September Tip: Green Your Workout!

It's September! Sweet, lovely, fall-itching-so-close September. GOING GREEN!'s favorite season is near! It's frankly a season to be outside. But first, let's assume you work out and that during the summer the phrase "It's just TOO hot" has been a repeating pattern. Well, let's step outside and try to embrace this lovely weather, all while greening-up your workout, simply!

Here's a rough list of energy used while getting fit:
Using your car back & forth from the gym
ALL the electrical equipment you use at the gym to burn those cals!
Purchasing new gear for your cool new work out room
Grabbing a plastic water bottle (YIKES! & WHY?!) on your rush out the door to the gym.

~Well, I think you get our idea. It's so simple to work out around your home and outside. Let's lay it out right here. Here are some key, simple, elements that will help you be more green in your daily/weekly work out routine.~

-GO OUTSIDE; instead of the gym. Walk, run, ride your bike, go for a hike. Enjoy the many state parks all around you. Make your daily dog walking part of your cardio routine. Embrace the sidewalk!

-DVD's! Don't want to go outside, it's raining, still TOO hot? You may be using energy with the DVD player, but you just saved some gas from driving to the gym and restrained from using the "energy sucking" exercise machines.

-YOGA! learn some basic yoga routines and practice in the comfort of your own home. A plus= if you mess up on upward dog or any position for that matter, no one will see! hehe! Another bonus to yoga besides the numerous health benefits, is it will give you more flexibility to go on longer walks, i.e. enjoying the outside.

-CHEAP! Let's just say it, you are not spending any money walking around in your neighborhood, are you? You may spend a few bucks on work out clothes here and there but it simply doesn't add up to the amount of money you spend for a membership at a gym.

-"O.K., I get it, but I need a gym membership or some class for encouragement and/or flexibility." We understand. But please just research the gyms in your area. Are they more Eco-conscious or community driven (ex. the Y)? Support those instead. Also, balance out your carbon foot print by still embracing the outdoors. Try to save your gym visits for mandatory after work or class visits.

-WATER BOTTLE. It's simple, use your own and keep using it until it falls apart. Here's a great place to purchase one: REI: Water Bottles

-SAFETY: It's a legitimate concern. Grab a local or neighborhood map and layout where you think it's best to do your 30min. - 1hour cardio "burn". Still feel unsafe? Embrace pepper spray key chains and ALWAYS bring your cell phone. If you're a dog owner try to bring them along. You'll feel immediately safer and your dog will forever love you (they say, taking your dog walking is the #1 love language you can show them.). Also, bring a friend or significant other if you can or if they are available. But don't be dependent on them coming along. Be able to do these things alone. Lastly, walk in the morning to late morning or mid afternoon to early evening. People are leaving/coming to work/school, it's the busiest time of day.

We sincerely hope this has encouraged you to think twice about how your work out can have a positive effect on the environment, simply!!!!!