The benefits of social exercise (Rule #2 & #6)

Today marks the busiest week for health clubs around the country, as new years resolutions become realized and people set out to "get fit".  After spending more than 6 years managing programs at the largest health club in the nation and catering to the likes of corporate types and families who have to schedule time to breath, I have seen what works and keeps people on track. 

The answer?  Make your exercise routine a social experience. 

Now, that doesn't mean you can expect results by going to the gym, leaning against a piece of equipment, and having a conversation with your best friend or office mate.  What you should look for is an opportunity to use your exercise time to catch up with friends, establish new relationships, and find a group that will hold you accountable for showing up and living active. 

I'll give you an example.  My best friend since 3rd grade travels more than any one person could possibly imagine and our time together is limited, but we always make the most out of it by getting in our exercise as well.  We meet for a run, hike, bike or gym session and use that time to catch up on lost time.  The interesting thing about exercising with someone is that you are far more likely to actually set aside time for exercise, tend to push yourself harder,  and often get in more quality conversation than you would on the phone or over coffee.

If you don't have a good friend that is in to exercising, this is a great week to motivate them to start!  Better yet, join a group exercise program that requires some accountability and sign up with a friend.  Many community centers and colleges offer quarterly fitness programs, yoga and pilates centers offer multi week programs, and many gyms are now jumping on the bandwagon with biggest loser team training programs.  If you don't have access to these facilities due to your location or financial constraints, then find a friend or local group for walking, running, hiking, biking, or take part in a recreational sports league.

So, if your new years resolutions include "get fit" and you want to make that process a little greener, here are my top 5:

1.  Bike to work - there is no better way to get fit, stay fit, and reduce your carbon footprint.  See my upcoming post on commuting by bike during the winter, if done right it is feasible to do 12 months of the year and enjoy the experience. 
2. Head out on foot for errands - we have become so accustomed to driving that it seems foreign to walk further than across the parking lot for groceries.  Our bodies were built to walk long distances, up to 12 miles per day!  How long would it take you to walk to your nearest grocery store and pick up what you need for a few days?  An extra 20 to 40 minutes?  Sounds like a great way to get in some exercise while staying green.  Get a good backpack, like the sturdy and waterproof Ortlieb, and start walking.
3. Join an organized group - seek out work partues at local parks, participate in weekend trail maintenance projects, or tear up your lawn and plant a vegetable garden for you and your neighborhood.  Not only do these projects get you moving and burn calories, but they build community and help you feel good about being involved and making a difference.

4. Seek out a gym or fitness program that offers a greener experience -the simplicity of yoga, mat pilates, tai chi, or even dance studios often times use small spaces with limited resources to produce exceptional workouts and a group atmosphere.  The Green Microgym in Portland offers a new concept, which you can expect to see popping up around the country, where they have partnered with Seattle based Re: Sources Fitness to utilize electricity producing cardio equipment to help power the building.




Hiking near Mt. Rainier


5. Take on a new outdoor pursuit - consider kayaking, rock climbing, mt. biking or hiking.  These activities can get you out to the remote places that help us check back into the world that exists outside the city - a breathing, thriving, and self sustaining environment.  I guarantee if you connect back with the natural world more often, you will second guess your choices back in the urban oasis of convenience.