In the streets of the USAbut in other parts of the world as well, a trend began to grow in recent years in which Thousands of people go running collecting garbage.
This is a practice called plogging and which many physical activity specialists already consider as the sport of the future. In America was driven by institutions like New York Road Runners (NYRR), but many amateur runners and residents of New York quickly joined.
What is plogging and how did it originate?
The term plogging It comes from the Swedish “plocka upp”, which means to collect. Basically, it is a practice that consists of do exercise outdoors while collect the garbage that is lying on the street.
The main reason why it originated is the search for clean urban spaces of New York and, at the same time, promote a lifestyle that is healthy for both the person and the environment.
For this, there is an important collaboration of the NYRR, which at its headquarters offers bags and gloves so that any person or group can join the initiative.
This physical activity became increasingly popular in different neighborhoods of the United States and even led to the holding of large sporting events. All this is because it has a community very committed to the activity.
The first events of plogging were organized six years ago, in 2019, by the NYRR as part of a campaign for Earth Day.
What benefits does plogging bring?
The first and main benefit that the plogging is he environmental care. But, indirectly or directly, it also brings a series of positive issues for the health of those who practice it.
Jason Fitzgerald, coach and host of the Strength Running Podcast, suggested that stopping to pick up trash generates «a lower heart rate than conventional running. This basically allows that person who practices plogging burns more fat than if they were running interruptedly. In addition, it promotes recovery after exercise.
Furthermore, Fitzgerald assures that this activity constitutes “a sustainable form of exercise “which helps strengthen bones, manage metabolism and prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes.”
He plogging can also be considered as a muscle training, since when bending down to gather the garbage a movement similar to squats or strides is performed. That is why specialists recommend stretching after exercise.
Lastly, it also brings a benefit linked to the psychological and social aspects, given that Those who plogging often experience a reduction in symptoms linked to depression.
Fitzgerald maintains that “Collecting trash benefits the community and generates personal satisfaction by feeling useful”. In turn, group dynamics help people reduce that feeling of isolation and strengthen social ties.
