Get Fit. Do Good.

From my friends’ and my own experiences, I think two of the most common New Year’s Resolutions must be “becoming more active” and “becoming a better person.” Well, what if you could kill two resolutions with one stone?

Here are a few ideas that can help you improve your health, while also improving your community.

• Volunteer as a dog walker for a local shelter. The animals will improve their chances at adoption, while you’ll breathe easier from the regular cardiovascular exercise.
• Clear invasive weeds from an overgrown hiking trail. As you’re strengthening your upper body, you’ll also be strengthening the native wildlife’s chances for survival.
• Help build a Habitat for Humanity home. They don’t call it “sweat equity” for nothing. The calorie burn for handyperson activities like carpentry and painting can range from 200 to 500 calories per hour.
• Enter a charity walk/run/bike event. Raise your heart rate while raising funds for research.

Looking for more ideas? Check out the VolunteerMatch and Idealist.org sites to see who in your area could use a helping hand.

Comments

[Mike]

Great list. I'd especially have to agree with the Habitat for Humanity listing! I've done it a couple of times. It's a great way to burn those calories and to help people who would ordinarily not be able to own their own home. Nice post!