When people talk about ways to be more eco-friendly, they usually say things like recycling, turning down the thermostat, and taking shorter showers. Of course, these things are important, but if you care about making less of a negative impact on Earth, then you’ll want to look at making all aspects of your life better for the environment. But good news: this is more than possible, even when it comes to things like being healthy.

Below, we take a look at several ways you can save the planet and be your fit and healthy best at the same time.  You can even save money too!

 

Sustainable and Affordable Exercise: How to Make Your Workout More Eco-Friendly

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it can also have a significant impact on the environment. From the materials used to make exercise equipment to the energy required to power treadmills and other machines, the fitness industry has a carbon footprint. However, it's possible to work out in a way that's both sustainable and affordable. In this article, we'll provide tips and ideas for making your workout more eco-friendly, so you can get fit and do your part to protect the planet.

Go to the gym

We all need to start consuming less, and thus using up less of the earth’s resources. The best case scenario would be for us to have a sharing economy. Instead of everyone owning their own version of something useful, everyone in the street would collectively own one. Who’s using a lawnmower every day? No-one! Let’s share it.

When it comes to exercising, we already have shared equipment - it’s called the gym. One machine, multiple people using it.  It’s much better for the environment than owning your own equipment.  My gym also has some machines called Curve for walking and running on that require no electricity!  They simply move as you move and even burn more calories than an electric powered treadmill.

Going to the gym for me has also saved money.  Before the gym I was splashing out on regular exercise classes and swimming sessions each week.  Going to the gym has saved me money rather than paying for these things individually each week and I get access to way more classes, equipment, a pool and spa.

Correct clothing

There’s no shortage of gym clothing available. But do you know the carbon footprint of the threads you’re wearing? It might not be all that good for the environment.

The next time you have to replace your shirts, shorts, and shoes for working out, make sure you’re supporting companies that have the Earth at the forefront of everything they do. You might have to pay slightly more than you could find elsewhere, but it’ll be good clothing, and you won’t have to feel bad that you’ve harmed the natural world. For example, try H&M Conscious clothing range which features an active range made from organic cottons and recycled materials. 

Buying higher quality clothing that lasts longer than cheaper items will save money in the long run.

Old workout wear worn out?  Use these tips to recycle or donate your old clothing: 13 ways to recycle of unwanted clothes

Eating well

What you do in the gym is only half of your workout. The other half is determined by what you eat. For most people, this is the biggest impact they have on the environment! The energy and resources it takes to one slab of meat or dairy products are monumental. So consider going vegan.  It uses less water, fuel, food and even prevents so much rainforest destruction. 

Eating a plant based diet is the best diet if you care about the planet.  Despite what you’ve been told, you do not need to eat meat to get your protein fix. Load up on vegan protein, and you’ll be on your way to maximising the effect of your fitness regime. Just as healthy, much smaller carbon footprint. Perfect!

Whilst the meat and cheese alternatives, as well as vegan junk food, can be quite costly, simply eating a more homemade diet rich in fruits and veggies can be cheaper than eating a lot of meat and dairy.  Good quality meat and dairy is pretty pricey!  It's totally possible to eat a vegan diet for less than the cost of eating a meat rich diet.

Build it into your daily routine

Want to get healthy and help the world? You can. It’s all about building your fitness goals into your daily routine, and you can do this by leaving the car at home and using your two legs to get from A to B, either by cycling or walking. This is an excellent way to beat the effects of our increasingly sedentary lifestyles too.

Walking instead of driving will save money on fuel.  Using public transport is a greener option when possible, but the greenest and cheapest is to walk or cycle.

You can also complete home workouts, even if you live in a small apartment, when you wake up or before bed, and simply make it a habit.

Make the most of nature

Want to see what you’re fighting to preserve? Then workout in nature. A run through the woods will be body-boosting, brain-boosting, and will show you just why you’re making the small sacrifices in your life.  Climb a hill and admire the glorious views from the top. 

Even if you have young kids there are plenty of ways to get outdoors to exercise and enjoy nature.  Read these fun ways to keep fit with a little one for examples!

Exercising outdoors is the cheapest way to stay fit and the greenest!

More ways to make your workout eco-friendly

• One simple way to make your workout more eco-friendly is to choose equipment and gear that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. Look for products made from recycled materials, or consider investing in long-lasting, high-quality items that will reduce waste over time.
• You can also opt for secondhand gear and equipment, which can be a cost-effective way to get the items you need without contributing to the demand for new products.
• Additionally, consider supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in their manufacturing processes and business practices.

By choosing eco-friendly exercise equipment and gear, you can reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the planet.

Final word

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and it's possible to work out in a way that's both sustainable and affordable. By choosing eco-friendly equipment and gear, opting for secondhand items, and supporting brands that prioritise sustainability, you can reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the planet. Additionally, consider incorporating activities like walking, running, and biking into your workout routine, which can be great ways to get fit and reduce your environmental impact.  Or use a gym and their powerless equipment to be extra eco-friendly instead of buying your own equipment or using power.  By making a few small changes to your workout routine, you can improve your health and the health of the planet.