By Anna Rasmussen On the 4th October it was Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day. Walking has become an integral part of my daily routine. I spend between two and ten hours each week walking to and from destinations including university or the hospital where I study, the weekend markets, or the shops. The World Health Organisation has acknowledged active transport as a way to improve global environmental and health outcomes. My motivations are primarily to benefit my physical and mental health, but walking has other benefits such as being non-polluting, posing little danger to others, saving money, and, perhaps mostly importantly, I enjoy it. I am, however, one of the minority in Australia that uses walking as their main form of transit. The 2016 Census found that 69% Australian commuters travelled to work by car, and another 5% as car passengers, while 9% used public transport, 1% cycled, 4% walked, and 4% used multiple methods. This is largely consistent with rates from 2011, with a 0.5% rise in driving a car and a 0.7% increase in train use, while cycling and walking declined 0.1% and 0.3% respectively. Furthermore, infrastructure and culture is becoming increasingly car-centric. This is not to…
Moving More During Your Commute
With BeUpstanding™, we’re always trying to incorporate ways to stand up, sit less, and move more throughout the day. While we often think about sitting less in the workplace, another time to reduce sitting is on the way to the workplace. Around 78% of Australians commute by car. Sitting in the car can lead to negative health outcomes especially with longer commutes. Commuting distance is associated with increased body fat and decreased fitness level. Active commuting (walking or cycling) on the other hand, is associated with a greater fitness level, healthier body weight, and a decreased risk for heart disease. We can all think of some barriers to active commuting. However, there are easy steps to overcome these barriers. For example, you don’t have to walk to work all the way from home. Instead, get off the bus a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way. You can also try parking further from the office to increase your step count. Cycling can seem intimidating thanks to hills along your commute route. Electric assist e-bikes can help. These bikes provide motor assistance when you pedal so that it feels like you’re always riding with the wind at…