Tips for a Green Exercise Routine

With the beginning of the New Year comes a whole bunch of healthy New Year’s Resolutions. While getting more exercise is great for our health, it can take quite a toll on our planet. Looking for simple ways to make your workout eco friendly? There are many ways to green up your exercise routine so that it is good for both you and the environment.  Join the zero waste fitness trend and get in shape with a smaller carbon footprint!

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Green Exercise Tips for a more sustainable workout

Green exercise vs sustainable workout tips

There is a very large and active green exercise movement taking place right now.  Green exercise refers to fitness routines that take place in nature (outdoor obstacle courses, anyone?) .  Those are high on my list of fun ways to work out, however, it isn’t always feasible.  Bad weather, city living, and being the parent of small children sometimes make working out in nature difficult.  

Interested in more fitness tips?  Check out these posts, too:

What I am sharing here are eco friendly workout tips that you can take anywhere, from forest to fitness center.  A green exercise routine refers to not only WHERE you work out, but the choices you make before you go.  

Eco Friendly Workout Tips get in shape with a smaller carbon footprint

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Tips for a Green Exercise Routine

There are ways you can create an eco-friendly exercise program without too much effort or money.  Making a few small changes to your workout routine can make a big difference for the planet in the long run. This month, as you strive to get back in shape, take a minute to think about the impact of your fitness routine on the environment. 

Exercise at home

Instead of spending big bucks on a membership to a gym that you will have to drive to, consider what you can do right at home to get in shape. Running, walking and biking can be enjoyed right in the neighborhood. Exercise videos, yoga, treadmills and free weights can also be used in the comfort of your own home, with no gasoline required! Want a truly green exercise routine?  Save money and work out at home!  Or, you should look for a gym close to home that you can walk to.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain to Keep on Moving Every Day!

Recycle your sneakers

My husband is an avid runner and he goes through several pairs of sneakers every year. Don’t throw out your used shoes! Find a recycling program like Soles for Souls or the Nike Reuse a Shoe program that either donates them to the needy or recycles them into playground surfaces. Tossing several pairs of sneakers in the trash every year does NOT make for a green exercise routine! 

Consider alternative clothing material

There are many clothing companies that are making exercise gear from more eco-friendly materials like hemp, bamboo, or organically grown cotton. Buying workout clothes made with these materials goes a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint while you work out. If you love swimming, check out my post about sustainable bathing suits.   Organic workout clothing is becoming much more popular and easy to find, even at traditional big box stores.  

Want healthy protein smoothies? Try this Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie Recipe

Choose an organic supplement

Working out requires some serious amounts of nutrition! Following up a hard workout with a protein bar can help speed up your muscles ability to recover. Grabbing a smoothie full of nutrients before a run can give you a little bit more energy to get up that next hill. Purchase organic protein powder and supplements to feed your workout. They are better for the environment and better for your body as well!

Use natural deodorant before you exercise

It wouldn’t be a good workout without a little bit of sweat, right? Try a natural, mineral-based deodorant to help keep you smelling fresh. You can find many options that are made of only plant-based materials.  You can also choose natural soaps, organic shampoos and many other natural body care products that are better for you and the planet. 

young woman doing exercises outdoors

A green exercise routine needs eco friendly workout gear!

From recycled yoga mats to  stainless steel water bottles, there are a ton of upcycled, reusable, and eco friendly workout products on the market.  You might have to pay a little bit more than some of the cheap alternatives, but they are infinitely better for the environment in the long run. 

Rethink your workouts

There are dozens of different workout routines that get you in shape.  Check out my hiking tips and hit the trail with your kids.  Try trail running, or start running in your neighborhood.  Driving to an expensive gym is not necessary to get in shape.  

Make your workout as green and environmentally-friendly as possible in the coming year. Green your gym routine or just invest in sustainable workout gear.  Every small step towards sustainability is a step in the right direction! And with so many cute sustainable leggings and natural fibre sports clothing, you can look AWESOME while you work out a sweat!  Check out The Healthy Maven for an easy DIY yoga mat cleaner!

 

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