[OKC] From Slate's Green Lantern: Is There a Greener Way To Work Out?

[Miles, Karen]

the green lantern 

Is There a Greener Way To Work Out?


How to burn more calories with fewer watts.

By Brian Palmer
Posted Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at 7:07 AM ET 
________________________________

I normally prefer to get my exercise outside. But when I got home from
work yesterday, it was pitch dark and freezing, so I went to the gym.
Staring at the rows of treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary
bikes, I couldn't help but wonder: Which is the best choice for the
environment?
Your instinct to get outside is commendable, since many gyms are temples
to environmental degradation (not to mention breeding grounds for all
sorts of little nasties
<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/health/03brod.html> ). The cavernous
buildings, air-conditioned to bone-chilling temperatures for the handful
of senior citizens working out at 10 a.m. on weekdays. The televisions
in front of every machine. The jacuzzi that no one ever uses. It's
enough to turn even the most athletic environmentalist into a locally
grown, organic couch potato.
If you don't want to vegetate through the dark months, there are a few
things you can do to minimize the impact of your gym visits. First, stay
off the treadmill. Treadmills are, by far, the most popular machines in
the club, but they're also the most prodigious consumers of energy.
Article continues at URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2275789/
 
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