Do you consider your commute to be exercise?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: lost without a care
Posts: 130
Bikes: Scott Aspect 680
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do you consider your commute to be exercise?
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
#2
Wind Breaker
Join Date: May 2003
Location: In the Dutch mountains
Posts: 802
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Swoop
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The East Atlanta neighborhood.
Posts: 82
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In general, yes, insamuch as even short bursts of physical activity provides a bit of exercise. My own commute provides me with more anaerobic exercise than aerobic (a hilly fast 3.5 mile ride to downtown Atlanta). But the stop and go nature means it isn't giving me a sustained aerobic workout, so I schedule my weekend recreational rides and long brisk walks during lunch on weekdays to take care of that need.
#4
Senior Member
My commute involves some pretty good climbs..That alone should constitute exercise...Plus for most part traffic is not that bad..It is pretty much go.. When taken my HRM seems beats get pretty fast.. Beats eating twinkies in the car while driving to work...
#5
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
YES!!
When I started commuting (14+ miles each way) I managed to drop 20 pounds in 4 months.
Once on a ride home I even passed a guy (who was wearing postal jersey and shorts) who was doing his afternoon training ride. And I had a rear rack, panniers, and lights on my road bike.
I guess commuting does count as exercise.
When I started commuting (14+ miles each way) I managed to drop 20 pounds in 4 months.
Once on a ride home I even passed a guy (who was wearing postal jersey and shorts) who was doing his afternoon training ride. And I had a rear rack, panniers, and lights on my road bike.
I guess commuting does count as exercise.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#6
Senior Member
Well, it's the only excercise I get, so it better be!
I think it particularly qualifies on the days I pick up my daughter from school.
There is no other way I could imagine getting any excercise.
Paul
I think it particularly qualifies on the days I pick up my daughter from school.
There is no other way I could imagine getting any excercise.
Paul
#7
cycles per second
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,930
Bikes: Early 1980's Ishiwata 022 steel sport/touring, 1986 Vitus 979, 1988 DiamondBack Apex, 1997 Softride PowerWing 700, 2001 Trek OCLV 110
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
48 Posts
Originally Posted by Swoop
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
This year I rode about 8000 miles preparing for Paris-Brest-Paris and about 3000 of those were commuting. I know I would have been in much worse shape had I not ridden those commuting miles.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Washington, D.C.
Posts: 4,516
Bikes: Cannondale, trek
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, at least when I told my Doctor what I do, he accepted it and did not suggest any lifestyle changes in that area. It certainly raises my heart rate more than even a brisk walk, which is one of the most widely recommended excersize methods.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Oro Valley, AZ
Posts: 146
Bikes: 2012 Schwinn Slicker, 2011 Trek Sawyer, 2014 Kona Unit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My commute is really the only chance I get to exercise and if I'm being honest, it's the main reason I commute. I like saving money, being environmentally friendly, etc., but the main reason I commute is for the exercise.
#11
Sumanitu taka owaci
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Swoop
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
A study I read indicated that even bicycling only 2 miles per day produced measurable physical improvements and health benefits.
From a more personal standpoint, bicycle commuting has changed me greatly from the person I once was. I am leaner, stronger, and can climb a tall set of stairs or run a few blocks without any problems. Just by cycling to work, I achieved a level of fitness I never knew when I was just walking for exercise.
I became a new man!
__________________
No worries
No worries
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 91
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It is my ONLY exercise. I "exercise" during the time I would otherwise spend in that long commute by bus or car, then have evenings (and mornings) to spend w/ family. 25-30 minutes each way, working as hard as I can (no stop and go).
#13
I run real far
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 278
Bikes: Lemond Poprad, Gary Fisher Marlin, homegrown fixie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Huh? Of course it is.
I use my three-day-per-week commute as my base cardiovascular training for marathoning and ultrarunning. I run ultradistance races (30, 50, and 100 miles) while training half as much as my ultrarunning friends who do not bike.
I could not do it without the exercise I get from commuting.
