How do you make your choices for daily commuting?

I live about 15 km from work, and for years, my only means of transportation was a car. But I started feeling that the lack of movement was affecting my health – a sedentary job and no physical activity made me tired and pushed me to look for change. Since I don’t always have time to work out, I started looking for ways to make movement part of my daily life.
At first, I tried taking the train and walking from the station to work. Then I experimented with a bike-train combination. In the spring, I took a big step and bought an electric bike – it allows me to cover the whole journey comfortably and with moderate effort. Riding along the bike path takes about 40 minutes, it’s refreshing and not as dependent on the wind or weather as a regular bike. I choose my mode of transport based on the weather, time, and energy level, but my preference is always for active and environmentally friendly movement that balances out the sedentary workday.

What have you gained by using a bike instead of a car?

The biggest gain is how clear-headed I feel in the morning after getting some fresh air. Biking to work works better than coffee – and indeed, I need significantly less coffee once I arrive. I feel alert and focused even before sitting down at the computer.

In the evening, it feels good to know I’ve already gotten my daily activity – it happens naturally. It creates a peaceful and balanced day where movement isn’t an extra task but part of my lifestyle.

Many people justify their low physical activity (and car overuse) with lack of time and tiredness. How do you find time and energy to move?

For me, movement is part of the day, not a separate workout. For example, biking to work replaces driving and at the same time gives me physical activity. The electric bike helps keep the effort moderate – I don’t get overly tired, but I still get to move.

If I’m tired or the weather is bad, I can take the train for part of the journey. My route home runs alongside the railway, which gives me flexibility – I can decide to take the train at any moment. In practice, I’ve rarely used it, but knowing the option exists gives me peace of mind. Even a little movement is better than none!

What do you recommend for those who don’t yet move regularly?

Start with small steps – for example, pick one day a week to leave the car at home and try biking, taking the train, or walking to work. You don’t have to change everything at once. I also started with experimenting and discovered that commuting by bike isn’t exhausting, but refreshing. An electric bike is a great helper – it helps overcome the fear of fatigue and distance and makes movement easier and more enjoyable.

Once movement becomes a habit, you’ll notice it gives you energy rather than taking it. Your day starts with a clear head, and in the evening, you feel like you’ve already taken care of yourself. Movement doesn’t have to be a big effort – it can be a natural part of the day that supports both body and mind.