Exercise: A More Sustainable Approach

Gyms are huge energy consumers, with their gas-guzzling treadmills, water-wasting facilities and pools, and TVs that are always on. Sure, there are ways to make your gym workout greener, like going to cardio classes instead of using cardio machines, biking instead of driving to get there, or bringing your own towel. But these efforts seem meager in the big picture, and if you're already paying for a gym membership, shouldn't you allow yourself to use everything they offer?

The best way to have an entirely green lifestyle is to forgo the gym and use your own body weight instead of equipment for resistance. Run distances outside instead of in place on a cardio machine, use workout equipment at home that doesn't need to be plugged in, and go swimming in a lake or local pool. Especially now that it's summer, bringing workouts outside will be beneficial not only to the environment, but will lighten your bills and give you an appreciation for your surroundings.

Liberating yourself from the habit of going to the gym everyday will come in handy when you're travelling, as well. You won't even have to think twice about where your workout will take place when you're out of town. 

Bonus: If you want your workout to be green from head-to-toe, recycle your old shoes with Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program, opt for organic workout apparel, and use a refillable water bottle.

For more travel workout tips from RTM, click here.