5 Reasons why you should redefine your commute

We’ve all been there. The mundane and repetitive daily commute where the only perverse and short-lived excitement is cancelled trains or closed roads – quickly giving way to train or road rage. We throw our hands up in the air and ask ourselves: “Why do I do this, surely there is a better way?”

Well, there is. As professionals from around the world start returning to their offices and coronavirus restrictions slowly start to ease, there is a once in a generation opportunity to utilise new hybrid working practices to redefine our commute. Here are five reasons why:

1. Explore your surroundings

How often do we pass things on our commute that we’ve always promised ourselves we’d stop by and explore? That hidden green space in central London, that coffee shop in the village with the amazing pastries or that view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline a friend recommended.

We often become so caught up in the daily routine of commute, work, commute, eat, sleep that we often and easily sacrifice one of the great joys in life… to explore, to wander and to surprise ourselves. This can be as stimulating and rejuvenating as any break.

2. Go green

By taking alternative modes of transport to work such as walking, running, cycling or even a scooter if you’ve got the balance for it, you’re helping to reduce not only your own, but also your company’s and your city’s carbon footprint. During the height of lockdown in the UK, major cities saw a drop in rush-hour commuter congestion of 65% to 95%, which lead to a significant drop in air pollution from road traffic.

If it’s a choice between sitting on a sweaty subway train or leisurely cruising down main street on a bicycle with the glorious summer sun beating down knowing I am doing my bit to help the environment, I know what I’d rather choose.

Using a bike to commute to and from work has become increasingly popular in recent years.

3. Improved health and fitness

We know that our Virtual Clubbers often work in demanding roles that entail long working hours. This can make it difficult to find time to fit in the most important of activities… physical exercise. It is now a well known fact that as well as a myriad of physical benefits, exercise also plays a significant role in maintaining and supporting our mental health.

A recent study of 264,337 people found that cycling to work is linked with a 45% lower risk of developing cancer, and a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to commuting by car or public transport.

By combining your commute with your exercise for the day, not only are you saving time and money but you’re also making significant gains for your own health and wellbeing too.

4. It can often be faster

Our hearts sink when we hear the dreaded three words…rail…replacement…bus. We hit panic mode as we frantically try to translate the subway map and problem solve a new route to the office. As well as the huge inconvenience of this and the grumpy mood it puts us in when we finally arrive at the office, we are also frustrated by the lack of control and the vulnerability we experience relying on public transport systems to get us to work on time.

Walking, running or cycling to work empowers us to take control of our own journey and more often than not, it actually works out as taking the same amount of time (if not faster) than getting the subway or negotiating our way through rush hour traffic.

5. Be a better team player

It’s a no-brainer that if you are fitter and healthier (both mentally and physically) you’ll be better equipped to meet and surpass the demands of your job. Research shows that those who exercise regularly outperform colleagues who don’t. So not only is redefining how you commute good for you, but it’s good for your team and company as well. Especially as you clock up those extra Virtual Club points by walking, running or cycling to work.

Now you know the reasons why, get a kick start redefining your commute by joining the Virtual Club and taking part in our new redefine your commute challenge.