I use my three-day-per-week commute as my base cardiovascular training for marathoning and ultrarunning. I run ultradistance races (30, 50, and 100 miles) while training half as much as my ultrarunning friends who do not bike.
I could not do it without the exercise I get from commuting.
#14
Señor Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Flawil, Switzerland
Posts: 305
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Does the Pope ... in the woods?
Originally Posted by Swoop
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
speaking of which, it is time to hop on the bike! yea!
Tom
P.S. I also got asked to lead an indoor cycling class due to the commute. Beats being in the gym and having to pay!
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I just pootle along the 4 miles to work, pacing myself so I never break into a sweat. Its pretty gentle excercise, but still, much better than none at all.
I do a pool session once a week, to remind my upper body muscle that they have not been abandoned completely.
I do a pool session once a week, to remind my upper body muscle that they have not been abandoned completely.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Sometimes a co-worker will spot me in the elevator and say, "Oh, getting your exercise before work?"
If I'm feeling snotty, I'll say something like "Nah, just getting to work. You don't consider driving to work exercise, do you?"
But actually, I do consider it exercise. I've got a route that can be a 5 mile or 10 mile TT or I can go directly home and spin easy for a 20 minute recovery workout. It's all good!
If I'm feeling snotty, I'll say something like "Nah, just getting to work. You don't consider driving to work exercise, do you?"
But actually, I do consider it exercise. I've got a route that can be a 5 mile or 10 mile TT or I can go directly home and spin easy for a 20 minute recovery workout. It's all good!
#17
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Swoop
If someone asked you if you exercise, would you include commuting as an answer? I'm not sure if I do...
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#18
Mr. Cellophane
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 3,037
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
9 miles to work + 13 to 20 home every day. I'm pretty sure it qualifies as exercise.
__________________
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Home alone
Posts: 6,017
Bikes: Trek 4300 X 2. Trek 1000, Trek 6000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Is It Exercise?
That is sort of like asking if George Dubya Bush is a Texan.
Of Course It is Exercise.
Exercise is any activity beyond the norm that results in burning calories. Click the link to learn more.
IMO: The Norm is what the average normal human is doing in a given day. (esp. American)
Of Course It is Exercise.
Exercise is any activity beyond the norm that results in burning calories. Click the link to learn more.
IMO: The Norm is what the average normal human is doing in a given day. (esp. American)
Last edited by Portis; 12-03-03 at 07:07 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 84
Bikes: 1971 Pugeot PX 10 - First real bike. Current ride is a new customized Bacchetta recumbent - Dura Ace/Ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
45 min there (school) and 45 min home - 90 min. for the day - its all the time I have for exercise. Yes I consider it exercise
#21
ld-cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 380
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I turned to commuting as a means to get in "soft miles".
Often I find myself and other riders not taking those "easy" or "recover" rides.
I find that my commute provides this for me as I don't try to RACE to work because I don't want to be too trashed to need a full shower and change of clothes.
Sometimes I meet my wife on the commute home and occasioanlly we kick it up, esp when we get to our street... Sprint for the drive way babe!... Zooooommmmm....
Often I find myself and other riders not taking those "easy" or "recover" rides.
I find that my commute provides this for me as I don't try to RACE to work because I don't want to be too trashed to need a full shower and change of clothes.
Sometimes I meet my wife on the commute home and occasioanlly we kick it up, esp when we get to our street... Sprint for the drive way babe!... Zooooommmmm....
#23
Every lane is a bike lane
I also consider commuting to be my "soft" miles - mind you, that's probably only because my commute is a totally flat 26km round trip. Having said that, I think there are quite a few people in this office who would struggle to complete it.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: in bed with your mom
Posts: 13,696
Bikes: who cares?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well, duh, or would you rather drive to the gym to work out on a stationary bicycle? Why ISN'T commuting by bike exercise? I can't think of a better way to get your exercise as part of your daily routine.
#25
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,250
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Yes.
--J
--J
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines