After a good workout, you always feel a bit buzzed. You also feel a bit gross. Whether it’s a weekly spin class or a quick sesh on the treadmill, if you haven’t broken a sweat, then either you’re cheating (sorry) or you’re a medical marvel. 

But we have some good news for all of you natural beauties out there. Just because you want to avoid the industrial strength antiperspirants out there doesn’t mean you can’t keep fit and stay fresh. Check out these natural beauty buys that make for the perfect workout partners.

5 Natural Beauty Buys to Stay Fresh at the Gym

1. R.L Linden Close To Me Uplifting Deodorant Spray
Low and high maintenance gym bunnies alike will all have one thing in common in their bags: deodorant. If you like to stick to a nasties-free solution for sweat busting (just the odor, because you definitely should sweat), then most of the time the only choices are creams. They’re more often than not the best option, but in warm bags where they can melt? Not so much. This spray not only takes this problem away, but works just as well for keeping your pits stink-free. In fact, we think after a few refreshing spritzes of this rose geranium number, they’re going to smell pretty good. Grab the 15ml travel size for the perfect gym buddy.

2. Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Natural Facial Cleansing Cloths
Face wipes are a no-go when it comes to good skincare practice, but these are an exception to the rules. Rather than the usual harsh alcohols and questionable preservatives, these are brimming with skin loving honey, sunflower oil and glycerin. The result? Your face will feel both cleansed and moisturized. Don’t fret too much about the waste either, as the cloths themselves are made fully of biodegradable bamboo. Yep, Kaia Naturals thought of everything. Whether you need to remove makeup before hitting class, or want a quick refresh after, you’ll be thankful you slipped these into your gym bag.

3. John Masters Organics Essential Travel Kit

One person’s travel kit is another person’s workout recovery kit! You can’t argue with four gym beauty essentials in one convenient zip-up bag, and the fact they are all vegan and full of organic ingredients is the cherry on top. Inside you’ll find the best-selling Lavender Rosemary Shampoo and Citrus & Neroli Detangler to cleanse and replenish locks, and the Grapefruit & Geranium Body Wash and Body Lotion duo for a deliciously gentle addition to your shower.

4. Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo 
No time for a shower? It happens. We all need those quick fixes every now and then, and making sure they’re au natural lessens the guilt factor. This simple but sweetly scented dry shampoo will give post-workout hair back its bounce by absorbing excess oil and moisture (that’s code for sweat, of course), without leaving any tell-tale traces.

5. RMS Beauty ‘Un’ Powder
One of the biggest beauty benefits of an intense session in the gym is the immediate, healthy glow that follows. After the slightly flustered look subsides, your complexion is left looking perky from the blood flow boost you’ve given it (lucky skin). This cult translucent powder is a master at reducing any unwanted shine you might have, without masking that gorgeous glow you worked so hard for. Pure, high-quality silica is its only trick, and it will keep working as long as you need it without the hassle of reapplying.

Related on EcoSalon
8 Badass Pieces of Workout Gear That are Both Ethical and Warm
How to Not Sweat (or Stink) With Natural Deodorant
The 7 Best Beauty Products for a Post-Workout Glow

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Some of my best friends enjoy going to the gym. They say they get a charge out of a good workout, a buzz from a good schvitz. I have to admit, though, I never was much of a gym rat. I mean, take a walk or ride a bike and go somewhere, do something. Exercise, to me, should be a value-add. Running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike seems kind of, well, like going nowhere.

That caveat aside, from where I sit (emphasis on “sit”), someone’s finally come up with a way to make workouts do some work. A company called ReRev is retrofitting cardio gym equipment to turn the kinetic motion of your aerobic workout into DC (direct current) power that feeds back into a building’s electrical system. The current is fed into a ReRev box where it’s converted into utility-grade AC (alternating current), the form of electricity our homes and businesses know and love. That’s free – working up a sweat aside – electricity with no maintenance required.

