From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

I know that the weather in some parts of this country, Montana where I live especially, is not always conducive to getting up, getting dressed and actually making your way outside to get your fitness goals met each day.  Sometimes it’s the sub-zero temperatures, sometimes it is the freezing rain, sometimes the snow, ice, wind or hail.  Wherever you live, there are always going to be reasons to just work out inside, but guess what…there are so many BETTER reasons to work out outside, no matter what the weather is doing.

That’s right, this week’s “Green Fitness Tip” is to get outside and exercise.  No matter what your weather, you can find at least 30 minutes a day to give all of those “electricity-heavy” machines you rely so heavily upon a much needed break, and the environment they affect an even better reprieve.  Don’t believe me that they do in fact damage the Earth?  Try this on for size:

“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.”

Surprising, no?  The bottom line is, in a day and age where we’re so focuse on and so reliant upon electricty and gadgets and devices, sometimes the absolute best thing for our mind, bodies and yes, the Earth too, is to just turn it all off, step outside your front door, and take off.  Try it, I guarantee the results will go much further than just your BMI.

(image via prolitegear.com)