How to Turn Your Commute into a Workout

For many of us, after a long day of commuting to and from work, the very last thing we want to think about is exercising. But what if you could transform your commute from a painstaking chore into an excellent way to torch some calories, relieve stress and boost your mood? Here are our favorite tips to transform your boring commute into a fun workout.

Bike to Work

Biking is an excellent low-impact activity that boosts cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure and improves coordination. May is actually Bike Month, and May 19th is specifically celebrated as Bike to Work Day, so you will have lots of company. Check out the infographic below for more information and use hashtag #BikeMonth if you decide to participate.

Tip: If you plan to bike to work, be sure to wear a helmet.

 

Walk to Work

Assuming the distance from your home to the office is manageable, ditch the car and lace up your walking shoes.  

Walking to work is not only a great way to take care of your physical health but also your mental well being. Listen to this episode of the Hurry Slowly podcast to learn about the ways in which walking re-engages you with your local community, opens you up to serendipity and makes you happier and healthier. 

Tip: Comfortable shoes and socks to wick moisture from your feet are highly recommended. Our Elite Runner socks are great for commuters. Just remember to keep a pair of dress shoes in your office drawer to change once you get to work!

In-the Car Routines

If walking or biking to work aren’t feasible options, then consider some of these quick and easy to follow routines that can be done while your sitting in traffic:

• Side twist: Engage and strengthen your core by slowly twisting the upper to the left and to the right.
• Neck Exercises: Turn the neck to one side and hold for five seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Tip: Shift that gear into “park” before you try any of these routines. Better yet, If you carpool to work, you can get more creative with light dumbells on days when you aren’t behind the wheel.

Taking Mass Transit to Work

During peak travel time, mass transit may be especially crowded and thus more challenging to find opportunities to exercise. That said you may be able to fit in exercises such as calf raises, bicep curls and isometric exercises.

Tip: Focus on mental health instead: Pop in your headphones and do a short guided meditation using the Headspace app.

Four More Getting Started Tips

If you’ve been stuck in the same routine year after year then here are a few more ideas to help you hit the ground running:

1. Start small: Pick a random work day on your calendar, and challenge yourself to try something new for one day a week.
2. Get your coworkers involved: This is a great way to stay motivated and accountable.
3. Always consider safety first: If you have to head in to work early in the morning or return home late at night when it’s still dark, be sure to wear reflective clothing.
4. Do a test run on the weekend: So that you’ll still be on time for work even if you try out a new way to get there.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite ways to turn your commute into a workout? Let us know in the comments below or join our Facebook and Instagram community to share your story!