KCFit.Net

Weekend Fit Tips – Why walk??

by Carly Finucane, posted Jul 31st 2009, 19:15

Here are a few reasons to get out and walk this weekend:

Walkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to our health, the environment, and our communities.

Better health: A study in Washington State found that the average resident of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood weighs 7 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood. Residents of walkable neighborhoods drive less and suffer fewer car accidents, a leading cause of death between the ages of 15–45.

Reduction in greenhouse gas: Cars are a leading cause of global warming. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.

Increased social capital: Walking increases social capital by promoting face-to-face interaction with your neighbors. Studies have shown that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10%.

Stronger local businesses: Dense, walkable neighborhoods provide local businesses with the foot traffic they need to thrive. It’s easier for pedestrians to shop at many stores on one trip, since they don’t need to drive between destinations.

(tips via www.walkscore.com.  Check out KC’s walk score http://www.walkscore.com/rankings/Kansas_City)

Get outside and walk this weekend KC!  Then, tell us where you like to walk in the comments or on the KCFit.net Facebook page!

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