[freehorse]

I used to do it while coming back from work but lately I feel too exhausted and want to be home asap. Going to work no way, too much stress. But I go by bike which is still something.

The point of higher intensity exercise taking additional time requiring shower etc makes sense indeed. And I agree that walking is much more accessible: I can suddenly just decide to go out and walk, other types of exercise do require more of a plan or preparation.

Another thing I enjoy during walks is listening to podcasts. I cannot really stay focused on most podcasts unless I am walking.

[em-bee]

well, if you commute by bike you are already doing exercise, so you are already ahead (compared to someone who doesn't exercise at all), but also your commute time won't fluctuate as much, so there is less flexibility. it would be unlikely that you arrive at work early for example.

if i am exhausted after work (which is a problem in itself, but that's a different topic), i'd look for a more relaxing route to bike. sideroads with less traffic, detours through public parks, etc. after an exhausting day i want to relax, and so i would try to start relaxing the moment i get out of the office, not just after i get home. one of the reasons why i like public transport. someone else is driving.

i am not trying to suggest that you should do the same, but maybe something resonates with you.

[freehorse]

Ime biking is not the same as walking, mentally. Walking helps much more for a mental winding down. Otherwise I agree with the advice and often I prefer longer but more scenic routes for this reason.

[em-bee]

depends, that's my point. i have done a lot of biking when i was younger. for me it does have the same effect, but only if there is no, or not much traffic. biking through a busy street is like walking through a busy market. to relax you want a quiet empty path. for 1 hour walking that path is 4km long. to get the same with one hour biking you need 20km of quiet empty road.

[michaelbarton]

FWIW i play video games at a standing treadmill desk and that seems to help my motivation to get walks in

[em-bee]

exactly. i listen to fiction, but i work from home. if i don't go out either on errands or just for a walk, i don't get any listening time. that itself is a motivation to go for a walk.