Add Healthy Steps to Your Day

Did you know that walking is a major mode of transportation? The Parking and Transportation Office encourages you to use walking in your commute and when getting around campus.

Proven Health Benefits

Walking for 30-60 minutes a day greatly reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. By finding a way to make walking part of each day, you will give your health a boost. Try adding 15 minutes of walking at the beginning of the day and at the end – or somewhere in the middle. If you take public transportation, consider getting on or off at an earlier stop or a later one. Check out the MIT Walking Map (PDF) for suggested routes close to campus.

Challenge Yourself

Walking is one of the many ways to participate in MIT’s getfit program, a 12-week team fitness challenge (usually February to April) that encourages participants to exercise regularly. Weekly prizes are awarded to registered teams and individuals – and many participants keep following their new routines after the challenge has ended.

Individuals can also participate in Green Streets Initiative’s Walk/Ride Days on the last Friday of every month. The program includes events sponsored by local community agencies and retailers, and participants receive discounts at Boston-area retailers and restaurants. Each month, all registered participants who logged a commute are also entered into a monthly raffle offering a range of unique prizes.