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The Commuter’s Workout

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According to the American Public Transportation Association, Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transportation in 2008. While many riders snooze or catch up on reading en route, a commute can also offer an opportunity to improve physical activity levels.

Do you regularly use public transportation? Try the following suggestions from 2007 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year Fred Hoffman, MEd, on how to keep fit while commuting:

On the Station Platform

  • Perform triceps dips from the front edge of a bench while waiting for the subway.
  • If standing, perform heel raises with a “balance” hold. You can also do small-range-of-motion squats without attracting attention.
  • Instead of standing in place, walk back and forth along the platform until the train arrives.

    In the Subway or Metro Car

  • Remain standing throughout the commute. During the ride you will endure turns, bumps, accelerations and decelerations that will enhance your balance and engage the core. If possible, and if safe to do so, don’t hold onto anything or anyone.
  • If you are in a subway or metro where cars are easily accessible, walk the length several times. Don’t walk from car to car if there is a risk of falling onto the tracks.
  • Going to and Leaving the Station

  • Speed-walk to and from the station.
  • Take the stairs down and up instead of using escalators or elevators. For an added challenge, take two stairs at a time.
  • Create an “obstacle course” and zigzag around people who are walking at a different pace.

Ryan Halvorson

Ryan Halvorson is an award-winning writer and editor, and IDEA's director of event programming.

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