Turn Your Workout Routine Green

It's Earth Day! Get out your recycling bins, it's time to show Mother Nature how much we appreciate all that she has given to us. We have one Earth, and it's up to us to take care of it. For us, and for generations to come. While we dream about life sustained on other planets—it isn't our reality yet so we must take care of the planet we've got. Every minute of our day, every day of our year. Now and in the years to come. And yes, you can turn your workout routine green. Not with envy, but with appreciation for the Earth.

Here's how:

1) Assess your source of water. Are you toting a plastic water bottle to and from the gym? Plastic wears out, and then it sits in landfills for years upon years. Choose a glass bottle instead, one that you can reuse. Or at the very least, be sure to pick a water bottle with a filter so that you can get the good stuff from any fountain or faucet. Those 24-bottle cases at the store? Remind yourself once and for all that you can do better.

2) Pick cardio equipment that doesn't plug in. Go for the dual-action stationary bike or simply run the track—or run outside. And since we're on the topic of being outside, ride your bike instead of driving your car. Swim in a lake instead of your local pool. Find actual stairs instead of the Stairmaster. Use the monkey bars and benches at your local park to put a creative spin on your typical strength training routine. Why not, right? Better to be outside enjoying nature than inside sucking up electricity.

3) Choose post-workout snacks and healthy meals made with food directly from the source. Not only will you do your body some good, you'll help ward off some of the effects our food industry has on the environment. It takes a lot of transportation and a lot of resources to make and box one lowly little granola bar. Best to make your own, really. It's so easy.

4) Wear workout gear made with 100% cotton. It breaks down much easier when you're done with it. I know, I know...but cotton shows off the sweat stains. So be it, that's what I say! I'll be the first to admit that this is one area of my fitness that needs some improvement...I don't own much cotton gear. Bad trainer! But...I'd rather see sweat than see my Earth bogged down by spandex running pants.

Oh, and this has nothing to do with fitness, but if you aren't recycling—why? You better have a good excuse. (We don't have a recycling service in our apartment complex, and when we did recycle, we had horrible bug infestations. Needless to say, we're house hunting. And so looking forward to our first recycling bin.)

Question: How are you celebrating Earth day? What are you doing to protect the environment?