Building Up to Good: Part Two of Three in the “Sustainable You” Series

In part two of this three-part series we’ll discuss how maintaining a healthy physique can affect your environmental outlook.

As we discussed last week, our planet’s most important resource is you and I. Without our health, we are limited by the amount of energy and enthusiasm that we can put into environmental activities. We began our journey with a conversation on maintaining a healthy diet and eating good, wholesome nutritious foods.

But that’s only the first step.

This week, let’s have a looksee at how maintaining a good outward physique is beneficial too.

First of all, let me start by saying that a “good physique” doesn’t mean forcing a naturally healthy size 10 to be a size 2. Working out religiously can be just as unhealthy as an eating disorder. No, when I’m talking a “good physique”, I’m talking actually working with a nutritionist or doctor to help figure out your ideal weight range, body mass index, etc. Because guess what? One size doesn’t fit all.

If you need to lose weight, most health professionals will recommend a cardio-focused regimen. If you need to tone or build a little muscle, a weight lifting routine could be the way to go.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend money on an expensive gym membership to get great results. Grab a jump rope and your tennis shoes and you’ve got a ready-to-go, intense calorie burning workout. Take your pooch for a longer-than-normal walk in the park. Go for a jog. Go window shopping at the mall. (Keep your pace up though – no spending too much time looking at those Louis Vuitton’s…)

Don’t want to buy a weight set? Grab a couple of empty milk jugs and use those to do some bicep curls. They’re a great weight for beginners. Need to work on your triceps? Try doing tricep pushups using a stable chair. It’s not hard – there are tons of easy-to-do, no-expensive-weight-set-needed exercises available. Just take a look online.

Now, in addition to looking and feeling great, there are a couple of other benefits to a healthy physique that we can’t ignore. First and foremost, you’re going to have an increased amount of energy. (And we could all use a little more of that.) Second, you’re going to reduce your risk for serious, life threatening illnesses. I’m talking about the biggies: heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes. You name it; exercise can help reduce your chances of getting it. Third, a healthier body means a reduced need for maintenance medicines. (You know, the ones for diseases and illnesses mentioned above.)

It’s not a difficult concept: a healthier you, means YOU last longer. And that’s a crucial piece to preserving the sustainability of our environment.

Stay tuned. Next week, in the final part of our series, we’re going to dive in to maintaining a healthy soul. So, grab your yoga mats and find a quiet place, because we’re on a mission to relax.

Greenopolis.com is dedicated to our users. We focus our attention on changing the world through recycling, waste-to-energy and conservation. We reward our users for their sustainable behaviors on our website, through our Greenopolis Tracking Stations and with curbside recycling programs.

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