Public Transit Wins in Fitness Race

Jumping on the public transit trend delivers benefits both serious and fun. Sharing that commute saves on a finite natural resource, blows less pollution into our increasingly-poisoned air, allows you to text safely with abandon or phone grandma without breaking the law. Yet what I miss most from my 10-year train commute are those brisk walks relished from home to station, station to office, office to station, then home for dinner. Relying upon public transit meant 20 miles of guaranteed walking each week. On the rare occasions I drove, maybe I strolled 300 yards after parking in a stress-inducing $25.00 spot.

Research has arrived verifying what public transit users probably already know -- taking the bus or train to work beats driving your car when it comes to personal fitness. In fact, public transit users are three times more likely to reach daily fitness recommendations than four-wheelers. Don't forget the calories northerners burn trying to keep their bods warm at a sub-zero bus stop.

Ditch that lonely vehicle if you can and join the pre-tax eligible public transit party -- you'll generate a smaller carbon footprint and improve your health with every step. Now that's no April Fools' joke.