Eco-Fitness: 6 Tips For Becoming An Environmentally Responsible Gym

First came the recycling movement. Then environmentally friendly and sustainably-produced products became the norm. 

Now, eco-fitness is sweeping the wellness industry. But how do you practice it in your fitness studio? Read our 6 tips for becoming an environmentally responsible gym, to get started. 

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Let’s start with one of the simplest eco-fitness steps you can take – waste reduction.  If you want to inspire your gym users to follow an eco-friendly lifestyle, lead by example. By using the best gym management software, there’s no need for copious office paperwork and sign-in forms at the front desk. It’ll help your entire operation.

You can provide members-only content on your website, portal & even mobile app. Online bookings, member info, and attendance records offer fast, simple convenience.  And the performance insights you gain from top-rate software will help you streamline the running of your facilities. With a bit of dedication, eco-fitness can be easy and fun. 

Many of your gym users bring energy bars, canned or bottled sports drinks, and other items to the gym. Emphasize the importance of recycling and proper waste segregation with visible recycling bins.  Mark each one with bold lettering to indicate which type of waste goes where. Another gym-friendly measure is reducing single-use plastics. Stop offering disposable water bottles. Rather, encourage gym members to bring refillable bottles that they can fill at a central water cooler station.  

Energy Conservation

Conserving energy is one of the biggest impacts you can make on the environment. Energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED lights or motion sensor lights and timers to optimize energy usage, will save you money in the long run, too. 

Another way you can keep track of your energy usage is to implement smart energy management systems. This will help you monitor and regulate your facility’s energy usage. It’s just another simple thing you can do to help save the earth, by conserving resources.

Renewable Energy Sources

What’s the best way to conserve energy? Using renewable energy sources, of course. Renewable energy sources are now becoming more and more mainstream. Look for ways you can integrate these technologies into your gym facilities. 

Wind turbines and solar panels, particularly, are now popping up all over residential and commercial zones. They help to reduce your power and heating costs. Some areas may even offer incentives to businesses that implement solar energy. Do the research and determine if these alternative energy sources can work for you. It can be as simple as solar panels for heating, stuck up on your roof. 

It’s small steps like these that will build your reputation as a gym committed to environmental friendliness.  

Sustainable Equipment and Materials

If you want to champion the eco-fitness cause, invest in eco-friendly exercise equipment. Consider equipment made from recycled materials, and sustainable flooring options, such as recycled rubber or bamboo.

This conserves dwindling environmental resources and reduces landfills. It also promotes you as a gym that’s dedicated to saving the environment. But don’t stop there. 

Use non-toxic cleaning products for your floors, counters, and gym equipment. They’re healthier for your customers and better for the planet. 

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and worth more than just a passing thought on World Water Day. Do what you can to conserve it.

Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances, and invest in water-saving technologies like low-flow faucets and shower heads. Put up some colorful and educational posters in the changing rooms about conserving water. And remember to include this vital information on your website as a public service.

Like many larger gyms and wellness centers, yours may have an indoor heated pool for hydro-fitness exercises. Keep the pool, but be more sensible about how you use it. If your gym has a pool, there are so many ways you can reduce water wastage, energy wastage, and practice eco-fitness in one area. 

Check regularly for leaks, install a pool pump timer, and don’t overfill it. Use solar panels for heating your pool water. 

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Our last tip is to promote eco-friendly transportation. Your gym members already want to lead healthier, better lives. It’s why they joined your gym in the first place. Help them do this while making the planet a healthier place for future generations.

Encourage members to use their bicycles to come to the gym and provide them with bike storage racks. You could even offer a small discount or some other perk for those who choose this option.  Cycling is not only great exercise, but it also doesn’t produce the toxic exhaust fumes that gas-driven cars do. 

That’s good news because exhaust fumes don’t just pollute the air and make us sick. Research on exhaust fumes shows they also confuse wildlife like bees and butterflies.

Cycling to the gym is not an option for everyone. Carpooling or public transportation is another good option. Ensure that your staff also follow this advice, with adequate bike racks for everyone. Don’t forget to stress the importance of safety helmets, though.