Walking to work

Philip624 · 5 September 2007 at 12:52PM

Following this weeks tube strike I have been walking to work in London, from Liverpool Street to Whitehall. I estimate this is around 2.5 miles. It is taking me 45 minutes at a brisk pace, only 10-15 minutes longer than taking the tube.

I am considering doing this full time, i.e walking this distance to and from work, twice a day. This would save me £580 a year.

Having done the journey three times now, walking to and from Liverpool Street on Tuesday, and to work from Liverpool Street this morning. I do not feel out of breath or particularly tired. It is only after this morning’s walk that I have felt some stiffness in my back and legs, but it’s not too bad.

My question is really, would doing this walk every day, 5 days a week be a good idea from a health point of view aside form the financial benefit. I am 33, have always been in good health, no heart problems, and have only put a few pounds on since entering my 30s. I weigh around 11 stone 3, and am 5ft 7.

If it is a good idea what changes to my diet should I look to make. I probably don’t eat enough at lunchtime or have the time for breakfast. I should also add that in addition to this walk, I have a 15 mins walk to and from my home station each day, so that’s another 30 minutes walking.

frivolous_fay · 5 September 2007 at 1:03PM

Good for you. You don't sound overweight to me.... certainly not very, if at all.

If you were seeking to burn off some fat ideally you'd keep your calorie intake low, but increase your exertion. (As you have done) If you're happy as you are, you might want to make sure you get breakfast, some kind of carbs, cereal, grains or toast to give you a boost. The stiffness will pass and be replaced with toned muscle

suffolkb · 5 September 2007 at 1:10PM

When I was a civil servant, they had a `look after your heart` campaign where you could have an interest free loan to buy a bicycle. Maybe stopped now, but have you considered one of those folding bikes (Bickerton?). Quicker than walking. Probably quicker than the tube as well. And won`t go on strike.

Philip624 · 5 September 2007 at 1:17PM

thanks fay and suffolk.

yes i think some cereal for breakfast will be in order.

It really has been an epiphany for me this tube strike, i actually feel energised for doing the walk and I think this way ill be getting regular daily fitness without having to do anything after work. My only concern was is this too much to take on initally, should i ease myself into it, by just doing it one way.

Im motivated enough to get through the stiffness period and will definately be walking again tonight even though the tubes are back running. Im still able to get my usual trains and I know it will take me exactly the same amount of time each day.

Re the bike idea, im not sure I would brave the roads in london adn to be honest I prefer walking, its free and less stressful.

TAG · 5 September 2007 at 3:17PM

Think about it this way........ how often do you see a 'fat' postman?

Walking is one of the best forms of excercise that you can do. l think you'll find that it's recommended people do at least 30 minutes of excercise a day five times a week.

If it's saving you money as well as keeping you fit and healthy go for it.

Philip624 · 5 September 2007 at 3:38PM

thanks all. I can only see positives from this. I will still keep an oyster card with a bit of credit if i need to get home early or the weather is really appalling but if i start now ill be used to it by winter. I thought it was a good idea but just wanted some others views, and youve convinced me it still is a good idea.

suffolkb · 5 September 2007 at 3:41PM

Can`t do links, but do a search for "walk london" on the main page. Martin has found a site that plots a walking route in London between 2 points. It claims your journey is 2.3 miles - depending on which end of Whitehall you work.
Cycling in London is pretty safe. You will be going faster than the traffic - except motorbikes.

frivolous_fay · 5 September 2007 at 3:43PM

This got me thinking... I moved house last month and I've started cycling to work, although before I got hold of a bike I was walking.

Which would be the optimum form of exercise on the way to work - a 45 minute brisk walk (colour to the cheeks, not panting!) or a 10-15 minute cycle (no significant hills, but I go as fast as possible and work up a sweat)

Considerations...

- calorie burning
- cardio-vascular benefits
- muscle toning (bum and thighs, please!)
- it's a very dull walk!

Theories welcome!

TAG · 5 September 2007 at 9:01PM

Why not switch between the two? One week cycle 2 days and walk 3, next week vice versa.

cattie · 5 September 2007 at 9:25PM

Well done for deciding to walk. Before I became ill & unable to work I walked to work for years, approx 45-50 mins each way, no matter what the weather. It kept me very fit & in very good shape. I also used to go for a walk during lunch time.

Walking is one of the best exercises you can take, & like you are finding, while you may lose lbs from your figure, your pocket gains £'s.

If you enjoy the walking, then carry on, but if not then don't force yourself is what I think I'd say.

PasturesNew · 5 September 2007 at 9:31PM

Philip624 wrote: »

around 2.5 miles...would doing this walk every day, 5 days a week be a good idea from a health point of view

Give or take, doing it both ways is probably meeting your "steps per day" quota. That's about 5-6 miles

Walking to work

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