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If you really want a true green body-slimming routine, then forget about electrically-powered equipment and use only what Mother Nature gave you—the great outdoors for cardio and your own body weight for resistance. But some of us find motivation from being surrounded by throngs of other exercise-enthused at the gym. Well you can still use machines to your body's benefit without being a detriment to the environment by choosing self-powered cardio machines.
Another perk? Self-powered machines actually tend to burn more calories since you don't have electricity propelling you!
You may not realize it, but the "spinning" craze actually thrust the fitness industry onto a greener path. How? Spin bikes don't require electricity. They are people-powered. What's great about people-powered equipment is that they are generally less expensive than the electricity-dependent (since they don’t require all of the costly mechanics in the manufacturing process), and they save on energy bills!
Not into the high-speed stationary sport? Another people-powered cardio machine that promises a calorie-singing sweat session is the rowing machine.
We know, but the treadmill and elliptical are your favorite...Well we've got a solution for you too. Self-propelled, wireless treadmills and ellipticals are all the rage these days.
Tirelessly a Treadmill Buff?
Try Phoenix Denise Austin Manual Easy-Up Treadmill or Stamina InMotion Treadmill
Lover of the Elliptical?
Try Life Fitness Elliptical Cross Trainer SELF POWERED CT9100 or Cordless Precor EFX 546 HR Elliptical
Spinning is your Sport?
Try Spinner® Sport or Schwinn IC Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
The Holy Grail of Eco Gyms
One gym has taken the concept even further with an "Eco Gym" in Oregon called The Green Microgym built around a carbon neutral concept. Not only does this gym use solar power, but they have figured out how to rig special exercise bikes so that they recycle the energy generated by exercisers, and (like a windmill) transform it into electricity to partially power the gym. If you want to watch TV as you workout, don't stop!
Fred Flintstone had it right—go peddle power!
Related Posts:
Are You a Savvy Cyclist?
8 Ways to Have Fun Without Electricity This Winter
6 Tips to Make Your Bicycle an Errand-Making Machine
Get that Weight Off and Keep it Off: 15 Ways
Green Your Exercise Routine
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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