Walk to work
I never realized until recently that a lot of people from my work actually walk to work from the union station. Union station is in Toronto downtown. This is where all the trains meet basically. People from different cities take trains to come downtown to work.
I had spoken to some people and they had mentioned that they walked to work from there. It’s about 3 kms from there to work. That seemed like quite a distance to me until I started meeting more and more people who were walking daily back and forth.
Benefits
As you can imagine, this has tremendous benefits! This way one does not have to exercise afterwards. At least not cardio workout. You walk 6 kms daily and that’s more than enough. Keeps your heart strong, keeps you in good shape, good stamina, low fat, slim figure and all the rest of the benefits that come along with it.
Actually, I took that walk a few times as well now. It’s a very pleasant walk. Some people are able to cover it in 20 mins but it easily takes me around 25+ minutes. While I was walking I noticed that there were a ton of people walking. I noticed so many new shops that I had never noticed before while I was driving by or taking the bus. 
I realized that it was actually quite beautiful. Very nice buildings, new ones and really old ones. I felt good while walking as well. Felt a lot lighter by the time I got to work. Felt great! Not only that but I have walked back at the end of the day as well!
Sometimes on the way back there are other colleagues from work who’re walking back so we don’t even realize where the time has gone. It couldn’t be better! I’ve been thinking about starting some walking or running program and this fit perfectly because it still leaves me with free time after work to do other stuff.
Disadvantages
I didn’t realize this at first. Actually no one that walks with me realized it that we started to stink!!! Not terribly and not in the morning but on the way home. We were just feeling so happy until I met someone after my walk who noticed that I had started smelling of sweat. 
If I took the subway home, where there are people all jammed together, I used to hate it when people were sweating and that body odour was all around. And now to think that I might be one of those people is a very disconcerting thought.
I spoke to some other people and they said that they tried everything to get rid of it like carrying a deoderant with them etc but nothing helped.
But they all said that they never had a problem getting a seat because of this. hehe… talk about putting a positive spin on it!
No matter what I love walking to work. It’s one way that I can easily get some exercise. It’s a beautiful walk indeed and I also realized if I don’t walk too fast and just walk at a comfortable pace I am ok. No body odour!
I try walking in the shade as well and the weather has been unusually cool for the month of june here in Toronto. So far so good!
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June 13th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Yes, I walk or cycle to work as often as I can. In my case, the route goes through a nature reserve so I arrive at work spiritually refreshed too. The alternative routes are by car through very busy major routes so the contrast is strong.
Don’t forget how much money you save too!
June 14th, 2009 at 10:58 am
That sounds like a wonderful route. How far is your work? I still have to take the subway train until downtown Toronto and can walk from there. From my condominium, my work’s about 18 kms away so that’s quite a distance.
Maybe some day
June 15th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Ah, my route is only 3 miles (5 kms) so it is no great effort at all. It means if it’s a nice day, I can spend my time coming home and look for any wildlife (and there is usually a fair amount).
About one third of the route is off road and crosses several river bridges. In the winter it can flood to about waist deep, so my trip to work can even be an adventure (I fell in last time and got no sympathy at the office!). The job is pretty dull so the route in makes my day sometimes.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:24 am
That actually does sound like a very serene ride. My job is by the lake so sometimes we go for walks during our lunch hour around the lake which is awesome! Very invigorating! When you’re going through nature (walking or riding a bike etc) it has a very calming effect, sort of like meditation. So, if you can’t take time out to meditate at home this is a very good alternative.
You’ll probably get greeting cards and flowers and candy as well!
ahh.. now if you owned your company you’ll see how sympathetic everyone will be then!
June 16th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Wow! If I owned the company! That must be a fantasy we all have.
You are right about a quiet journey being a meditation replacement – just like your walk around the lakes. Actually I pass by two lakes on my journey too. Why does water also have such a calming effect on people?
Toronto sounds a friendly city. In the past, however, I have found a walk through an urban environment can be calming too – but I have had to be in the right frame of mind. I have had to feel detached and observing from the outside if you understand what I mean. Oh, and I identify with the personal hygene aspect too! Not enough companies provide showers.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Yeah I can relate to you when it comes to personal hygiene. The only thing that really has any negative effect on me is body odour, bad breath, and obviously people just letting go (gas that is) in public.
Smell of manure etc doesn’t seem to bother me much as that sort of takes me back to my grand parents village. They had buffaloes and we used to have an amazing time whenever we visited them. Fond memories.
Water has some magical power over us I believe. Just hearing the water splash against the rocks is soooo calming. At work, sometimes I used to turn on the online radio to nature sounds, mainly water falls, ocean, and water splashing against rocks. That used to calm me quite a bit and very helpful especially during really hectic and stressful work.
Urban environment? You’re right. Going for a walk when the weather is nice, and people sitting outside the restaurants on patios can definitely be positive.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
…and if you wanted to own a company, you know you could. If that’s what you really want!