If you’ve walked into a gym recently, you may have noticed some changes. Maybe the lights are dimmer, the water fountains have been replaced with bottle refilling stations, or you’ve spotted more people in sustainable workout gear. Welcome to the era of eco-friendly fitness! As our awareness of environmental issues grows, so too does our desire to make our lifestyles more sustainable – including how we exercise.

But what exactly do we mean by “eco-friendly” or “environmentally friendly” fitness? Are these just buzzwords, or is there something real behind the trend? Fitness expert and personal trainer Nikki Ellis breaks it down.

What does eco friendly fitness really mean?

At its core, “eco-friendly” refers to practices and products that are designed to have minimal impact on the environment. This can include everything from using materials that are recyclable or biodegradable to reducing energy consumption or carbon emissions. In the fitness world, this trend is manifesting in several ways—gyms and fitness studios are adopting sustainable practices, and individuals are making more environmentally conscious choices when it comes to their workouts.

Why are more people looking for eco friendly ways to workout?

The push toward eco-friendly fitness is part of a larger movement towards sustainable living. As people become more aware of the environmental impact of their daily activities, they’re looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint—including in the gym. There’s a growing realization that the fitness industry, with its energy-consuming equipment and single-use plastics, can contribute to environmental degradation.

For many, choosing an eco-friendly gym or workout routine is a way to align their fitness goals with their values. It’s about making sure that the pursuit of health and wellness doesn’t come at the expense of the planet. Plus, there’s a growing body of evidence that exercising in a more natural environment—like outdoor workouts or nature-based yoga—can have mental and physical benefits that you just don’t get from a traditional gym setting.

How gyms are going green

So, how exactly are fitness facilities stepping up their game in the sustainability department? The changes are both big and small, but together they’re making a difference.

1. Energy-Efficient Equipment: Some gyms are investing in energy-efficient machines that use less power, or even generate electricity as you work out. For example, there are treadmills and stationary bikes that feed energy back into the grid, reducing the overall energy consumption of the facility. There is also equipment that runs solely on people power – think the dreaded Assault bike, Concept 2 Rowing ergometer, or the goold old spin bike. 

2. Sustainable Building Materials: When renovating or building new spaces, many gyms are opting for sustainable materials—think bamboo flooring, recycled rubber mats, or low-VOC paints that reduce indoor air pollution.

3. Water Conservation: Gyms are notorious for their water usage, especially in showers and pools. Some facilities are installing low-flow showers, water-saving toilets, and pool covers to reduce evaporation. Others have replaced water fountains with bottle refilling stations, encouraging members to ditch single-use plastic bottles.

4. Reducing Single-Use Plastics: From towels to protein shakes, gyms can generate a lot of waste. Some are now offering reusable towels, encouraging members to bring their own mats, or selling eco-friendly, refillable water bottles and containers for supplements.

5. The days of gyms having thousands of program cards stowed in filing cabinets are gone, training programs are now easily shared with clients via apps such as STRONG or Trainerize meaning many gyms are very close to being paper free. 

6. Green Certifications: More gyms are seeking out green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which means they meet specific sustainability criteria in their design and operation. This can include energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

The not-so-sustainable side of wellness studios

Despite these positive changes, there are still some not-so-sound environmental practices happening in many gyms. Some of which you might not even notice. These include:

1. Power-Hungry Machines: While energy-efficient machines are on the rise, most gyms still have a fleet of power-hungry equipment. Treadmills, in particular, are some of the biggest energy consumers in the gym. They require a lot of electricity to keep those belts moving, especially when they’re in use for hours on end.

2. Lighting and Climate Control: Gyms are often brightly lit and heavily air-conditioned, both of which can use up a ton of energy. Some gyms are switching to LED lighting and implementing more efficient HVAC systems, but there’s still a long way to go in reducing these energy costs.

3. Chemical Cleaning Products: The need for cleanliness in gyms is non-negotiable, but many facilities still use harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Forward-thinking gyms are now using eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are just as effective but less toxic, for the environment and the clients.

Raising the bar

Eco-friendly fitness is more than just a trend. It’s a necessary shift in how we approach our health and wellness. By choosing sustainable practices, both gyms and individuals can help reduce their environmental impact, all while staying fit and healthy. When you are looking around for a new gym ask the Manager – what environmental practices do you have in place here? 

Next time you hit the gym, take a moment to consider how your workout might be affecting the planet. It might just inspire you to make a few changes—whether that’s opting for a green gym, bringing your own water bottle, or choosing a treadmill that gives back to the grid. After all, the goal is to feel good about your workout—and that includes feeling good about the impact it’s having on the world around you.

Nikki Ellis is a Melbourne-based personal trainer, fitness expert, and author with over 30 years of experience. She specialises in helping perimenopausal and menopausal women achieve their health and fitness goals. Nikki has co-authored two books and her podcast, launched during Melbourne’s lockdowns, has garnered over 15,000 downloads, inspiring many with its health and lifestyle content. You can follow her on @cinchtraining