You may have heard that the most important thing you can do for your health is exercise. And if you’re already doing so, that’s good for you. But did you know that you can stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle while saving the planet?
Whatever your definition of sustainability is, there are many ways to incorporate eco-conscious activities into your workout routine. That’s right- getting fit is not just about hitting the gym or performing some cardio indoors. Many outdoor activities can burn significant calories, build muscle mass, reduce stress, and improve your overall health.
Here are some ideas for eco-conscious activities you can try:
Cycling Across the Street
If you have a bike, it might be time to bring it out of retirement. Cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that can help raise your heart rate while keeping your calorie burn going for some time afterward.
Don’t have a bike? Why not consider checking out one of the many bike-sharing programs in your area? Many fitness initiatives offer bike rental services with minimal fees.
However, it’s best to keep safety in mind whenever you’re biking. Ensure the equipment is road-worthy before each ride and has all of its parts. Wear a helmet every time and have lights on your wheels if it’s dark out.
Boat Rowing
Do you live nearby a lake or any body of water? Perhaps you’re interested in rowing activities. It’s a great way to get exercise, and it also has a lot of health benefits. Rowing can help build muscle in your arms, back, legs, and core while strengthening your heart.
But did you know that rowing is good for the environment? It’s a form of “blue-green” exercise because using boats does not produce greenhouse gasses as it does not use fossil fuels.
So, the next time you want to experience nature, consider looking for a boat rental near you. Rowing will help you stay fit while also getting to enjoy the world around you.
Hiking
If you haven’t gone hiking before, it’s time to consider adding the activity to your routine. It will not only make for an enjoyable adventure, but it can strengthen muscles in your legs and burn plenty of calories.
For those less serious about hiking, consider going on a “nature walk” through your local park. Doing so will help you explore nature while also getting fit at the same time.
What’s great about hiking is that it gets you outdoors and in touch with nature. Even if you’re not as deep into environmentalism as some people are, there’s bound to be something about hiking that will get you to feel the joys of being in nature.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great way to work your arms and legs as you scale up a rock wall. It’s fast-paced and far more engaging than traditional exercises like jogging, resulting in more significant calorie burn over time.
You can also consider looking into indoor climbing walls that offer classes to those who want to try their hand at the activity. Once you’re done, why not stop by the local climbing shop and purchase some new equipment for you to use on your next climbing adventures?
Swimming at the Community Pool
Exercising in a pool is another way to go “green” and still get your fitness routine going. It may not sound as fun as biking or rowing, but staying in shape by swimming laps can help you burn calories and strengthen many muscles.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider trying out some water aerobics. Not only will this be a great exercise opportunity, but it can also help you get into shape while having fun at the same time.
Swimming is also good for the environment because pools are filled with fresh, filtered water instead of being treated with chemicals to make them ‘safe’ for swimmers.
Plogging
Plogging is a new trend that is sweeping the fitness community. It’s a way of combining something like jogging with picking up trash along your route.
It may not sound like much on paper, but plogging has profound benefits for the environment. It’s a great way of combining your love of exercise with a desire to protect Mother Earth. More so, it comes with the added benefit of being a relatively new, trendy practice for those who want to share their plogging experiences on social media or at get-togethers with friends and family!
So, if you’re feeling discouraged about your fitness routine, perhaps it’s time to look into alternative forms of physical exercise. While each option will have its own set of benefits and drawbacks, they are all good for the environment in one way or another.
Thinking about combining these activities into your weekly fitness regime will ensure that you can get fit while staying planet-conscious.