When I moved to New York City two years ago from a small town down south, I resigned myself to the probability that I’d be putting on a few involuntary pounds.
Whereas I had always been good about making healthful meals for myself at home, grocery stores were fewer, farther and more expensive in the city, while cheap and greasy take-out could be found on every block. I had made a habit of doing evening workouts at the local YMCA, but the health clubs in New York were well out of my price range and lacked the charms of a low-key family rec center. Staying in shape just didn’t seem all that convenient.
I quickly learned otherwise. Despite exercising less and eating worse, I somehow managed to drop ten pounds in my first year, and I felt just as energetic as ever. I chalk this up to the daily workout I get simply by living and breathing in the world’s fastest moving city. Without a car, I found myself walking everywhere I went, even if it was to pick up and 18-inch pie with black olives. Even dodging tourists and fidgeting for personal space on the subway became like a sport.
Though my opportunities for conventional exercise were fewer, I found I didn’t need it. The very nature of urban living had me constantly on the go, and at least in terms of pounds and inches, it seemed to make up for a lackadaisical approach to fitness in any conventional sense.
Is city life naturally more strenuous than suburban or rural living? What kind of impact do your surroundings have on your physical health?
Comments (15)
I'm a Manhattanite, though I wouldn't count on staying thin all the time just because I'm living in the city. There's so many delicious eateries, even though it's pricy and not exactly in my range. Though, I do have to climb up 5 flights of stairs everyday to my apartment & I sort of just walked 65 blocks yesterday only because the weather was perfect :)
Haha, kind of sounds like my life in the busy city of Vancouver... BC's New York =)
Yes, I would say city life is more strenuous for the fact that you do tend to walk alot more to do things, where as in other areas you drive everywhere to do the exact same things. I would deffinatly say my surroundings effect my weight and health.
sounds like a busy busy place
I agree, city life is TIRING.
I ♥ the big apple.
I live near by, in Jersey. Well, not that near, but close enough to make visits whenever my family feels like it.
I really love the "you're on your own now" kinda feel the city has, the fast-paced lifestyles of those who live there. The majority of people I've met from NYC, NY, are very mature.
And very thin... haha.
I love the city. I dont have a car so I take the public transit and it takes a lot of walking too which is good. During the winter (in canada), it's pretty brutal, you sweat while walking cuz the snows too high, but its a good workout in the end
I love living in the city, too. I definitely have to walk a lot to get around, but with all the interesting stores everywhere, I never get bored! :)
I've lived in the city all my life, so I guess I'm pretty used to it.
I feel sooo different whenever I go to the suburbs cuz it's so much more quieter, reserved, and cleaner. But, I wouldn't give up city living xD
I go to school in a small town and find myself in the same situation as you. When I began my degree I was scared I'd gain the 15 pounds that so many do in their first year, but found that by living in a town so small that I didn't need a car, I did so much walking on a daily basis that I was actually LOSING weight. That was 2 years ago and I now live off-campus, about a 10 minute walk to the academic buildings and a 15-minute walk to town, and get so much exercise that if I miss a day at the gym, it doesn't phase me in the least.
Let's hear it for healthy bodies and clean air :)
Well. Rural life, you have to drive everywhere and you don't do much walking. While living in a city, there is no need to buy a car. No need for petrol money and you get to walk everywhere. I love walking.
Yea... I was just thinking about this today. Dodging people and jumping over holes in the sidewalks and streets is DEFINITELY a workout. Especially compared to where I grew up in the suburbs where everyone drives.
I'm from Hong Kong so pretty much, my life is very similar to yours! :D
i hate NY its cold and dirty
I completely know what you're talking about! I moved to Florida when I was younger from New York. But every summer I would go back and visit. As I got to the age of driving in Florida, I noticed that I gained weight kept it. But as soon as I'd get back to New York for that vacation, that weight would come right off only to come back again as I got to Florida again. Lol.