Green Daily

Aluminum-framed or steel-framed bicycles?

Forget gym memberships, heavy cable pulley machines and overpriced ab-reduction machines. Sometimes, the best workouts are positively green, and require little more than a good pair of shoes and an open outdoor space.

Recently, I ran into an old friend - who also happens to be a personal trainer - and she convinced me to attend one of her group fitness sessions. Her new company, OutFit, encourages clients to "think outside the gym" by expanding the workout comfort zone and using only body weight exercises and "resourceful equipment" (think: the "Rocky steps" leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art) to achieve their fitness goals.

And how was the workout compared to a gym workout? Read on to find out.

You really can't beat $350 for an electric commuter bike. You could hardly even build yourself an electric kit-bike for that cheap. This is certainly a positive step in the right direction for pollution-free commuting. Or is it?

When deciding on a daily commuting vehicle, there are many factors besides its impact on the environment. You want something that will last, have fairly low maintenance and not cost an arm and a leg. Well, this bike lets you keep your limbs, but how reliable is something that inexpensive? More importantly, wouldn't actually riding a pedal-bike be better for your health anyway? And speaking of impact on the environment, this bike's motor uses lead-acid batteries that are said to only last a year. I think I may just stick with my trusty, rusty (literally) Schwinn.

There's lots to contend with when you're exercising outdoors. Climate, road conditions, detours, crazy dogs, weirdos...they can all put a damper on your workout.

But don't let them! Instead, keep yourself prepared, and your eco-friendly workout will go off without a hitch. Check out the gallery, below, for some helpful gear and gadgets that will keep you safe as you get healthy and buff.

As far as I'm concerned bicycle commuting is the healthiest and most eco-friendly way to cut down on short car trips -- plus it's a load of fun. The number of people clamoring for a car free lifestyle makes this an exciting time for the future of commuting on two wheels. There's just one problem: the more you ride the better your chances of developing 'bike-butt,' aka a severely sore backside.

Well, ladies -- and men who wear ladies underwear -- now you can beat BB with a pair of convertible undies from GreenKnickers. Instead of just expressing your love for eating organic with your unmentionables, the folks at GreenKnickers have developed panties and boxers that include a removable butt protector. These undergarments are made from a blend of 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton and they come with a pad that I'm assuming velcros on for your ride -- then you can take it right back off for a comfortable workday. By the way, they actually do offer some bike boxers for men.

[via Treehugger]

Only a few weeks after the congestion charge put forward by Mayor Bloomberg got denied by state legislators, NYC is back on the attack with a plan to ease traffic congestion on Manhattan's crowded streets.

What's the crux of the new plan? A bike-friendly makeover to help encourage New Yorkers to make their daily commute two wheels. Details after the jump.

He may not be the vegetarian we thought he was, but Jake Gyllenhaal is seriously concerned about the impact his diet has on the planet. The notably green celeb is teaming up with childhood friend and chef Chris Fischer to open up a new high-class dining establishment in LA serving all organic ingredients.

According to the article, cooking is Jake's favorite hobby, and he's vowed to open a restaurant by the time he's 30. Now 27, Jake only has a couple of years left to pull it all together. Apparently, Jake has a flair for Tuscan style cuisine. In fact, he's planning a cycling tour through Tuscany to search out new recipes with Reese Witherspoon -- how carbon conscious.

[via Ecorazzi]

While tons of companies are rolling out their token eco-friendly commitments for Earth Month, Wilson been putting the finishing touches on the world's first eco-basketball. The 'Rebound' -- released in time for Earth Day -- is made from 40% recycled rubber and is packaged in an 80% post-consumer cardboard box. According to Wilson, 1 tire is reclaimed from the landfill with every 70 Rebounds that they produce. It's a pretty cool way to green your fitness routine.

While I'm sure that sporting goods are a pretty small factor in the global warming picture, it's cool to see the wide world of sports starting to take notice of the wide world of nature. The NBA seems to be lagging behind the baseball, football, and even hockey on making commitments to lessen their impact on the planet. Heck, Shaq has the carbon footprint of a small island nation all by himself. Maybe the NBA should switch to the Rebound?

