People from all over the world are trying hard to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their daily routines. While there are obvious solutions when it comes to transport, housing and nutrition and their sustainability, you might be surprised to find out that your workout can be sustainable as well. Not only can we actually enjoy all the benefits of being physically active, but we can also contribute to the well-being of our planet. So, what is it that we can do to make our workout routine sustainable?
Staying hydrated
A lot has been said about the importance of staying hydrated at all times and all of us who exercise regularly can only confirm what experts have been saying for quite a while now. Having a bottle of water with you at all times is absolutely necessary when exercising. What you can do to make your workout routine more sustainable in this respect is to ditch the single-use plastic bottles and opt for reusable one, because the plastic waste is already one of the biggest environmental problems. A recyclable water bottle, which you can use to pour tap water in instead of buying bottled water and thus encouraging the production of plastic bottles, is one of the small changes you can make that can have a great impact.
Proper diet
Eating the right food is vital for many health reasons. We need to watch what we eat if we want to lose weight, look great and stay healthy. What some people might not know is the fact that sustainable diet and increased demand for more ethical agriculture practices can also contribute to less pollution. That’s why our diet should include nuts, proteins and healthy fats. Sustainable food can be beneficial to the environment since farming and production practices are much kinder and less harmful to everyone involved in the process.
Right supplements
If you wish to maximise the results of your workout, one of the ways to go about it is to introduce supplements to your diet. However, you need to be very careful and choose only those that are natural, plant-based and full of vitamins, healthy fatty acids and amino acids. Most people use supplements before or after their workout session, thus missing out on the benefits provided by various types of intra workout supplements, which can really help you make the most of being physically active.
Exercise at home or outdoors
Gyms are great since they usually feature a wide range of equipment that can help you achieve your fitness goals quickly. Still, they produce a large carbon footprint, which is something you want to avoid if you care about sustainability. So, instead of getting into your car and driving to your favourite gym, consider exercising at home or in a nearby park. You can help the environment by turning a spare room at home, or even the garage, into a home gym.
If that’s not possible, consider exercising outside, especially during warm spring and summer months. Park benches, grass areas and wall can be used for a range of exercises, such as squats, planks and push-ups. If, on the other hand, you enjoy activities like skateboarding, make sure you visit a local skate park and enjoy your skateboarding workout routine.
Eco-friendly clothes
Another way you can help the environment while exercising is to wear eco-friendly gym clothing, such as durable and breathable underwear, which will make sure you feel comfortable and sweat-free during your workout sessions. So, next time you go shopping for clothes, look for a brand that is ethical and uses organically-grown materials, such as cotton and bamboo.
Green cosmetic products
Everyone uses cosmetic products after a workout session. Your bag should contain a shower gel and a deodorant, but make sure you only use products made by brands that are cruelty-free and use nothing but organically derived ingredients. For example, your deodorant should be aluminium-free and void of other dangerous substances, while the shower gel you use should not contain sulphates, parabens and silicones.
The fact you exercise regularly means that you’re one of those who also want to do their bit for the wellbeing of our planet. Making your workout more sustainable is quite simple, as you can see. You won’t be deprived of any benefits of being physically active and the best part of it is that you don’t have to implement all the changes at once, but introduce them gradually, at a pace you’re comfortable with. As you start feeling better about your new routine, you’ll become even more motivated to take the next step and make it even more sustainable.
Written by Fiona Wood
About the Author
Fiona Wood is a lifestyle blogger based in Melbourne, Australia. She is in love with good coffee, croissants and fashion magazines. In spare time she plays tennis and traveling around the world.
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