Summer is just around the corner so now is the time to get fit for summer fashions and fun. An excellent way to get into shape is to make excercise part of your daily routine. Those of you living near work can incorporate fitness into your commute by walking or riding a bike to work. It is much easier to get aerobic exercise on the way to or from work rather than signing up for an excercise class or going to the gym to swim laps. Combining your exercise program with your work commute can also leave more time in your day for other activities. Walking and cycling will make losing or maintaining your weight much easier. For example, a 150-pound person walking at a modest pace of 3 miles in one hour will burn 320 calories. Walking 4½ miles per hour eliminates 440 calories. Cycling burns 240 calories if a 150-pound person travels 6 miles in one hour. Riding 12 miles per hour on a bike equals to 410 calories.

There are other benefits to getting regular excercise. More energy, better resistance to fatigue, improved muscle tone and the ability to cope more easily with stress are often experienced by those who put cycling and walking into their daily routine.

Another benefit is reduced risk of a heart attack. The American Heart Association reports that "compared to physically active people, inactive people have 1 to 2 times the risk of having a heart attack". Of course, if you have had heart trouble or are not used to rigorous exercise, you should consult your doctor before embarking on an excercise program. If you want to find out more about exercising on the way to work, attend Hacienda's Local Commute Day on May 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., being held at the Hacienda Retail Plaza, at the corner of Stoneridge and Gibraltar Drives.

Experts from Kaiser Medical Center and Valley Memorial Hospital will be available to comment on the health benefit of physical activity and conduct blood pressure testing. Additionally, local athletic clubs will participate, offering information and body composition tests. Dublin Cyclery will demonstrate preventative bicycle maintenance. A chiropractor and podiatrist will be on hand to answer questions. The City of Pleasanton will be registering bikes, and WHEELS will provide route planning assistance. Brochures, cookies and prize drawing will also be part of Local Commute Day. Walk or ride over to find out how you can get fit and prepare for summer activities. For more information, call Stephanie Malatesta at the Hacienda Commute Improvement Center, 463-9044.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: January 12, 1987 Pathways.