From your yoga mat to your running shoes, there are numerous ways to turn your exercise routine green.
When is the best time to exercise green?
- The easiest time to enjoy the most natural exercise is the summer. Instead of using high-powered machines in the gym, take your workout outside! In place of treadmills and ellipticals, go jogging, power walking, or biking outside. Instead of using free weights inside, do push-ups, lunges and squats during your outdoor exercise.
- In the winter, exercising outdoors isn’t quite as enjoyable, but you can still reap the benefits of exercising green at the gym or in the comfort of your own home. Free weights, jump ropes, rowing machines and stationary bikes require your own energy as power.
What should I wear while exercising?
- Exercise clothes made of organic cotton, bamboo and other natural fibers are best for a great, green workout. Natural material and organic workout clothing is made to be just as durable, breathable and comfortable as conventional workout gear.
- Even your feet can help the environment. Recycled sneakers use recycled rubber and are just as durable as a new pair, but your eco-friendly shoes do not have to be recycled. Many environmentally-friendly shoes use advanced technology to give you a better workout based solely on your footwear.
- If you are in need of a new pair of sneakers and don’t know what do with your old pair, don’t throw them away - - recycle them! Not only do recycled shoes help make new shoes, they also help make basketball courts, soccer, football and baseball fields.
What eco-friendly exercise products can I use?
- For yoga, pilates, and stretching, natural mats are made out of organic materials and recycled rubber. All have a non-slick surface.
- A hemp mat sling helps your yoga mat breathe while rolled up.
While most environmentally-friendly exercise products are made for low-impact workouts like yoga and pilates, there are options for more intense cardio workouts as well. Weighted fitness balls are an alternative to dumbbells and provide a softer grip. If taking your pet for a run or walk is part of your exercise routine, buy an organic leash.
Going green in your exercise routine does not have to mean making a major change. Whether it’s big or small, any way you choose to exercise green is making a positive impact on the environment.
