CommuteWorks - CommuteFit Program - Services and Information provided by CommuteWorks

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COMMUTE v.: to regularly travel from one place to another.

FIT adj: physically sound; healthy

Together they make CommuteFit, CommuteWorks' exercise incentive program that makes getting to work fun and healthy. CommuteFit rewards commuters who bike, walk, jog, or rollerblade to work.

When you join CommuteFit (click here for online registration), you will receive materials to help you track your healthy commuting achievements. As the miles add up, you earn incentives for your efforts!

	Benefits to walking, cycling, jogging...
	CommuteFit Program Rules
	CommuteFit Awards
	Is Cycling Right For You?
	Is Walking Right For You?
	Is Rollerblading Right For You?
	Register for the CommuteFit Program!

There are many benefits to walking, cycling, jogging or rollerblading to work. Consider these:

Improved Health: Using your own power to commute is a great way to fit regular exercise into your hectic schedule. Regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoporosis, and can improve your mood and help you to better manage stress. You will also get to work on time and in a better mood, making your work day more productive.
Pollution Solution: Autos are the number one source of many air pollutants. Short car trips--those that are most easily made on foot or by bike--are up to three times more polluting per mile than long trips by car. An average four mile round trip bike commute prevents nearly 15 pounds of auto air pollution from contaminating your air.
Economics: Add up what you spend getting to work every day. Commuting by foot saves you parking fees, fuel costs, auto maintenance costs, and transit fares. The average cost of operating a car for one year is approximately $8,000, but the average cost of operating a bicycle for a year is only $120. Walking and Jogging are FREE.
Mobility: Even the most powerful sports car crawls in congested traffic while CommuteFit members go around it! Parking a car can also be a time-consuming hassle, but you can park a bike quickly and close to your destination, and on foot there is no need to park at all!

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CommuteFit Program Rules

The goal of the program is to reduce vehicle miles traveled to and from work. Anytime you use your own muscle power for transportation you credit yourself in your achievement booklet. Credit is calculated by the mode you choose as follows:

Walking...Credit one mile for each mile
Jogging...Credit one mile for each mile
Rollerblading...Credit one mile for every 1.5 miles
Bicycling...Credit one mile for every three miles

Additional bonus points can be earned for other activities, these include:

Convincing a fellow employee to sign up for the program…five mile credit
Participating in any future CommuteFit event (i.e. Bike, Walk, or Blade to Work Day)…three mile credit
Walking or jogging to work in rain or snow…double-mile credit
Walk, jog, or skate to work when the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees…double-mile credit

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CommuteFit Awards

All new registrants to the CommuteFit program receive a discount coupon to REI. Other prizes include: water bottles, key chains, pedometers, fitness journals, coffee mugs, lunch totes, backpacks, and more. Once you log 500 miles, you receive a $30 gift card to REI! If you log 1,000 miles, you will receive a grand prize messenger bag filled with all sorts of great commuting prizes!

All participants to log 500 miles in the program
receive $30 gift certificate to REI.

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Is Cycling Right For You?

Consider your route: Boston can sometimes be an intimidating place to ride your bike. Take the time to map out a potential route that avoids highways and busy streets as much as possible. Need help? Call CommuteWorks for assistance in planning a route.

Work-site facilities: Be sure to identify your employer's bike parking and shower facilities. Many Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA) employers provide both. To find out more call CommuteWorks.

Equipment: Essential items include a sturdy bike that fits properly, a helmet, a strong lock, and a light for riding at night.

For more info on biking, take a look at MassBike Online.

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Is Walking Right For You?

How long is your commute?: If you live 5 miles or less from work, walking is a great alternative! Walking is relaxing and burns up to 350 calories per hour.

Fitness Level: Walking is suitable exercise for all ages and fitness levels, and a great way to get in shape and save the environment.

Comfort and Safety: Comfortable walking or athletic shoes are essential. In addition, you should be prepared for bad weather with a portable umbrella and raincoat. For your safety, take the time to refresh your knowledge of pedestrian traffic laws. Always observe traffic signals, cross at the crosswalk, and be observant of cars and bicyclists.

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Is Inline Skating Right For You?

Rollerbladers Fitness Level: Inline Skating is a great way to get around and to get in shape. However, there is a level of skill required in order to master city streets and busy bike paths. Practice rollerblading on quiet residential streets before tackling your commute.

Equipment: Essential items include a pair of inline skates that fit you properly, a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.

Work-site facilities: Be sure to identify your employer's availability of lockers and shower facilities. Most LMA employers provide access to both. To find out more call CommuteWorks.

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