as much activity as we can to help Plano win – and maybe score a few prizes along the way.