Design an Eco-Friendly Workout

Making small changes within our daily routines is truly what makes a powerful impact when trying to live greener — for our health and wellbeing, and for showing our planet some love and respect.

When we make greener choices, we reduce our personal carbon footprints, or the amount of greenhouse gases generated by our daily activities (such as carbon dioxide). Greenhouse gases trap heat and warm the planet and over time, this leads to big challenges like melting ice caps, severe storms and wildfires.

Experiment with greener choices when you exercise. Here are some tips to get you started:

Purchase secondhand equipment.

Choosing resale fitness equipment reduces waste and prevents the need for new production of materials.

Select sustainable workout essentials.

Choose equipment like yoga mats, resistance bands or exercise balls that are made from recycled materials, such as natural rubber.

Invest in washable water bottles and skip single-use plastic options. Opt for BPA-free, glass or stainless-steel bottles.

Use bodyweight moves to exercise at home or take your fitness outdoors. This keeps your routine fresh and reduces the impact of commuting — both for your body, budget and the planet. Choosing to exercise outside also reduces the energy consumption used to power equipment like treadmills or stationary cycles. Try plogging! It’s the happy marriage of fitness with a greener meaning. Joggers tote garbage bags (and sometimes wear plastic gloves) to collect litter along their running routes, thus pairing movement with an Earth-friendly purpose.

Consider buying sustainable workout gear.

Aim for organic cotton, bamboo or merino wool options. These fabrics have a low environmental impact because they use less water to grow and manufacture than other fabrics.

Synthetic materials (such as polyester, nylon, spandex, rayon) also release microplastics each time they are washed, which isn’t optimal for our bodies or the environment. Quality, sustainable workout clothes can last longer than other options, too. For budget-friendly options, try purchasing sustainable gear secondhand and locally.

Alter your gym commute. If you love working out at your gym, try biking or walking there instead.

Purchase in bulk to reduce packaging. Avoid single-use protein packets, for example, and buy larger containers of protein powder, if this is part of your nutrition plan. You might also switch to packing reusable containers with post-workout snacks instead of throwaway options.

Sample eco-friendly hygiene products. There is an eco-friendly option for nearly every hygiene product you might need. Next time you’re shopping, sample a greener option. From liquid soap to toothpaste to deodorant, see what new options fit your lifestyle while showing the Earth a little more love. We can also keep our post-workout showers short to conserve water use.

Making a few small adjustments to make our fitness routine more sustainable can ensure we support optimal wellbeing—for ourselves and for our planet.

Sources

https://www.thegoodboutique.com/inspiration/sustainable-fitness-how-to-create-an-eco-friendly-workout-routine?srsltid=AfmBOopKY9ZI2eQNAtc9V3jTuT5mMftGHccG6y8lTyOrnYaJEZ5_JefF

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