I want to take a walk, but I can't help but want to exercise in that time instead.

I think walks help with thinking, and exercises can block it.

Some people I have great respect for take daily walks.

I think having a dog helps here. ;-)

I walk to the office now and run back. Solves the can’t shower at the office issue too as walking won’t make me all sweaty even if I walk fast. The time I lose compared to the subway is just 15min and I arrive alert and sometimes had a really good idea already that I can pounce on as soon as I get there.

I also hope the high amount of Zone one Training I get for free will help my ultra running but I would still do it just for lifestyle reasons.

walking is literally the best exercise you can do.

Agreed. Walking and listening to audio books and podcasts is magic. Great for the body and mind.

I disagree with this. I prefer walking without listening to anything, I find it helps me actually come up with ideas and thoughts of my own.

Yes, space to think and for the mind to wander is also a healthy and important thing to fit into a week.

I find that without this, there's no time to think about the near and far future and plan what to do about those.