Five Ways To 'Green' Your Workouts

In the past, people got their workouts the old-fashioned way: getting outside. Of course, they were harvesting crops and tending fields, but you too can take your routine outdoors – with a modern twist. Walk to the market, ride your bike to work, take up hiking or gardening – all of these ideas will have you fit and toned without the investment of a gym.

 

If you are a gym rat, look for one that has eco-friendly qualities. Do they recycle water bottles? Do they switch off televisions when machines are not in use? And when you’re looking at exercise equipment, choose from the plethora of green alternatives to traditional products. Enjoy these five tips from FusionSouth to go green in your workouts!

 
Get Out


 
Why use your energy to run on a treadmill or stationery bike when the whole world is in front of you? Lace up a pair of running shoes and go for a jog – it’s the simplest do-anywhere workout, and all you need are shoes. If you’re not a runner, hit the local hiking trails, take your two-wheeler out for a spin, or just add a daily walk to your lunch hour!

 
Capture Your Energy


 
Fuel your body with fresh, organic food, and skip the processed foods. Go for organic energy bars that don’t include sugar or artificial colors and flavors, and that are made from fruit, nuts, fiber, protein, and natural fats. Before you exercise, fuel yourself with a snack that’s high in carbohydrates and low in fat – like pretzels – and drink lots of water. After your workout, snack on both carbohydrates and protein to replenish your energy supplies.

 
Team Up


 
Working out with others is one of the most effective ways to stick with your plan; accountability will help you both get fit faster. Finding a jogging partner, or even a personal trainer, makes it easier to schedule your workouts; even better, sign up for a group race or join a team to play soccer, softball, or any other sport. Bonus: The team will likely have a lot of the equipment already, so you can skip buying your own!

 

Dress Appropriately


 
Serious athletes wear those nice fabrics for a reason: they are designed for optimal performance and recovery. But there are eco-alternatives, too: sneakers made with recycled rubber soles, tops and pants that combine soy and organic cotton blends, and coconut shells transformed into breathable fabrics. Look for companies with sustainable business practices, like Patagonia, REI, and Nau when you are in the market for some new workout gear!

 
Inspire Change In Others

 
If you’ve decided that joining the gym is the best way to go (at least for the winter) you can still encourage your local health club to make some green changes: restrict the use of towels, invest in energy-efficient machines, offer recycling bins for water bottles (or, even better, stop selling them altogether), and set up televisions to shut off when machines aren’t in use. Some gyms harness human power to reduce bills. Also, talk to your workout partner about switching indoor workouts for weekend hikes or bike rides; you’ll be able to get a great workout while making everyone more environmentally conscious!

 
Use these tips, and anything more, to go green when you exercise! Who knows – you might even find exercise a little more fun than before - and the environment will thank you!

This article was written by Bobby DeMuro, the Founder and Chairman of FusionSouth. FusionSouth is the premier mobile fitness firm in Charlotte, specializing in personal training and sports conditioning. You can find out more about them here www.fusionsouth.com