The Zoomer Report: Public Transit and Fitness

Do you take public transit? If you do, it’ll help you stay fit. Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that people who take the bus and the subway are three times more likely to meet fitness guidelines than those who don’t. After reviewing travel surveys from Atlanta, Ga., they concluded that transit riders met requirements by walking to and from stops.

Researchers used the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s suggested daily minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week.

The survey also suggests the more people drove their cars, the less likely they were to get their 30 minutes of daily physical activity.

It means you don’t have to find time to go the gym if these short walks are part of your routine.

The researchers conclude that making transit more broadly available may produce indirect health benefits by getting people walking, even if it’s just in short bouts.

READ MORE ZOOMER REPORTS

The Zoomer Report: Fat Kills

The Zoomer Report: Home Exercise Machines

The Zoomer Report: Colds and Exercise

About The Zoomer Report

Libby ZnaimerLibby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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