Before you commit to workout programs that depend on massive electricity usage, automotive transportation and new gear, wait. There’s a more eco-friendly way to go about your daily grind of staying fit.
If you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle there’s no reason you should forgo your eco-consciousness. There are several items made from sustainable materials that also provide impressive alternatives to traditional work out equipment. From shoes to water bottles, there’s always an earth friendly choice. And what’s more convenient, private or difficult to avoid than your own living room?
Here are a few environment-conscious ways to maintain excitement and motivation for healthy living.
Burn Calories, Not Gasoline
Bike, ride a scooter, or walk to work, the store, or the gym. In fact, you could skip the gym and bike or walk for your workout. Riding at a moderate pace for 30 minutes burns about 220 calories. A brisk, 20-minute walk knocks off about 90. Cutting car time also reduces pollution so you — and everyone else — can breathe easier.
Soothe Sore Muscles
Treat yourself to a massage: It relaxes muscles, helps your body release natural painkillers, and may boost your immune system. Other natural remedies include heat, stretching, and rest.
Stay Home
Doing yoga, Pilates, or other exercises at home is convenient, inexpensive, and easy on the environment. Be creative about fitting activity into your routine: Try exercising while watching a favorite TV show, play tag with your children, garden, mow the lawn, or put on some music and dance while you clean house.
Reuse Water Bottles
Have your fill of water without filling up a landfill. Shop smart: The potentially harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into the water from some hard plastic bottles. Instead, look for plastics marked BPA-free. Reusable stainless steel or aluminum bottles (with BPA-free linings) are good options, too. Or find a water fountain. While some bottled water may be safer or cleaner than tap water, much of it is not.
Skip the Energy Food and Drinks
Sugary energy drinks, gels, bars, and sports candies — you don’t need them for your workout, and often they aren’t the healthiest choices. Instead of filling up on processed foods, fuel your workout with snacks like organic dried fruits, nuts, granola, yogurt, bananas, grapes, and water. Or eat an organic energy bar made with fruit, nuts, fiber, and protein.
Your Clothes Should Breathe Too!
Natural breathable fabrics such as 100% organic cotton jersey or natural fleece absorb moisture and draw heat away from your skin.
Other options: Bamboo clothing, which is also soft and dries faster. And it’s a renewable resource. Soy fabric is warm, biodegradable, and resists bacteria.
Recycle Old Shoes
Through shoe recycling programs, used athletic and running shoes can live a new life as part of a playground or sports surface. Some charities take shoe donations and give them to the homeless or people in need overseas. Buying shoes made from recycled materials is another green option.
Exercise for a Good Cause
Need motivation? Sign up for a charity run or walk that draws attention to an earth-friendly cause. Or volunteer to clean a park or beach, plant trees, or tend to a community garden. National parks offer great active volunteer opportunities such as leading hikes; serving on bike, horseback, or ski patrols; and building or maintaining hiking, walking, or biking trails.
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