With climate change becoming a major concern worldwide, we can all do a bit more to lower our carbon footprint. Eco-friendly exercise is an excellent way to stay fit while being kind to the environment. That’s the spirit of DIY Nation!
IS YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE INCREASING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT? IT DOESN’T HAVE TO!
Gyms are packed with machines that consume a lot of energy, but people have been staying active long before gyms were a thing. All you need is a little creativity and a sense of adventure to make your fitness routine more energy-efficient. Here are four fantastic ways to stay unplugged while working out:
Why not work out at home (aka DIY Nation)? With just your body weight, you can perform plenty of exercises without needing a gym. There’s no need for a stair-climbing machine. For a completely unplugged experience, remember to turn off the TV. If you’re hooked on TV and looking to make your workouts more exciting, try a routine inspired by your favorite show or character.
If you prefer group workouts, invite family or friends to join you. Exercising at home doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Whether it’s doing push-ups in the living room with your spouse or playing backyard football with neighbors, having company will make your home workouts more enjoyable.
Another great eco-friendly exercise approach is to walk, run, or bike around your neighborhood. Mornings are ideal for a walk or run, and you can enjoy the fresh air and nature, whether you live in the suburbs or a busy city. Find a tennis court for a friendly match.
If you live close to your grocery store or post office, try running errands on foot or by bike. This method combines exercise with chores and is eco-friendly. To make it easier, do smaller, more frequent grocery trips so you can carry everything without needing a car.
BONUS: More frequent grocery runs mean more fresh produce in your diet!
If you’re near the ocean or a large lake, ditch the electronics and hit the beach! Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout, and the beach offers plenty of other activities too. Bring along family or friends because there’s something for everyone.
Aquatic sports like skimboarding provide excellent exercise at the beach. You just need a board, a beach, and some determination. Start learning and soon you’ll be showing off cool tricks.
For those who prefer to stay dry, running on the beach is great too. Sand running works muscles that aren’t usually engaged on hard surfaces and is lower-impact compared to pavement running. However, the unsteady surface can be tough on weak ankles. Beginners should start on wet sand to strengthen their ankles before moving to dry sand.
Exploring the great outdoors through hiking offers endless opportunities and never gets boring. There’s more to hiking than just backpacking and mountain climbing. Choose a favorite park and explore it thoroughly, or make a list of parks nearby and visit a different one each time. The possibilities are limitless!
Hiking doesn’t require much to get started. Just grab the essentials and start exploring your local parks.
Get out there and begin your unplugged fitness routine today! Your body and the planet will thank you.
What’s your favorite eco-friendly exercise method? Let us know!
