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The Beginner's Guide to Plogging

on October 29, 2021

"Is plogging even a real word?" you might ask? Yes, and if you love running and the environment, it just might be for you!

What is Plogging?

Plogging has recently emerged as the latest fitness trend that combines exercise with environmentalism. The idea behind this latest fitness trend is to pick up trash or litter while jogging or running. However, it is not limited to jogging and running only. You can also perform any outdoor activity, such as cycling, that can help you stay fit while you do your part to keep the environment clean.

History of Plogging

Before we can get into our beginners guide to plogging, it is important to get familiar with its history. In Swedish, "pick up" translates to "plocka upp" and when combined with "jogging", you get "plogging". This fitness trend started in Sweden in the wake of 2016 and has since spread to other parts of the world, primarily via social media. Most notably, it has spread to Mexico, U.S.A. and throughout Europe.

How to Get Started with Plogging

Before you can start your plogging campaign, there are essentials that you require. First, it is important that you get yourself the appropriate gear for plogging. A pair of durable gloves is important so that you can protect your hands. You’ll also need a bag for collecting litter. Since it is an activity for exercise, it is important that you get yourself running shoes and light clothing for the activity.

It is also important to equip yourself with a bottle of hand sanitizer for cleaning up after the exercise. For the older lovers of plogging, it is essential to have a “claw” that makes it easier for them to collect litter without having to strain their backs. Before you can start plogging, it is important to scan the area you intend on covering so that you can optimize garbage collection as well.

How to Start Plogging

Plogging is an activity that can be done by one person or a group. For those who like personalized workouts, then plogging solo would be the best option. However, for those who like to have their workout sessions in groups, then it would be best that they identify their clique. Finding neighbors who like to indulge in plogging is a good way of starting out your plogging campaign.

Plogging in groups helps you stay motivated since the other parties keep you on toes. Generally, plogging is a social exercise that can be carried out along rivers, beaches, canals, in parks, and in the woods. Plogging in groups also helps you cover more ground in whichever area you choose.

Social Media and Plogging

It is also important to mention the impact of social media on plogging. Social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have been key to the spread of plogging's popularity. When the activity started in Sweden, participants started by creating Facebook groups through which plogging lovers and enthusiasts connected. Over time, these groups got more popular, thereby getting more people into the activity.

Instagram has also played a huge role in the development and spread of plogging. Every time ploggers complete their sessions, they take pictures of the groups they exercise in or even the litter that they have collected throughout the session. Posting these photos and tagging them #plogging makes it easier for other people to follow and get into the activity even more.

Plogging is a fitness trend that emerged in Sweden and has spread to other parts of the world in recent years. Before you can start plogging, it is important that you get the essential equipment and gear to make plogging easier as pointed out in this guide to plogging. Plogging sessions are important for both the participants and Mother Nature. While keeping fit, it also helps keep any kind of litter from the face of the earth. It is the perfect way of keeping the environment clean.

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