Got abs? NIKE Elite Athlete and spokesperson for Nintendo’s Wii Fit Ashley Borden is a Los Angeles based fitness expert who works with clients like Mandy Moore, Natasha Bedingfield and Ryan Gosling (yum).
But Ashley’s not just interested in helping her clients get ridiculously fit, she’s also helping them to reduce their carbon footprints through something she’s calling an “eco-sensitive workout.” Sensitive? Workout? Forget the eco (well, not really) and sign us up!
Borden’s tips to greener fitness include:
Train at home or outside with fitness gear like the GoFit Gravity Bar that builds strength and core stability using your own body weight rather than plug-in machines. To keep from getting bored—and tossing gear in the landfill—recycle your exercise equipment by trading with friends.
Stock up on stainless-steel, reusable water bottles like those from Lifeline. This may seem obvious, but if you go to the gym three times a week you’ll save 144 bottles in a year!
Haul gear in a bag made from recycled materials like the “Koren” rice bucket bag from EcoBags, which is Fair Trade made in Cambodia from reclaimed and washed rice bags from Vietnam.
Train yourself to ride, not drive, and bike to the gym one day a week—then increase the days from there. One mile in a car can equal up to one pound of carbon released into the atmosphere—one mile biked could mean a pound lost for you!
Go organic with your fitness gear like Organic Cotton Serenity Tights or Capris from Patagonia. With an adjustable waist that rolls up or down, Borden says these are perfect for hitting the mat, preferably a phthalate- and latex-free one like the thick, grippy, Reversible Yoga Mat from Gaiam.
Finally, post-workout sweat stains and stinky feet are so passé. Cover up with a chic dress like the “Rita” bamboo dress from Sworn Virgins and Kigo‘s new Star shoes (made from recycled milk jugs, they fold up to fit in the pocket of your gym bag), and you’re good to go.
To lunch.
