Plogging is a sport trend that combines jogging and environmental protection. BILD ©_KUBE_ Stock.Adobe.com

The term plogging is a combination of the Swedish word ‘plocka’, meaning ‘to pick up’, and ‘jogging’. The idea is simple: pick up litter while you run and dispose of it properly after your workout. This way you do something good for the environment and for your own health.

The trend was started in 2016 by Erik Ahlström from Stockholm, who was annoyed by the increasing amount of litter in his city. What started as a local initiative quickly spread worldwide via social networks. Today, there are also a number of groups in German-speaking countries dedicated to plogging.

What do you need to start plogging?

Plogging is easy and can be done by anyone. All you need is your normal running clothes, a garbage bag, and a pair of gloves. If you don’t want to pick up trash with your hands, you can also pack a pair of pliers for your plogging trip. And if you prefer company, check out social media – especially in big cities, you can easily find like-minded people.

Benefits

Plogging combines the health benefits of jogging with a good cause. Regular cardio exercise such as jogging strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves performance. But plogging goes one step further: the constant stooping, picking up and carrying of garbage makes plogging a full-body workout. Muscle groups such as the thighs, back, abs and shoulders are also used, increasing the fitness effect. At the same time, interval training – the constant stopping and starting – stimulates circulation.

But you are also doing something good for the environment with your training. As we say here on the blog, every little bit helps. The most important thing is to separate your trash properly after your run, or maybe just collect one type of trash per lap. Because when you are jogging, you are limited to one trash bag. If you are training with others, you can also divide it up so that each person only collects one type of trash.