Save Gas? Walk Instead of Drive

Pedestrians walk and bike in Italy

The last few days I have been in Modena, Italy on a business trip. Like most European cities, I see people of all ages walking and biking instead of driving around town to do their errands. 

I realize that not all of you reading this blog live in a city and drive to do your errands but I think we can all take another look at WALKING. It’s free, doesn’t leave a carbon footprint and is better for your health.

Walking is free, doesn’t leave a carbon footprint and is good for your health...

Following, the facts:

Walking at a moderate pace for 30-60 minutes can speed up your metabolism. Why? It helps to burn fat and build muscle.

Walking an hour a day is also believed to cut the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and strokes.

Taking it off:

A pound of fat equals 3500 calories. To lose 1 pound a week you will need to use 3500 more calories than you eat that week.

Time does not matter as much as distance. If you speed up to walking a mile in 13 minutes or less, you burn more calories per mile.

How far or how long?

30-60 minutes at 50-70% of your maximum heart rate is recommended.

Want to walk? First, see your Doctor if you have any health related problems. Next, be sure and stretch before, during and after your walk. And, if you’re going to be carrying bags, lessen the load with a collapsible grocery cart or back pack.

(article sourced from About.com: walking )

For other ways to save fuel check out Edmunds' Green Car Guide.

Posted by

Holly Reich May 16, 2008, 10:08 AM

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