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🇮🇱 Israel /Health & Science

Moovit unveils new function to maximize walking, 'biohacks' based on Bar-Ilan University research

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Moovit app now offers a "Steps" feature to integrate more walking into commutes without increasing travel time.
  • This feature is based on Bar-Ilan University research suggesting commuters can add physical activity by altering their routes or getting off public transport earlier.
  • The initiative aims to combat the health risks associated with increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

The Moovit app has introduced a new "Steps" feature designed to help commuters incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. The feature prioritizes routes that include more walking, aiming to integrate movement into daily travel without extending overall commute times.

It reduces the chances of dying young. The more you walk, the better it is for you.

— Prof. Jonathan RabinowitzWellness researcher at Bar-Ilan University, highlighting the health benefits of walking.

This innovation stems from research by Prof. Jonathan Rabinowitz, a wellness researcher at Bar-Ilan University. His study indicates that commuters can significantly increase their physical activity by making small adjustments, such as disembarking public transport one stop earlier or walking between connections. Rabinowitz emphasized the health benefits, stating, "The more you walk, the better it is for you."

Just get out there and walk.

— Prof. Jonathan RabinowitzWellness researcher at Bar-Ilan University, on the simplicity of increasing physical activity.

The push for more walking comes as modern life becomes increasingly sedentary, with long working hours and desk jobs contributing to a lack of physical activity. This inactivity is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Walking is highlighted as a simple, accessible, and effective form of exercise that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the body, and enhances mental well-being.

The main complaints are lower back pain and leg pain. Prolonged sitting shortens the muscles, especially the hip flexors and the hamstrings, which are critical to walking.

— Dr. Eyal GinesinOrthopedic surgeon at Clalit Health Services, describing the physical impact of sedentary behavior.

Dr. Eyal Ginesin, an orthopedic surgeon, observes the physical consequences of sedentary behavior daily, noting common complaints of lower back and leg pain. He explains that prolonged sitting shortens critical muscles like hip flexors and hamstrings, which are essential for walking. The "Steps" feature in Moovit offers a practical solution to counteract these negative effects by making it easier for people to integrate necessary movement into their existing commutes.

Muscles that don’t move do not get the nourishment they need.

— Dr. Eyal GinesinOrthopedic surgeon at Clalit Health Services, on the physiological effects of inactivity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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