"Green" Exercise for a Healthier Earth and You!

April is the month when we celebrate the Earth. So as you do your part in limiting your carbon footprints, consider adding some of these "green" activities into your workout plan-you'll get your heart rate pumping while helping the environment.

1.  Hit the pavement instead of the gas pedal: Yes, when you make a 300-mile trek, you have no choice but to hop on a plane, train, or automobile. But how about those other trips-the ones to the local grocery store, to your neighborhood book group, or to the post office? As the weather improves, you really have no excuse not to walk. So conserve gas, and use your own inner fuel. During brisk walks, you'll burn 259 calories an hour*.

2.  Take part in a "clean-up" effort at a local park or playground: Picking up trash and recyclable cans will burn up to 300 calories an hour*. The fresh air is good for your lungs, and this is a perfect activity to do with kids.

3.  Reusable shopping bags are perfect for arm curls. We've been seeing more grocery stores offering reusable cloth shopping bags. You fill them up as you shop and save them for your next trip. The handles on the bags make them easy to lift. Fill them with 3, 5, or 8 pounds of foodstuffs and do some bicep curls while you wait in line at the deli or checkout.

4.  Plant a garden. What better source of organic veggies than the bounty from your own backyard? Gardening benefits the body, mind, soul, and environment. And you'll burn 272 of calories per hour to boot*.  Don't forget to plant herbs in your garden.  There's nothing like fresh herbs for lots of flavor without calories.  Check out the recipe below that uses fresh Rosemary and Thyme.