There are plenty of factors surrounding our daily trip to work—time, money, distance—but one factor that we shouldn’t forget is our commute’s impact on our quality of life. (Anyone who has dealt with rush-hour stress can agree with that!)
Biking to work offers an opportunity to be mindful of your surroundings: the sights, smells and sounds. And mindfulness, along with movement, exercise and fresh air, are great ways to reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle!
Some people might think bike commuting is not for them, but it’s hard to ignore the mental and physical benefits (saving gas money is nice too!). Below are some common questions that might be holding you back from trying, and some tips from our team at Carilion Wellness to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Will I Have Enough Time?
If you live in an urban area, chances are good that biking to and from work will be a speedy alternative to the daily congestion of rush hour. Plan ahead for what you want to wear and anything you need to carry (lunch, change of clothes, work accessories, etc.) to get organized the night before so you can save yourself some crucial morning minutes. And look for some shorter route alternatives, like greenways. These could cut down on mileage and provide some new scenery.
Will I Need Expensive Gear?
Any bike can be a commuter bike. You don't need to invest in the fanciest gear, as long as you have a helmet (non-negotiable!), comfortable sneakers and a bike that can safely bring you from point A to point B.
Do I Need To Be Really Fit?
The ride to work might seem intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Make plans to ride to work once a week at first. Or if even that seems like a lot right now, figure out how far your route to work would be and practice bicycling half that distance a couple days a week. Figure out what works for you and add on over time if you want to continue to push yourself.
What If It’s Too Far?
If you really would like to try cycling to work but you live in the suburbs or a more rural area without opportunities for safe riding, like bike lanes, then consider driving part of the way and riding your bike where it's safe to do so.
Won’t I Get Sweaty?
While this depends on the time of year, there’s an easy fix—just use baby wipes, dry shampoo and deodorant to freshen up. Many bike commuters also bring their clean work clothes in a backpack to change into once they get to their destination.
Next Steps
Check out our group exercise classes at Carilion Wellness—they include cycling!—for those rainy days when you need to get your exercise indoors.
