"Plogging" Will Be Your New Favorite Exercise To Do Outdoors

Social media continues to bless us with everything we never knew we needed, from dance challenges and DIY projects to healthy living hacks, self-care routines, and much more. It's a one-stop shop for creators and viewers alike, and if you're curious about a cool new trend or an important issue that's going on in the world, you'll likely find your answers on social media.

A fitness fad that totally took social media by storm is called "plogging," and it can give your regular jogging routine an upgrade in the best possible way. It's such an amazing way to get outdoors, soak up some sunlight, and breathe that fresh air this winter (and beyond). Read on to find out more about this exercise, and next, check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

People are jogging for a really great cause

couple jogging while holding bags of trash — Shutterstock

If you haven't heard about plogging just yet, let us fill you in. Your exercise routine just got a pretty rad update. "Plogging" has made waves on social media, with the TikTok hashtag currently situated at 6.8 million views. In an effort to get a sweat session in while also making our planet a cleaner place, this fitness trend involves jogging and picking up trash along your way.

Plogging comes to us from Sweden, as "plocka upp" in Swedish means "to pick up." People are picking up trash during their jogging routine, hence the name "plogging." Field Mag reports the term can be attributed to trail runner and Salomon community manager Erik Ahlström, who began picking up trash while out on jogs in Stockholm—and the rest is history.

You can customize your plogging routine

group of joggers collecting trash outside — Shutterstock

If you're excited to start plogging, we can't say we blame you. Many Facebook groups have started to get locals involved in the plogging effort, in addition to annual plogging events you can sign up for. You can also draw inspo from the big group of people who recently came together in Lexington, Kentucky in the name of plogging to help clean up the downtown neighborhoods. The group ended up gathering 101 pounds of trash, WTVQ reports.

Or maybe you'll take a page out of David Papineau's playbook—a Vancouver local who began tracking just how much trash he picked up off the ground during his runs. He ended up with around 24,000 face masks from the streets over a 10-month period. Apparently, it's a goal of Papineau's to clean up 30,000 face masks from the streets by the end of March 2022. You can follow his plogging journey on his Twitter, as it's well-documented.

TikTokers were eager to hop aboard the plogging train, too, and they have the content to prove it. Under the plogging hashtag, you'll see people getting active, immersing themselves in nature or a local city while filling up bags upon bags of trash. People are embracing the trend solo, while others are getting involved with friends or a big group in their community. Some are even working pushups and squats into their plogging routine to make the most of their exercise time outdoors. You can do whatever works best for you—the important part is, you're getting up and active in the fresh air while helping out the planet.

Plogging is good for your overall well-being—and the planet's

woman in fitness attire poses with trash bags while plogging — Shutterstock

Plogging is good for the mind, the body, and the planet. Jogging comes with a plethora of health benefits, including strengthening your immune system and lowering stress levels. Tim Liu, CSCS, Precision Nutrition Certified Coach tells us that plogging can improve your cardiovascular fitness, plus, it's a great way to get in your daily steps while keeping your neighborhood clean.

According to the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, an estimated 50 billion pieces of trash littered waterways and roadways in the U.S. when the study took place. Of the individuals who were surveyed in the study, 90% believe litter is a major issue in the state in which they reside.

You likely didn't need any convincing to get active in the great outdoors, but you'll feel pretty amazing from the inside out once you get involved in an activity like plogging. It's a great way to show the planet your endless love and support. You're contributing to the Earth's overall well-being just as you do your own, and that's something to be proud of.