[via Treehugger]

Next time you need to update your workout playlist, don't bother with CDs. Instead, check out the song suggestions on the following sites, and upload them to your mp3 player. (Most of the playlists link directly to iTunes, but you can opt to download your own on a different site, or swap tunes with your friends).

Here are some of the best music suggestions:

• Women's Health has playlist suggestions dedicated to specific exercises (the uptempo spinning playlist includes Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman" and Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me 'Round") and from celebs (like Bravo TV's Jackie Warner).

• Self magazine's playlists are ultra-motivating, with more current songs like The Pussycat Dolls' "Don't 'Cha" and Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On."
  

While I'm a little tired of the current trend towards slapping the prefix "eco" in front of everything ("Eco-coal-fired power, now with more eco-mercury!"), the EcoCabs coming to Toronto on May 1 seem to actually fit the bill.

The new vehicles, which are already cruising the streets of a number of cities around the world, seat two people plus a driver and operate principally on human pedal-power. However, they also feature a small, rechargeable electric motor for hills or just chilling'.

EcoCabs normally travel at a leisurely 6 km/h, but in a pinch ("my wife is having a baby, get us to the hospital - stat!") can race along at up to 12 km/h.

The EcoCabs will be offering rides to the weary and the lazy all summer at Toronto events and hotspots, and rides will be free, thanks to corporate sponsorship. Presumably that means there's soft drink ads on the sides of the cab, not that the driver is going to try and sell you a timeshare.

Let's face it: gyms aren't the greenest workout options. They require huge amounts of energy to run the lights, heat/AC, and machines, and most leave the machines plugged in all night, wasting even more precious energy.

So if you can't bring yourself to go completely green (running or cycling outside), check out some of the resources available to you online - absolutely free.

What is it? Fitness Magazine recently re-vamped its website, and it was definitely worth the wait. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, easier-to-navigate site that's more in line with the magazine itself.

Pros: The videos are well-lit and easy to follow. Moves are done slowly and carefully, and it's easy to pick up new tips - everything from 'wide sumo squats" to "close grip rows." And the models' bodies certainly give you something to strive for.

Cons: You have to register before you can get access to the videos. And at times, the omniscient voice directing the scenes can be a little eerie.

Here's a link to one of the videos.

What is it? Workoutz.com is a resource specifically dedicated to sharing instructional workout videos. You can learn new moves or find out how to tone your trouble spots (quick reminder: you'll only see the results of specific toning moves if you're also incorporating cardio! Muscles won't show under fat).

Pros: The videos feature both men and women of varying body types, which is encouraging. Also, in addition to each video, you can view step-by-step photos and read detailed written instructions.

Cons: The videos don't have any sound, so if you're an auditory learner, forget it. (On the plus side, you can play your favorite music in the background as you watch the instruction).

What is it? Shape Magazine's website mirrors its print version: simple instruction, gorgeous models in skimpy spandex outfits, and workouts that address areas of the body on which women are prone to gaining weight, like hips, thighs and butt.

Pros: The videos are professionally produced and many are done in typical workout video format (an instructor, flanked by several other women, describes the move, and music plays softly in the background).

Cons: Some of the videos (ones that feature single moves repeated several times) have no sound, and the lighting is poor (some genius decided it would be great to have the model stand on a shady stone patio).

Here is a link to one of the videos.

What is it? Diet.com is an online resource primarily targeted at people who are looking to lose weight (although it can also be used by people who want to maintain or enhance their current diet and fitness regimen).

Pros: The videos are primarily workout-based, but you can also watch episodes of The Biggest Loser to get motivated, or inspiring interviews with people who have lost weight and kept it off. There are, as the site's name promises, plenty of conversations about dieting.

Cons: Many of the videos require at-home equipment or access to gym equipment (physio balls, Bosu balls, hand weights), and don't offer no-equipment alternatives. Also, the tips could be used by both sexes, but the site is obviously geared toward women, which might be off-putting to guys.