(c) FrancescoCorticchia

We all know that walking or biking to work is healthier than say driving your car. This is not breaking news. But, for all those commuters who take public transportation, you’re also getting the same health benefits a recent study from the UK found. Makes sense though. The train or bus most likely doesn’t plop you directly in front of your office building—which means there’s additional walking that’s built into your daily commute. And all of those steps definitely add up!


According to researchers, the distance covered by walkers vs. those taking public transportation was very close. Participants who reported walking to work were covering about a mile or less. Flint shared that between the walk to the train or bus and then from there to your place of employment the distance measured was quite similar.

If you’re wondering about how all of this extra exercise translates when it comes to your waistline—the results are substantial. For a 5-foot-4-inch woman who uses public transportation, bikes, or walks, the difference is 6 lbs. compared to a woman who drives. For a middle-aged man of average height, the difference is 7 lbs.

So, how about it? Will you be leaving the car keys at home a few more days a week? And if public transportation or active commuting are not options, taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a great alternative!


Image Credit: FrancescoCorticchia