Want to break a sweat and give back to others at the same time? Who doesn’t? Here are six ideas to get your philanthropic work-out started:
1. Run a Marathon for a Cause. Many marathons help raise awareness and funds for causes. If you live in the Los Angeles or Chicago area, you can raise funds for AIDS research. You can also run a marathon for breast cancer research, run for your favorite non-profit in San Fracisco, or for ADHD Awareness. There are so many cause-motivated marathons out there it is a matter of finding the right one in your area.
2. Plant a Tree or Two. Think of the mini-workout that will come out of it: lifting the tree to your backyard, shoveling dirt out o the ground, lifting the tree into the hole, and shoveling the dirt back into the hole. By planting a tree, you are helping the planet: over the course of a tree’s lifespan, an average tree absorbs 650 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of 740 miles of driving. For more detailed information on how to plant a tree, read these instructions.
3. Generate Energy Through Cycling. According to this blog post by Linda LaRue, several gyms are offering cycling workouts in gyms that generat electricity while you bike. Right now the technology is very new and only limited to specific locations, but keep an eye out for this trend in the coming years! If you own or are planning on opening a gym, check out www.egreenrevolution.com on how you can bring this technology to your fitness center.
4. Do Gardening in Your Backyard or Community Garden. Check out this blog post from Doreen Pollack on how gardening gives you a great work-out. Think of all the pushing, pulling and heavy-lifting you have to do to grow something. You are also tremendously decreasing your carbon footprint by growing your own fruits and vegetables: less air and land travel for your food.
5. Walk the Dogs in Your Neighborhood. Are your dog-owner friends, family and neighbors too busy to walk their dog? Does your local animal shelter need help? Help give the dogs in your community a work-out by walking them around the neighborhood.
6. Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer opportunities for Habitat for Humanity are available both locally and internationally. Think of all the heavy-lifting you’ll be doing in helping build an affordable house. And think of the lives you will be tremendously improving for the new homeowners who will begin their new lives there.
Got other ideas for combining philanthropy and working out? Share them in the comments below!
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