HOW TAKING BUSES IN THE BUSY CITY OF LAGOS KEEPS YOU PHYSICALLY FIT
Lagos, Nigeria, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant energy, heavy traffic, and crowded streets. Navigating this busy city can be a challenge, but it can also offer unexpected benefits for your health. One of the common modes of transportation in Lagos is the bus system, and opting to take buses can surprisingly keep you physically fit. In this article, we explore how taking buses in the busy city of Lagos can contribute to your overall physical fitness.
Walking to and from Bus Stops
In Lagos, bus stops are often strategically located, allowing you to walk short distances to reach them. Whether you are heading to work, running errands, or meeting friends, walking to and from the bus stops becomes a regular part of your daily routine. These short walks add up throughout the day, contributing to your daily step count and promoting cardiovascular health.
Climbing Stairs and Footbridges
Many bus stops in Lagos are situated near footbridges and pedestrian crossings, requiring you to climb stairs to access them. Climbing stairs is an excellent form of exercise that engages various muscle groups and helps build lower body strength. Regularly using footbridges and climbing stairs can improve leg muscle tone and enhance overall fitness.
Standing During Bus Rides
During peak hours, buses in Lagos can get crowded, and you may find yourself standing during the ride. While this might not be the most comfortable option, standing on a moving bus can engage your core muscles as you work to maintain balance. It is a subtle form of isometric exercise that can help strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Getting On and Off the Bus
Boarding and alighting from a moving bus require agility and coordination. Stepping up onto the bus and hopping off at your destination involve movements that engage your leg muscles and improve balance. These simple actions contribute to functional fitness, making daily tasks easier to perform.
Mental and Emotional Health Benefits
Navigating public transportation in a busy city like Lagos can be mentally stimulating and require alertness and quick decision-making. This constant mental engagement can keep your mind sharp and focused. Additionally, using public transport allows you to interact with fellow passengers, fostering a sense of community and promoting emotional well-being.
Avoiding Sedentary Behaviour
Opting to take buses in Lagos encourages you to be more active throughout the day compared to sitting in a car or taxi. Avoiding long periods of sedentary behavior is essential for overall health, as it helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promotes better circulation.
Choosing to take buses in the bustling city of Lagos is not only a practical mode of transportation but also an unexpected way to keep yourself physically fit. The walking to and from bus stops, climbing stairs and footbridges, standing during bus rides, and getting on and off the bus all contribute to increased physical activity throughout the day. Additionally, the mental and emotional benefits of navigating public transport and the avoidance of sedentary behavior further enhance your overall well-being.
In a city where traffic congestion is a common challenge, embracing public transportation can offer a surprising opportunity to improve your fitness level and promote a healthier lifestyle. So the next time you plan your commute or errands in Lagos, consider hopping on a bus and reaping the physical and mental health benefits that come with it.