Like much of the population, in March, I traded my go-to gym workouts and fitness studio classes for routines in my living room. Since I rarely left my NYC apartment, I knew I’d need to make daily at-home movement a priority whenever possible, to support both my body and mind—a yoga flow to start off the morning, a quick HIIT session during my lunch break, or a strength workout to round out the day. In fact, cotton doesn’t hold odor like polyester and washes cleaner, keeping your clothes (and you) feeling fresh after a sweaty workout. Plus, the natural fabric tends to last longer than synthetic options. Similarly, I’m a fan of comfy fitness cover-ups in the same fabrication, like activewear cardigans or pullover sweatshirts. And of course, soft leggings are a must-have. In my yoga practice, I use yoga blocks made with cork—a renewable material that is harvested from the external bark of a cork oak tree, without cutting it down. For restorative flows, I’m a big fan of yoga bolsters, particularly ones that are filled with vegan materials (rather than animal products like feathers and down) and have a soft, cotton exterior for ultimate relaxation. Last, but certainly not least, it’s crucial to stay hydrated during a sweaty fitness session. To help me keep my water intake up, I sip on a glass or stainless-steel water bottle to reduce single-use plastic waste. While I’ve embraced my indoor workouts, I’m a runner first and foremost. So amid the pandemic, I knew I’d need to find a safe way to log outdoor miles while being mindful of public health. The solution: a workout-friendly mask. After doing some research, I learned cotton is actually one of the most effective materials1 for homemade double-layer masks (non-medical)—plus, it feels soft on the face, which is great for longer wear. Choosing sustainable products to support my fitness and well-being goals is a very simple way to aid the environment. But in the same way incremental progress in fitness can lead to bigger, noticeable results, I’m confident that each small step we take toward protecting our planet can lead to lasting change, too.
