Green hasn't always been good. A few years ago, the word "green" was associated mostly with envy or nausea. These days, though, "going green" is considered a wise and thoughtful life choice. Being eco-friendly while working out ought to be even better.

Being environmentally exercise conscious is easier than you think. A variety of workouts are natural, planet friendly, and extremely beneficial. Product manufacturers are producing green equipment and clothing, which makes it even easier.
Here are some planet-pleasing workout ideas that will help you be green while keeping more green in your wallet:

Lace up! Running or walking outdoors is a perfect way to see, feel, and breathe your outdoor surroundings. All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes and, depending on the weather, some comfortable clothing, preferably made from natural fibers. There is no better way to wrap yourself in Mother Nature and kick out about 400 calories than to go for a run on a beautiful day. Take your pooch on a few paths, too. Like you, he'll enjoy the scenery, and you didn't have to power up an energy-guzzling treadmill to get your green groove on.

Two wheels rock! Cycling is earth friendly and leg loving. Anyone's legs can benefit from a regular ride on a bicycle, and instead of burning fossil fuel, you'll be burning calories. Cycling outdoors is invigorating and can clear your mind and keep the air clearer, too. Think outside your regular four wheels and bike to work, the store, or the gym.

Get close to nature. Hiking can be relaxing and refreshing or strenuous and demanding. Depending on your needs, a good hike can put you in touch with nature or in touch with an elevated heart rate. Check out local trails and paths. Some of them are quite suitable for fun family hikes and learning experiences. Other hiking paths are steeper and can make for a great workout. Put your trail shoes on and tackle hills and valleys to work those glutes and hamstrings. When possible, stick to established paths and trails so you don't disturb the untouched areas.

Purge the plastic! If you want to cut down on the amount of plastic you partake in, get a good reusable water bottle to carry with you everywhere. Many companies make great water bottles from aluminum or stainless steel that will be sipped upon for many years to come.

Get green gear. Companies are bucking up when it comes to producing exercise products that are high performing and eco-friendly. Recycled fibers and newly engineered natural materials are becoming mainstream in the exercise world.
Eco-friendly fashion. Some companies are taking those pesky water bottles and fashioning the plastic into planet-friendly pants and shirts. Jackets, bags, and even backpacks are made from recycled plastic bottles. Don't think your fashion sense has to suffer just because you're sporting a sports bra made from someone else's Dasani® bottle. Many colors and prints are manufactured with the fashion-conscious in mind. Now we can feel good about not being wasteful while trimming our waistline, too!

Donate your stuff. If you think your old tennis shoes or running shorts have seen better days, someone else may think differently. Look online for charities and groups that need old workout wear. Visit www.runnersworld.com for a complete listing of organizations that accept old running shoes for reuse or recycling.

Wear it out. Our abundant lifestyles may have made us a bit extravagant and wasteful over the years. Nobody says you have to look like a runway model when you go to kick-boxing class. Plus, wearing "worn" workout wear says you use it! Exercise clothing is very resilient and will last for years, so use it longer and more often.

No matter what, regular exercise is good for your body and mind. By making eco-friendly choices, you are doing good for the planet, too.