Five Steps to a More Eco-Friendly Workout

While workouts are healthy for the body and mind, they can have a negative impact on the planet. People drive to their gyms and travel by road and by air to their races. The clothes they wear while exercising are made of material that had to be manufactured. 

With Earth Day being celebrated on , here are a few simple ways to hit the track with a smaller carbon footprint. 

Reusable water bottles.

Bypass vending machines with bottled water and sports drinks and hydrate instead with an eco-friendly bottle.

Worried about Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound found in some plastics that has raised concerns about health risks? Many manufacturers of plastic bottles now sell BPA-free containers. Or you can try a water bottle made of stainless steel. Pangea Bottles donates a portion of profits toward the sustainable collection of clean water in developing countries.

A reusable bag for wet gym clothes.

Speaking of items you can toss in your gym bag, consider investing in an eco-friendly tote for your sweaty gym shorts.

Many gyms offer plastic bags as a courtesy, but they can add up quickly. Products like The Sweat Mate and the Zippered Wet Bag are made of durable waterproof material that keeps your dirty duds separate from the rest of your bag. And if you leave the bag in the car for two days, both are hand- or machine-washable. Don't forget to use cold water. 

Find running routes close to home, or bike to your workout. 

Warm spring afternoons are some of the best times to enjoy a run on the scenic paths of Columbia, but driving across town just to find that perfect spot burns gas and contributes to emissions.

Try adjusting your routine to include routes closer to home. Or you can slip on a bike helmet and ride to your destination. Not only is bicycling an eco-friendly way to travel, it’s also a great way to log a brick workout (a consecutive bike/run workout commonly done by , , and people who just like to ).

Choose events carefully.

It makes sense that – ones that don’t require a plane ticket and are a short drive away – results in fewer pounds of carbon emissions per runner.

Also consider that some races, like the Baltimore Running Festival, put on a “green” event: race organizers distribute the runner’s packet and other information via e-mail, distribute Under Armour shirts made with recycled materials, and encourages recycling at the race.

Look for races that have green initiatives, and let race directors know that this is important to you.

Donate or recycle your running shoes.

Experts recommend replacing running shoes periodically as they become worn out (consult your doctor, trainer, and/or local running store for advice).

When it’s time to retire a pair of shoes that’s served you well, don’t leave them on the closet floor. Runners’ World has compiled a list of places that accept shoe donations, as well as instructions on where to send them.

You can send shoes to those in need, or to places like Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program that will process them into surfaces for tracks and playground surfaces, or even turn them into new shoes and apparel made from recycled material.