The following is a guest post from Kat Sanders
Exercise and fitness are some of the most bandied-about buzzwords of recent times and people are obsessed with getting fit and losing weight for all sorts of reasons. And then there’s a section that’s intent on getting people to do their bit for the environment, what with the increase in global warming, the looming signs of climate change, the dwindling natural resources, and the very real danger our planet is in of being wiped out before we know it. If you’re looking to get on both bandwagons at the same time, you can straddle both by exercising in a way that’s eco-friendly. Here are five ways in which to exercise green, both in terms of fitness and in terms of playing your part to save the planet:
- Use your bike instead of your car: Some of us are regulars at the gym, and because they’re far away from where we live or work, we tend to drive rather than walk there. If you make the effort to get up before the sun comes out, you could bike down to the gym for your workout or the park for your morning jog. Besides reducing the amount of fossil fuels you burn, you’re getting some more exercise when you take your bike.
- Go natural: Instead of opting to exercise at gyms that use electricity and energy, choose the natural outdoors and engage in activities like trekking, hiking, jogging, biking and swimming where you rely only on your own stores of energy. You gain the benefit of fresh air besides being able to take pride in the fact that you’re going green.
- Carry your own replenishment: If you’re running a marathon or headed for the gym, bring your own bottle of water instead of using up the paper cups available there. They may be recycled, but it’s better to reuse rather than recycle.
- Get green gear: You could invest in clothing that’s made of organic cotton and buy workout mats and other gear that are manufactured in a way that’s environmentally friendly. Companies like Nike have come out with recyclable shoes too, so you can literally say you’re taking “green steps to fitness”.
- Walk more: Rather than take your car to work, walk or take your bike. And if it’s too far, carpool with people who live nearby and work with you or in the same neighborhood. Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and walk around more in your office instead of sending emails as a way of interacting with your colleagues.
May 13th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Great tips. You make an excellent point about driving to the gym. It's seems crazy that we drive to the gym and end up using a piece of cardio equipment there when we could have ran or rode a bike instead.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi..
The five tips you posted in this article are still truly effective on losing weight and in terms of the benefits it gives to our body to avoid any risk on health. Although this not an easy or has a quick results, but still it is the safest way that everybody can do.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:31 am
I've practiced the first and fifth tips everyday. Honestly, I think we all should try it, as it not only can save up more money, but also reduce the offset of carbon dioxide as well!
May 19th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Nice tips. There is no healthier and better exercise then one done in nature. Simply the feeling cant be comparable to any other.
May 29th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Great tips! I wish more people did this kind of stuff. In addition to not using paper cups at the gym, people should really bring their own towels too. My gym provides paper towels and people go through them like nobody's business to wipe down the machines. What a waste! Also, I just ordered a yoga mat made from recycled materials so I'm feeling pretty good about that too.
June 8th, 2009 at 7:20 am
I do use my bike instead of a car, alhough the main reason is economical not ecological, but consequences are the one that matter, don't they
. Bringing my own bottle of water is a habit I'm trying to get but sometimes I still forget...
June 15th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Being engaged in losing weight for three years, I can surely tell you that biking at home or outside is the best way to lose weight. I cannot tell that it is a fast way to lose weight but results are rather stable.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:44 am
I definitely support the idea of giving you car a rest as it is beneficial first of all for your health. Walking to the gym is the best option, indeed!