Should you try running on a train?

A railway company in northern Japan is shaking up the world of exercise by turning their trains into moving gyms. While many long-distance travellers are familiar with the stiff joints and muscles one suffers after sitting in uncomfortable seats for long hours, passengers on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo Railway Co. can maintain their fitness while enjoying the scenic views of northern Japan. The company has rolled out a brochure promoting onboard exercises, encouraging passengers to make the most of their travel time to boost their health, as reported by Japanese media outlet The Mainichi.

And it’s not just a gimmick—science backs it up. Working with students from Akita Rehabilitation Gakuin, the company measured the intensity of exercise on their trains. Students evaluated the “metabolic equivalent of task” (MET), a unit of intensity of exercise and physical activity, reporting that simply standing on a train can work as an exercise, and that activities like light squatting and heel lifts burn even more energy.

Takashi Fukuhara, a faculty member at the school, presented the findings at a recent press conference, highlighting the unique benefits of exercising on a train. With spacious interiors and gentle vibrations, it’s the perfect environment to get moving without losing your balance. Fukuhara plans to conduct further research on the potential mental health benefits of riding the train. The roominess of the train suggests optimal conditions for future treadmills.

Exercise fanatics need not worry about disrupting fellow passengers—exercise enthusiasts are welcome as long as they have a valid ticket and keep the peace. The company’s brochure and tourism websites offer exercise tips in Japanese, making it easy for everyone to join the fitness journey. “We hope that people will try the exercises taught at community centers around the country on trains and use them for the purpose of improving their health,” they write.