January and the following months are the time when people often re-commit to working out and getting healthier. Well, now you can do that and be green at the same time! Check out these tips from earthshare.org:
-- Take it outside whenever you can. Instead of increasing your energy consumption via home and gym exercise machines, take advantage of hiking and biking trails in your area. One big advantage to the great outdoors – it’s 100 percent free and always interesting! Check out the Rails-to-Trails TrailLink database to find the perfect outdoor trail in our area.
-- Inspire a green makeover at your health club or gym. If the great outdoors just aren’t for you, consider encouraging your gym to make some eco-friendly upgrades. Make sure your club offers recycling bins and energy-efficient machines, and remind the staff to ask patrons to limit their towel usage.
-- Carpool to your local gym with a friend or neighbor. Not only does carpooling cut down on your fuel costs and usage, but having a gym buddy is an instant incentive to keep up with your fitness goals and resolutions. For extra support, consider joining a soccer, volleyball or kickball league in your neighborhood. No one to car pool with? Your bike is another great way to get where you’re going and warm up for your workout at the same time.
n Looking for some new workout clothing or gear? Organic cotton and bamboo threads are a great place to start for sweat-friendly green fabrics. For eco-conscious equipment choices, check the Web or a local sporting goods shop for great deals on secondhand bikes and weights.
-- Just say no to one-time-use plastic water bottles. It’s time to commit to using refillable water bottles for workouts and everyday hydration. Using a refillable bottle means less waste in landfills and more money in your wallet.
---Get creative with your workout routine. It’s not always easy to find time to head to the gym or commit to an after-work jogging schedule. Try to throw in an extra walk or bike ride during your lunch break for a calorie-burning boost. Another great way to supplement your gym routine: Try knocking out some housework or yardwork by attacking the job with gusto! Shoveling snow, raking leaves, vacuuming and dusting can be great activities for burning off a greasy business lunch or the sins of the holiday season.
-- Don’t let a good workout go to waste. Put your pedal power to work by hooking up your stationary bike to a battery or generator! In no time, you will be making enough energy to power common household appliances and gadgets.
-- Recycle your cross-trainers. After putting in all of that extra mileage, your new shoes are bound to lose their bounce. Instead of tossing them, give your shoes new life with Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Worn-out shoes are used to build new tracks, basketball and tennis courts. New life for old shoes!
