Healthy Living

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The eco-friendly workout that doubles your calorie burn!

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Hey everyone! It's Motahareh here with a question for you. Is your workout offending the environment? Do you know for sure? It turns out, that on average, running your treadmill for 30 minutes uses as much energy as leaving the lights on in five rooms for 2.5 hours. Ouch.

It seems like everyday a new tip on leading an eco-friendly life-style pops up. How about adopting one into your routine?

See our tips: Jillian Michaels's Top Get-Fit Tips

Try replacing your basic cardio exercise with a hike a couple times a week. You might be surprised with the results. When compared to walking at a moderate speed, hiking burns nearly double the calories in the same amount of time. Outdoor fitness has also been linked to strong bones. Researchers at the Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem found varying surfaces cause your feet to hit the ground harder, stimulating bone growth. Aside from physical benefits, spending time in nature can have psychological perks as well. Need to relieve stress? Take it to the park.

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Sound enticing? I thought so. The first step to the switch is finding the right footwear. I'm lucky to have a pair of versatile, eco-friendly sneaks on hand for these excursions. My Timberland Mountain Athletics Inferno Lows are reliable for several reasons. The outsoles of the shoe are made with 42% recycled tire crumb, helping to reduce landfill waste. And having tires on your feet aren't bad for traction. The soles allow me to maintain control on even the steepest of boulders. It doesn't hurt that they come in a variety of fun shades. Click here to check out Mountain Athletics' sleek new line.

Get a sexy back! Sculpt a sexy rear view with these six targeted toners.

So I started my 'green' workout adjustment yesterday morning. I went on a mini day hike through the North Woods of Central Park with a group led by Urban Escapes. Here I am making my way down a steep boulder slip-free:

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My guides Maia and Bram really knocked it out of the park. Who knew that waterfalls and boulders existed smack dab in the middle of the quintessential 'urban jungle?' (No pun intended)

The hike started on asphalt and cobblestone then quickly switched to grass, mud and rock. Based on the terrain alone, its no wonder hiking is considered such a great workout. Unfortunately I found myself battling the crowds in Times Square a couple hours later when running late to a meeting. In the end, my moments of Zen only lasted about two hours, but they were easily the best two hours of the day!

I'm definitely a fan of what companies are coming up with to accommodate our need to be a little friendlier to Mother Earth. And, hey, the bonus body-benefits aren't bad either!

Related: 11 ways to change your weight fate!

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Comments 1-10 of 21
  • Ashley's Avatar
    Posted by Ashley Thu Aug 13, 2009 12:04pm PDT

    Eco-Friendly workouts?! Come on! This is getting a little ridiculous. And how am I supposed to get to the mountain? Drive my environment-unfriendly CAR there for my eco-friendly hike workout? This is so condescending.

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  • BeverlyHillBilly's Avatar
    Posted by BeverlyHillBilly Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:29pm PDT

    I really liked the article, as hiking is a great workout. I think the point is not getting to a mountain to hike, but rather to get off your treadmill and outdoors where your workout will have some varied challenges to it.

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  • Jessica's Avatar
    Posted by Jessica Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:54pm PDT

    Yeah..no this doesn't work for me. I live in TEXAS where the heat has been regularly about 102-105 degrees all summer and isn't going anywhere!! It would be a health hazard to workout in that heat. Not to mention that there aren't many sidewalks much less mountains to go hiking on.

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  • krissy's Avatar
    Posted by krissy Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:12am PDT

    actually nature hiking causes a great deal of erosion on the trails (obviously not on boulders but on loose dirts & plants) and tends to have a negative impact on the wildlife.... sorry.

    so you want an eco-friendly workout do ya? hit your own sidewalks!

    Report Abuse
  • Lalim's Avatar
    Posted by Lalim Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:16am PDT

    Sir,Madams,

    I am working woman and my age is 42 years old. My face is developing lots of dark spot and hangling. Please advice me What should i do?

    thanks,

    Yours faithfully,

    lalim tamang

    Report Abuse
  • esther's Avatar
    Posted by esther Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:39am PDT

    I like the article, its a real great way to get lots of fresh air into your lungs and also be in tune with nature.

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  • Chimamaka's Avatar
    Posted by Chimamaka Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:06am PDT

    I loved the article.nature really does help you unwind,even if its for a brief moment.however,I kinda think it was slightly unrealistic,considering the fact that most areas have been stripped pf most things nature.

    posted by mahmah

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  • Fred's Avatar
    Posted by Fred Fri Aug 14, 2009 6:23am PDT

    im a fat truck driver and i will stay that way.

    Report Abuse
  • Lisa's Avatar
    Posted by Lisa Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:06am PDT

    Erin,

    Get real. What if you live in 110 degree weather where you break into a profuse sweat just getting to your gas guzzling car? How about some ideas for those of us who live south of the mason-dixon?

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  • Diamond's Avatar
    Posted by Diamond Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:36am PDT

    I agree with KP. The only way that you could really be eco-friendly IS by walking on your sidewalks, because not only do we erode the trails we destroy the food and the animals' home because we carry chemicals, and germs on us that are harmful and unpleasant to the creatures.I love peaceful, relaxing, and effective exercises BUT I love nature wayyyyy to much destroy it!!!

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Comments 1-10 of 21

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