Exercise Is Good For The Earth, Good For The Body

April 22 is Earth Day! Celebrate by starting a "green" exercise program!

One strategy for going green this Earth Day can be as simple as lacing up a pair of tennis shoes, says the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Choosing environmentally friendly options that are good for the body as well as the planet is a simple, effective way to celebrate Earth Day and every day, according to ACSM President Mindy Millard-Stafford, Ph.D., FACSM.

"Physical activity is undeniably 'green,'" Millard-Stafford says. "The environmental benefits that result from changes like biking instead of driving are significant, and the health gains from incorporating exercise into a daily lifestyle are an added bonus to personal health and wellness."

ACSM recommends a variety of ways to go green with exercise:

• Choose active transportation options. Prevent pollutants and save on gas by biking to work or walking to the store.
  
  
• Use less energy (but more of yours). Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Go for a walk instead of watching TV after dinner. Replace computer time with activity time. These changes save on electricity and boost your daily activity at the same time.
  
  
• "Walkpool" out to lunch. Instead of driving to your favorite eateries, choose locales that are close by and walk instead. Make healthy eating choices that are organic and locally grown, if possible, to benefit both you and the planet.
  
  
• Contact your local officials. If your city or community isn't conducive to physical activity—and, thus, a green lifestyle—take action. Write letters to your local elected officials, encouraging the construction of more sidewalks and bike paths.

ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity, easily achieved in 30-minute segments five days per week.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 35,000 international, national, and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

For More Information

To get started with your green exercise program, visit ACSM's Physical Activity & Public Health Guidelines page to find links and resources.

See "Exercise: the Best Prescription" in the November 2008 issue of Aging in Stride eNews to learn more about the many ways exercise supports healthy aging.

Visit the Earth Day Network website for information about Earth Day 2010 events and volunteer opportunities.