Only in New York: This is plogging, the new eco-friendly way to exercise and meet people

Running is experiencing a “third boom” in popularity as more and more young people strap on a pair of sneakers to get some exercise. For those that don’t want to do it on their own, there are run clubs in communities across the nation that people can join.

While running is one of the best forms of aerobic exercises in its category for burning calories, a new trend is making the activity an even more robust workout, plogging. The term is a portmanteau of the Swedish word phrase “plocka upp,” which means “pick up,” and jogging.

Plogging to a better life

Not only do you get the benefits of running but by stopping along the way to pick up trash you also burn more calories and build more strength in your legs by bending down and squatting. Additionally, the start and stop nature of plogging can be better for your heart as it tends to produce a lower heart rate than merely jogging says Jason Fitzgerald, a running coach and host of the Strength Running Podcast, speaking to The Post.

Furthermore, not only are you helping your body to get healthier, but you are also improving your community and the planet by cleaning up unsightly litter, which threatens the environment and wildlife, and spurring those that see you to be better stewards of the Earth themselves. Some ploggers are even making money from the activity turning in bottles and cans they pick up for cash reports Men’s Journal.

Plogging has grown significantly in popularity as groups like the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organize plogging events before major races like they did the day before the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon earlier this month. While you may have missed that event, you can always take part in the 2026 World Plogging Championship (WPC) which will be happening later this year. However, you’ll need to sign up before noon 5 April.

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