Getting fit and staying eco-friendly… can you do both at once without making your life really complicated and more difficult than it needs to be? The answer is yes, you can, and, even better, it’s a lot easier (and more fun!) than you might think. In fact, once you start adding sustainability into your fitness routine, it just kind of becomes second nature – you’re still chasing your health goals, but now you’re doing it in a way that helps the planet, so that’s got to be better. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to stay eco-friendly while getting fit.

Rethink Your Workout Gear

We should probably start with the obvious – what you wear. The fast fashion fitness boom definitely exists, and we’ve all bought clothes that fit into that category – the temptation is just too great, and the items are right there in front of us. Who can resist rock-bottom prices, after all? But when you stop and think about how these things are made, you’ll see that it’s incredibly wasteful, and it’s not exactly the healthiest thing for the planet. 

That’s why it’s worth looking at what the eco-friendly activewear brands are doing because they’re really stepping up, and more and more companies are offering stylish clothes made from things like organic cotton, bamboo fibres, recycled ocean plastics, and so on – it’s quite amazing when you start doing the research. And they’re not just doing it to tick a sustainability box either – these pieces are actually designed to last longer, move better, and resist body odour more, so they don’t just help the planet, they help you too. 

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Gyms are definitely a fantastically convenient option, but they also come with a bit of an environmental price tag – they use a lot of lighting, air conditioning, and the machines are running non-stop… it all adds up. The good news is that the most eco-friendly gym on earth is totally free, and it’s always open – we’re talking about the great outdoors, of course! 

Whether it’s a jog around your local park, a hike that includes a few steep hills, or some yoga where you can really breathe in the fresh air, being out in nature is a wonderful idea, and it’s one of the best things you can do not just for your physical health, but for your metnal health as well. After all, you get natural light, fresh air, a change of scenery, and all of that can really boost your mood and give you plenty of motivation. 

Sustainable Hydration 

Now we should talk about water, but if there’s one thing you’re definitely going to need when you’re exercising, it’s to stay properly hydrated – that’s non-negotiable. The problem is that grabbing a plastic bottle every time you head out to exercise or go to the gym isn’t good for the planet – that’s why it’s better to use a reusable water bottle instead. It might seem like a small switch, but it adds up, especially if you generally use quite a few disposable water bottles right now. 

The best thing to do if you want your drinks to stay cold for a long time is to opt for a stainless steel water bottle, and if you want something light and practical, a BPA-free plastic version is a good choice. Whatever you choose, you’re making a good move, and you’ll generally find that many places have water fountains and refill stations now because people prefer their own water bottles. It might take a bit of time to remember to put it in your bag, but you’ll get there, and it’ll make a difference. 

Digital Fitness Solutions 

There’s a bit of a change happening when it comes to the way we work out and find ways to lose weight. It might not come as too much of a surprise to find that a lot of it’s happening online – you can get things like streaming workouts, fitness apps, and live virtual classes, for example, and that means you don’t have to drive anywhere, print off schedules, or waste time waiting for machines to be free – it’s convenient, and it’s eco-friendly. 

And there are platforms that focus on online weight loss as well, and they offer everything from meal plans to personalised workouts and coaching – all from the comfort of your own home. There’s less commuting, less paper, less energy use… plus, it’s easier to stay consistent when your weight loss programme is literally in your pocket at all times. 

Eco-Friendly Equipment 

If you prefer to break a sweat at home anyway, we’ve already explained how that’s a good thing all round, but before you fill up your home with plastic dumbbells and foam blocks, there are some alternatives, and they’re a much better choice when it comes to being eco-friendly. The fact is that sustainable workout equipment is becoming more popular, and it’s actually really accessible as well. You can get yoga mats made from natural rubber or cork, for example, and they’re a great place to start because you can use them for a lot more than ‘just’ yoga. They’re great because they’re durable, non-toxic, and they feel pretty good underfoot, too! Or what about resistance bands made from biodegradable latex, which give you all the strength-building benefits of plastic without the guilt. Even simple swaps, like wooden push-up bars or recycled kettlebells, can turn your fitness space into an eco-friendly one (and the fact that these items tend to look a lot better than the standard ones can’t hurt either!). 

Mindful Nutrition

You can’t talk about getting fit without talking about food, and being eco-conscious in the kitchen is just as important as anything else. One of the simplest ways to make your diet more sustainable is to eat more plant-based meals – you don’t have to go completely vegan unless that appeals to you, but cutting back on meat and dairy is a good way to make a difference to your own health and the health of the planet at the same time. 

The best thing to do is to buy local and seasonal items whenever possible, and look for items with reduced packaging. Is there a farmers’ market nearby? That’s a good option, as is cooking at home rather than having food delivered or eating out. It’s healthier and it’s eco-friendly.