What is plogging?

Plogging is the new fitness trend coming out of Sweden. Basically, it is picking up litter while out jogging or walking. But it’s much more than that!

The first mention of the activity seems to be back in October 2016, but it’s only in the last few months that plogging has really caught on, with whole groups of mates regularly meeting up to take part in the craze. Not just here but around the world.

What is Plogging – origins

In Swedish, it is known as ‘Plogga’. ‘Plocka upp’ meaning ‘pick up’ in Swedish, is where the word comes from. Erik Ahlström started plogging in the Swedish capital city, Stockholm when he moved there. He created the website Plogga to organise the activity and encourage volunteers. It grew from there.

My best friends are Swedish and live in Stockholm, so I have experienced the phenomena first hand. It’s probably where my love for the outdoor fitness I continually advocate on here comes from. But you know me, I try not to do things in the usual way. This fits perfectly into the new way of thinking about exercise.

What is Plogging with Jogging

Whether you are walking or jogging, Picking things up has it’s benefits to your workout aswell as the planet.

The Swedish-based fitness app Lifesum, which considers plogging a legitimate exercise, says 30-minute plog burns around 288 calories, compared to 235 calories burned just from jogging. Every little helps. When you consider the fact that you are bending down to pick up the litter your legs and butt cheeks are getting a workout too from all those lunges and squats.

You will need a pair of gloves, a bag to put them in and a bin to drop them off in on the way home. Consider the things that you can pick up. Cans, plastic in all its forms, cardboard, things that can be recycled or disposed of in the right way. Some, not all, people are lazy slobs and just drop things and walk away. Be the opposite.

Other benefits of being a Plogger

The obvious benefit is a cleaner local environment for you and your neighbours to enjoy. If more people in different locations started too, that means a better country. But think about the other benefits for you.

• Better self-esteem and opinion of yourself
• A sense of achievement
• Fresh air and fitness
• Community involvement
• Timeout with friends and family
• No cost involved
• Helping out an already stretched local council
• Add your own in the comments below

How to start plogging, the new fitness trend

Well that’s easy, gloves, bag and trainers on and open your front door. Why not get some of your friends together, pop your intentions on Facebook and invite folks in the neighbourhood to join you. Look for groups already doing it and join in.

The habit and the intention are the same for this as with everything. Decide then do. Put an empty carrier bag next to your trainers right now, or put your trainers in the bag! Put a pattern in place.

You can always rely on the Swedes to come up with something to make life better! Let me know how you get on.

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