Make Your Workout Greener

The [i4c] Campaign team knows it’s important to stay healthy. That’s why several members on our team have committed to finding more time to become more physically fit. Like everything else in our lives, exercise can also have a negative impact on the environment. So, to start our New Year's Resolution to lose weight, we’ve spent some time researching ways to reduce our impact while we exercise.

- Take a look at that diet. Are you fitting those nutritious veggies and fruits into your meals? Consider growing a garden of organic fruits and veggies to eat healthier. You’ll also work up a sweat planting and maintaining the garden.

- Decide on where to workout. You can avoid using electricity and emitting carbon (from the car ride) by skipping the gym and going for a run instead.

- If you’re more of a gym rat, find a local gym that has incorporated green initiatives into their business operations. If there aren’t any gyms that are working toward a more sustainable environment, encourage their company to be more eco-conscious. Let them know that green alternatives like energy generating cardio machines do exist.

- Reuse, reuse, reuse. Gear up with a recycled waterbottle, eco-friendly mats, and organic workout clothing to achieve a greener workout. You can also reuse your towel on another day to save water.

- After an intense workout, replenish your body by consuming fresh foods that contain carbs and proteins. Avoid processed food as they often lack the nutrients your body needs to successfully burn off calories.

Good luck with your fitness goals for 2012!