Walking or biking to work and school could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 11%. This is the ambitious forecast by Paul Higgins from the University of California, Berkely. (New Scientist 18/12/2004).

The forecasts are impressive:

• walkers would lose 12kg of fat, bikers would lose 26kg
• approximately $117 billion would be saved off the bill from treating obesity - because there would be no obesity
• we would not need as much oil - hence a saving of dollars to the consumer and an incredible saving to the earth

Of course, the picture is much more complex than that. Some people live too far to bike. Sometimes the neighbourhoods aren’t safe. People may be too unhealthy or have a medical condition that prevents them from doing so much exercise. And weather conditions can be too extreme during some parts of the year.

It is a great place to start though. Think of what could be accomplished if even a few people did this some of the time. Maybe biked every other day. Or started walking locally instead of driving to the shops. Not only would that build your fitness levels up, but you’d still be helping the environment.

The biggest problem is not usually a medical condition though. Its laziness. Habit. The creaking mind talking us out of our good intentions.

How do we heal this part of ourselves - our mind? Do we feel bad about it, judge it? Give up and just keep on doing what we usually do?

Imagine creating a solution…

Next - take action. Go for a walk, or a run - now. Or do some sit-ups. Take 12 minutes of your day right now and do something energetic.

Do this every day, if you’re keen. Or every other day if you’re too busy.

Then look back in a week and see how you’re feeling. If you want some fitness ideas, check out this site.