The average person in the UK spends a year of their life commuting, surely this time could be better spent. It has been shown that people who opt for an “Active Commute” have improved well-being. have you considered a different approach to getting to work? GCUPhysio Spoke to some staff members who shun the train and leave the car at home to get to work.

Kat Savage (Physiotherapy Lecturer): I either cycle or run to work most days. I love the freedom it gives me. I hate being tied to train times and hate being crammed in to a carriage and driving isn’t an option. I find it faster and cheaper to have an active commute;  door to door, it takes 30 mins to take the train, 20 to cycle or 33 to run, my exercise for the day is done and I am £3.50 better off than if I had caught the train – over the month it can save up to £70. It also means I have achieved my exercise for the day. Top Tip: pack your bag the night before, its more effort to unpack it! Use apps like Strava to watch your fitness improve and also try beat your best times!

Gordon Morlan (Technician) Cycling to work is the main exercise I get on a week to week basis and if I don’t do that I walk everywhere, I like to blend fitness with communing, there is always a way to fit in exercise. Top Tip: You don’t have to wear Lycra to stay cool on the bike!

Active Transport Links:

Running to Work Blog – full of tips about where to start.

GCU Cycling Forum – full of useful advice for cyclists at GCU.

Sky Ride have some helpful tips for people thinking about cycling to work for the first time.