Going Jogging? Why Not Try Plogging?

There are many reasons why people jog – to lose weight, stay fit, clear their heads, for fun – you name it. Jogging is good for you in a whole myriad of ways, especially in that it’s both physically and mentally beneficial.

plogging

But what if your daily run could be something more? What if it not only benefit you and your well-being, but also the planet’s as well?

Enter “plogging.”

What is Plogging?

A trend originating in Sweden, the concept behind plogging is quite simple. Before you head out for a jog, put on your running shoes and arm yourself with an empty trash bag. As you jog, you’ll pick up litter along your path, tossing it into the bag you brought along.

Wondering about the name? Well, it’s a mix of “jogging” and the Swedish term “plocka upp,” which means “pick up.” Makes sense, right?

Fitness Benefits

If you thought the only added benefit was for the Earth, think again. Plogging also incorporates intermittent squats into your run. This adds a muscle-building aspect to what’s typically just plain cardio.

According to fitness app Lifesum, which will let you track plogging as a legitimate exercise, you also burn more calories.

Shifting Focus

If exercising isn’t something you typically enjoy, plogging offers another benefit. It gives you a different goal on which you can focus – one that shares no relation to your physical fitness.

Instead of thinking about jogging as a chore related to weight-loss or fitness maintenance, it acts as a legitimate distraction. You quickly forget about the tribulations of working out while seeking out stray refuse.

You’ll also immediately have something to show for your efforts, making your jog feel like even more of a success.

#Plogging and #Trashtags

Cleaning up the world around you isn’t just a trend in Sweden. Lately, not only has the #plogging hashtag gained popularity, so has #trashtagging.

In both cases, people take part in providing a valuable service to the community and the environment. However, while trashtagging has become an incredibly wholesome viral challenge, plogging is something that can be done more casually.

Trashtaggers post before and after photos of an area in dire need of cleaning, often amounting to a large-scale project. Ploggers simply fill a bag as they go for a run.