My walk to work: Nikki Bonnissent

Home Case Studies My walk to work: Nikki Bonnissent

Originally, my walk to work started as a way to keep fit, to cut pricy gym memberships and save me from workouts that I just do not enjoy! Over time it has become something that I love and cannot do without.

My journey over the years has varied from 20 minutes to 55 minutes each way and slowly my attitude towards the walk has changed so much that I now cannot help but walk in all weather. Come torrential rain or scorching shine, my walking shoes are on.

It helps me in so many ways. Mentally, I feel better about myself because I don’t have to feel guilty if I have consumed a few extra calories here and there. I appreciate my surroundings more and on a sunny day, the sight of the colourful houses as I pass through Totterdown always puts me in a good mood. It offers me a chance to gather my thoughts, organize my brain or listen to music. Particularly when my job involved working in a customer facing role, it was a great chance to wind down at the end of the working day.

Physically, I am so much fitter. I even now have the stamina to run, something I never thought I would be able to do and actually enjoy. I know what I am choosing to do every day is helping me look after my mind and body.

On the rare occasion I have used public transport, it has actually added time to my commute. I begrudge paying for something that doesn’t benefit me. For my commute, a week’s worth of bus tickets would easily cost me £20. I can think of lots of things I would rather spend that money on, especially when in my situation, walking actually saves me time.

Bristol Walk Fest takes place from 1 to 31 May 2019. Among the festival’s many attractions will be several lunchtime walks and a new city centre feature – ‘netwalking’ – designed to let workers discover new business contacts while also getting some exercise. See the full list of what’s happening and when.

Photo: Nikki walks for pleasure/leisure as well as to/from work.

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Published
Fri 5 April 2019
Last Updated
Tue 21 March 2023