Green Fitness: Exercise Outdoors
Whether you're training for a marathon or just trying to shed a few extra pounds, this week's tips will help you go green while getting fit.
Tip #1: Give Machines a Rest
The average treadmill produces about 2 pounds of CO2 over the course of a 30-minute workout. Shrink your fitness footprint by adding an outdoor run, walk, or bike ride to your routine. In urban areas, choose side streets to decrease your exposure to car exhaust. Still snowbound? Burn those calories by snowshoeing, skiing, or shoveling the driveway.
Share your tips: What's your favorite winter workout?
When weather does not permit outdoor exercising, I put in an exercise DVD and go at it. At other times, I listen to a TV show or movie and do the moves while watching something good for the brain or spirit. Talk about multitasking!
Posted by: Barbara DeGrande | January 12, 2009 at 11:24 AM
It's really irresponsible, IMHO, to tell MOST of AMERICA that it's a good idea to skip the gym. Exposure to temperatures in the single digits, or below, which MOST OF US face in the winter, as well as the dangers of trying to navigate on icy streets and sidewalks make indoor exercise the only true option. No one has the option of shoveling the driveway every day; once done, it waits until the next snowfall. Not an exercise routine, exactly. Ice actually kills people who fall on it. The dangers of frostbite, falls, getting hit by cars out of control, eye damage, and so on, should have been considered.
Posted by: Northcoaster | January 12, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Northcoaster: Check out the NYT's article advocating cold-weather exercise: www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/health/nutrition/17BEST.html?_r=1
Posted by: Green Life | January 12, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Has anyone invented a stationary bike that generates energy? It would be great to see gyms that could put some power back on the grid -- or at least lower their own footprint.
Posted by: moot23 | January 12, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Northcoaster,
If one dresses and plans properly frostbite, slipping on ice,getting hit by cars, etc. won't be an issue. Balaklavas are inexpensive ways to cover one's face to protect from frostbite, even a bandana or scarf will do. Yaktraks can be purchased to put on the bottom of shoes and boots to prevent slippage on the ice. Walking or snowshoing in parks and golf courses eliminates the any concern for vehicle accidents. There are many safe fun options to get outside, get some exercise, soak up some Vitamin D while reducing one's carbon footprint.
Posted by: yogabea | January 12, 2009 at 01:01 PM
I think in the wintertime many are forced inside... I live in Georgia and can get out, but due to work and the rain we've been getting lately, I've chosen to exercise indoors. I had been looking at treadmills so I'm glad to find out that they pollute... that takes some of the allure away.
I've been really happy with kettlebells for strength, the Bosu balance trainer for cardio and strength and a second hand rower. I'm a runner and I'm thinking I might get an urban rebounder if I want to jog in place.... I tested one at a store and wow, it's like jogging on a waterbed. I think in the long run, it'd be greener than the treadmill and it'd really makes my body feel better.
Posted by: Margaret | January 12, 2009 at 03:06 PM
My husband & I own a personal training studio in Wisconsin where it really is too cold to exercise outside sometimes. However, with the exception of our treadmill none of the other cardio equipment needs to be plugged in. This includes a recumbent bike, an elliptical machine and a rower.
Posted by: xo fitness | January 12, 2009 at 07:33 PM
I beg to differ with the NYT regarding excercise in the cold. I lived in Alaska as a child. Even though it was minus 15 or so, I ignored the old adage that said don't hurry, and ran to get to school on time. I can tell you my lungs hurt for a long time after that. Granted they weren't permanently damaged, but it was a stupid thing to do.
Additionally, I would stay out in the cold until my fingers were totally numb. They hurt terribly when they warmed up. But I didn't know any better so I repeated this routine, believing it ws normal. As an adult, I have something akin to Reynauds syndrome. My fingers and toes very easily become numb and or painful in cold weather.
Maybe exercising in the cold is ok for an adult, but don't expect your kids to recognize the symptoms of frostbite or any other cold related illness. It's up to you to protect them from what happened to me.
Posted by: carol | January 12, 2009 at 08:23 PM
This is so great to see someone writing about working out - OUTDOORS. I started a non-profit (GreenLaces) that is about fusing athletics with eco-education and activating athletes to be leaders for our environment.
For those that love the planet and are doing their part, I encourage you to join the hundreds of elite athletes and thousands of people that are wearing GreenLaces to show they are committed.
I am an athlete myself and train in San Francisco - the run along the marina up to the golden gate is breath taking...beats a treadmill in any weather.
~ Natalie
Posted by: nspilger | January 13, 2009 at 12:57 AM
I hate to run anywhere, anytime. I am fortunate to live in Santa Monica, where I can exercise outside virtually all year. I like to ride my bike along the ocean and do water aerobics outdoors. Walking in the fresh air is great, and I use some free weights indoors to augment the cardio. But I did live in Oregon for 20 years and in the winter, I relied on the gym. It was a lifesaver. I don't do well exercising outdoors in winter unless it's on a ski slope. But there is a Green Gym in Portland that utilizes person power to generate the electricity to power the gym- a very nice concept.-Maureen Murphy, Santa Monica
Posted by: Maureen Murphy | January 13, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Its nice. How many pounds of oxygen will be intake if Exercise Outdoors.
Posted by: Lokes | April 05, 2009 at 08:15 AM