Taking the Bus or Train to Work may be Even Healthier Than Walking: AHA

Bus/train commuters had even lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and overweight than the walkers or bikers.

A new study by the American Heart Association has revealed that taking the bus or train to work may be even healthier than walking. The study said, "Bus/train commuters had even lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and overweight than the walkers or bikers."

The study was conducted in Japan. Researchers found that compared to drivers, public transport riders were 44% less likely to be overweight, 27% less likely to have high blood pressure and 34% less likely to have diabetes.

Walking As An Exercise-Health Benefits-Practice-Do's and Don'ts-Video
People walk for many reasons ranging from pleasure to mental relaxation, finding solitude or for exercise.

‘The AHA has revealed that taking the bus or train to work may be even healthier than walking. Researchers found lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity among users of public transport than the walkers or bikers.’

Researchers said, "But, in a rather counterintuitive result, somewhat improved health benefits were also seen in comparison with walkers and bikers. One explanation could be that commuters actually walked farther to and from the train or bus station than people who biked or walked to and from work."

Lead study author Hisako Tsuji, director of the Moriguchi City Health Examination Center in Osaka, Japan, said, "If it takes longer than 20 minutes one way to commute by walking or cycling, many people seem to take public transportation or a car in urban areas of Japan."

The study was presented at the AHA's Scientific Sessions 2015 meeting.

Walking for Fitness and Weight Loss
A few extra steps a day are enough to keep you fit.

Source-AFP

Who Else Wants to Know How Walking Helps Heart and Brain?
Walking early morning would improve your health as it helps heart and brain to function properly. Find more about its benefits for your body.

Long Walking is Better Than Heavy Gym Workouts
Doing intense exercises in gym is not good enough to give you similar benefits as walking can. Long walks are better that gym workouts as they increase your insulin resistance and keeps you fit.