94 HEALTHYFOODGUIDEMAY 2019
WHATISIT?A combinationof
thewords‘jogging’andplocka
(Swedishfor‘topick’),plogging
meanspickinguplitterwhile
jogging.ThisScandinaviantrendis
a simplewaytoimproveyourlocal
environmentandprotectwildlife
whilegettinginyourregularrun
orwalk.It hasspreadviasocial
media,andmanycountrieshave
ploggingsub-communitiesamong
theirrunningones.
WHATMIGHTI BEDOING?As
muchoraslittleasyoulike.Next
timeyouheadoutfora walkor
run,takea carrierbagandsee
whatyoucancollect.Asyouget
intothehabit,youmightprogressFitness
app
Lifesum
allows
youtolog
plogging
asan
activity.
Itsaysa
typical
user
burns
288
calories
during
a half-
hour
clear-upWHAT IS IT? Green Gyms are an
initiative created and run by The
Conservation Volunteers (TCV)
to help you get fit, meet new
people, learn new skills and help
your local environment. They’re
fun, free sessions where guides
take you through practical,
physical outdoor activities such
as digging a wildlife pond or
planting trees.
WHAT MIGHT I BE DOING?
Each session starts and ends
with a warm-up and cool-down.
You’ll then be set to work getting
your hands dirty, conserving
and improving your natural
environment. You’ll also improve
your strength, stamina and
aerobic fitness. In fact, almost
a third more calories can be
burned in some sessions than in
the average aerobics class. The
Department of Health recognisesthe positive impact of Green
Gyms and GPs are now able
to prescribe attendance. By
providing contact with nature,
sociable, group activity and the
opportunity to contribute to the
community, Green Gyms are
widely acknowledged to improve
mental as well as physical
wellbeing. TCV works closely with
partners such as Mind, the mental
health charity, to maximise the
benefits for members.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Green Gym sessions range from
light to vigorous activity, so
they’re suitable for all ages,
fitness levels and abilities.
HOW CAN I JOIN IN? Visit
tcv.org.uk/greengym to sign up
to the Green Gym newsletter, find
sessions near you (there are 100
groups around the UK) or enquire
about starting one.❛Just eight weeks of participation
in TCV’s Green Gym showed clear
enhancements in the cortisol awakening
response that is beneficial for health and
wellbeing. Participants also reported
marked reductions in anxiety and stress
❜
PROFESSOR ANGELA CLOW, UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER3 TRY A GREEN GYM
4
GO
PLOGGING