May 1st 2012

By Samantha!

Well everyone, beach season is fast approaching and its time to shed those unwanted pounds. Before you hop in the car and rush off to the gym, consider some eco friendly alternatives. Getting healthy is important , but so is keeping mother nature healthy too! FW is here to offer you some great green tips to getting in shape.

First and for-most, nothing beats going for a run. It requires no equipment whatsoever, just your own determination and drive. Whether you can run for miles on end, or just around the block, running or jogging is an amazing way to stay in shape and has zero effect on the environment.

Do some yoga in the park! Grab your mat and head out to the nearest park and set up camp. Being outside is a completely different atmosphere to being inside in a studio. All the smells and sounds can really help you get in touch with nature and with you inner self. Experts suggest taking it up a notch and practise your yoga in a light drizzle. The calming effects of the water can greatly improve how you feel, and it’s also very good for your skin.

There are now also self powered exercise machines. The power needed for the display system is generated from you walking or running. There’s nothing to plug in! You can also use devices that turn your outdoor equipment into indoor equipment! Things like bicycle clamps that simply attach to your bicycle, use no power at all , and will allow you to go for a ride even if the weather outside isnt so great.

Work out tapes are extremely beneficial! If you are a little self concious about taking classes with a large group of people, tapes allow you to get the same results but in the privacy of your own home. There is every kind of work out tape imaginable right at your fingertips. Use them until you build up enough confidence to join a class thats right for you!

All this and more can save you a costly gym membership. But we here at FW know how beneficial the gym can be. Nothing motivates you to get in shape quite like your friends. Get the girls together and carpool to the gym. This way you all get a great workout together, but only one car is on the road. Remember, every little bit helps.
The equipment you use and clothes you wear should also be as green as possible. Use running shoes that are made from recycled rubber, and be sure to recycle them after they are worn out. Companies like Gaiam, Patagonia, and GoLite offer beautiful work out apparel which is also sustainable. Don’t feel you need to wear all the fancy materials that pro atheletes wear. Simple is better!

NO MORE PLASTIC BOTTLES! everyone knows single use plastic bottles are a thing of the past. Get yourself a cute reusuable water bottle and you will save your self some money and help the environment in the long run.
Use these FW tips to help you get in shape. Keep yourself healthy and mother nature will follow right behind you!