Urban living, best kind of workout? (Philadelphia: prices, gym, move)

[MikeNigh]

I noticed the gym actually isn't very populated in comparison to the suburbs and people here are vastly more fit (looking). Does walking instead of driving for your daily needs really provide that much of a free work out? I noticed this when I lived in germany for a little bit too.

Statistically speaking, it appears that for the average person the only hope for them becoming fit would be to simply move into an urban environment.

[rotodome]

It definitely helps.

[Cnote11]

Walking does provide me with the sole exercise I need to maintain my weight. There is a reason why historically people from the other parts of the world where communities are not based upon cars and instead people opt and actively praise the usage of the feet and the bicycle are indeed fitter.

[Cnote11]

That being said, a lot of people in Philadelphia are certainly not "fit".

[rotodome]

Diet is at least as important as exercise for maintaining weight...though that's an arguably tougher sell for the Philly lifestyle!

[Cnote11]

Originally Posted by rotodome

Diet is at least as important as exercise for maintaining weight...though that's an arguably tougher sell for the Philly lifestyle!

Indeed... my father commented that sometimes he thought the prices of some of the food items were on the more expensive side until he actually received the food...

[jazzy jeff]

I have never noticed urban people being any more or less fit then suburban people. But yes walking is always good exercise. The general rule of thumb is a 1.5 mile walk in a 30 min time frame, 5 days per week is sufficient for cardio, and weight control along with a balanced diet. As far as the gym crowds go, I would not say they are any less then the burbs. In fact I was told by a manager at the LA Fitness in NE Philly (Grant Ave) they average more heads per day then any of their other non signature facilities in the entire country.

[johnzaci]

I am agree with the @MikeNigh that Urban guys are really very fit and they look smart. Probable they might do more hardworking than formers. I am also suffering from less active and full of passive position please show me the way!!

[Tiger Beer]

It does make a huge difference. Having lived in very walkable cities before, people are naturally more healthy. Not always, but generally.

Sitting in a car all day going through drive-thru's, than sitting on the living room couch, and than an office job. It's no wonder so many Americans are so large.

[Cnote11]

Yep... China is starting to get larger for similar reasons