The fitness industry has been booming during the pandemic. Countless individuals turned to fitness for support during lockdown and self-isolation. As North America began to reopen, more and more enthusiasts discovered their passion for running a fitness-focused business.
It is fair to say that the possibilities are endless. With a variety of fitness niches to choose from, you could opt for opening a gym with a difference or teaching yoga. Of course, to turn your passion into a viable venture, you need to present training certifications and design a safe space for your customers.
However, many fitness businesses forget to manage their ecological footprint. Indeed, fitness businesses can have a negative impact on the environment if you don’t establish preventive measures from the start. Here are essential ideas to create a sustainable strategy for your fitness club.
Don’t let your equipment go to waste
Gym studios, pilates classes, and many other sports require specialist machines. If you have a selection of metal weights or metal equipment inside your business, you need to consider the best management strategy when it’s time to get rid of all units.
It’s not uncommon for gym and pilates clubs, which often use expensive, large-scale equipment, to consider selling their used machines to fitness enthusiasts. If you wish to renew or upgrade your gym machines, selling them at a lower price to fitness lovers can be a fantastic way of prolonging their life.
Alternatively, if your equipment is not safe for further use, you may want to get in touch with specialist metal recycling places, such as Norstar. The professionals can ensure all metal parts can be repurposed or disposed of safely for the planet.
Introduce a bin policy
What is the most common item that gym-goers and other fitness lovers are likely to bring to your business? The answer is energy food. Energy bars and energy shakes are a favorite for those who are planning a long session.
Unfortunately, these high-protein supplements can create significant waste issues. Indeed, energy bars wrapping isn’t always recyclable. Similarly, shake bottles can also come in a variety of packaging materials.
More often than not, bottles or cans can be recycled if they are put in the appropriate bin. However, labels present on the packaging may not be suitable for recycling.
Also, some of your customers may prefer homemade recipes, such as bringing protein balls wrapped in foil or fruit jerky packaged inside backing parchments.
Introducing a selection of bins for your customers can ensure your gym studio supports recycling initiatives. Do make sure to ask customers about their favorite snacks and packaging so you can be prepared. As a rule of thumb, you need bins to collect:
- Organic waste
- Recycling plastic
- Paper and cardboard
- Non-recycling package
- Metal cans
Encourage controlled water consumption
You may worry about guests wasting water if you have shower facilities as they wash away the sweat after a class. How can you encourage your customers to become more mindful of water use?
The presence of signs inside the shower area can help remind them of the importance of saving water. You can place signs explaining that you wish to bring the gym’s water use to a certain level. Turning restriction into a competition can help bring your customers on board.
Additionally, you can add eco-friendly soap and shampoo bars to reduce plastic use in the shower. Natural bars are also less likely to leave a residue on the skin, which means your guests need less water to wash it off.
Select sustainable materials for your fitness club
As tempting as it can be to opt for PVC or rubber mats, for instance, you can find cork-based or tree rubber yoga and gym mats that have a neutral environmental footprint. Did you know that PVC mats often end up in landfills where they cause lead to an eco-disaster?
PVC is also a highly toxic plastic. It can affect your health, rubbing into your skin after prolonged contact.
Another important consideration in the gym is refillable bottles of water. Most gym-goers use plastic bottles, which can gradually pass a small number of toxins into the water. You can provide a selection of safe refillable bottles for your customers to purchase too.
If you use towels in the studio, it can be a good idea to have a selection of skin-safe and sustainable towels. That way, your customers can look after their health and the environment at the same time.
Concluding words on your sustainable fitness biz
Are you ready to bring your fitness business to the next level with green and sustainable best practices? Encouraging safe choices for the planet and people can help boost your business reputation at the same time as protecting the Earth. Find out more about what a successful business needs in this recent guide.