According to ReRev, the system can turn a typical 30-minute workout into 50 watt hours of clean electricity. That’s enough to power a laptop for an hour, charge your cell phone six times, or power a compact fluorescent light (CFL) for two and a half hours.

The system is installed at a growing number of facilities across the country, including venues at a bunch of universities, such as Florida, Kentucky, Chico State in Northen California, and Drexel in Philadelphia (pictured above). In fact, your gym could be ideal for a ReRev system, depending on its workout volume and amount of equipment.

And if you’re interested, the ReRev site has a nifty form you can fill out about your gym master (Is that what they’re called? I wouldn’t even know).

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Lights, treadmills, fans, air conditioning. Unless you pump iron at the Venice Beach outdoor gym
chances are you’re burning as many kilowatts as calories. Here’s how to green your fitness routine.

Does your health club have recycle bins near the sports drink vending machines?

If not, contact your city hall to see what steps must be taken to arrange for pick up or if the health club must hire a private firm. Meet with the owner or manager of the club to share your findings.

Are the lights connected to motions sensors?

Surf the web to show the management how easy it is to find motion sensors.

Can a water filter be installed on the fountain?

Water filters are a great way to rid water of metals and improve taste. Install one in your health club bubbler and you’ll be doing your part to discourage vending machine use.

Bring along a refillable aluminum water container, like a SIGG or Klean Kanteen, PBA-Free plastic ones such as Nalgene or Camelbak to landfill bottle buildup.

Namaste green

The Green Yoga Association offers a checklist to help health clubs and yoga studios go green such as choosing a yoga mat that’s been produced without PVC or latex (using bamboo or hemp) and earth-friendly mat cleaners like Happy Yoga Mat Wash. Opt for sustainable workout clothing such as organic cotton yoga pants and bamboo sports bras, and print schedules, flyers, and other promotional materials on tree-free or recycled paper.

Green cardio

If you love the StepMill or StairMaster, try playing Rocky and find a few flights of stairs. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by making some of your own. While the motions are similar, real steps will have you utilizing different muscles each time you vary your stride and width.

If you love the treadmill, take a stab at venturing outside. What might have seemed daunting in 2008 could be just the push you need to break out of your comfort zone and make 2009 the year to try new things.

Once you’re gained a little confidence sign up for a local road race and see if you can shave a few seconds off your time. No race to be found? Create one of your own and support a cause that you believe in. Be sure to log on to The Greenteam a community for race events, runners, and folks who simply give a damn. Greenteam members (it’s free to join) have access to eco-friendly race listings and nutrition and training tips.

Earth friendly running shoes

They’re starting to pick up speed, albeit slowly. Check out the the Cascadia 3, made with all natural ingredients, and The Trance┞¢ 8 with BioMoGo, which had a biodegradable sole.

When you’re ready to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, log on to Recycled Runners to find a new home for your old friends. Click on to your state to find a drop spot.

Race in place

Not up for venturing out yet? That’s ok. Reduce your transportation footprint by working out at home with a DVD. No more falling behind in class – simply pause and rewind until you’re in your comfort zone, from belly dancing and Body Bar to Bosu and Ballet.

Image: Celso Flores

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It was always a good idea; now it’s finally been done. Just in time for January fitness resolutions, sing up for the gym that’s partially powered by your workout. (It’s okay to admit that this conjures up images of hamsters on the treadmill, generating energy for the world to go round.) But rodent making the rounds it’s not. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, has set the new standard for eco-fitness, indoors.

The gym is outfitted with Team Dynamo and Spin bikes set up to generate electricity, as well as extensive solar panels that help to offset the gym’s carbon track print. Treadmills use 30% less power than standard models, all lights are compact fluorescents, and the floors are made of recycled rubber and eco-friendly cork.

If you’re nowhere near Portland, all is not lost. What I like best on Green Microgym’s eco list is that personal trainers sometimes take their clients outside to exercise. Don’t forget the original solar-powered gym: the great outdoors.

Image: iconocast

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