sustainability in the fitness industry

The future of fitness industry is looking forward to brighter skies after an uncertain period manifested a shift in the way people exercise. More than 1,000 solar panels have been installed in its more than 100,000-square-foot Sacramento-based facility (which includes office, manufacturing and shipping/distribution space), with an additional 1,118 to be installed by fall 2022, which will transform the facility from a net energy user to a net energy producer. Outside of academics, Monika loves to travel, play soccer, hike, and is an avid yogi. The term refers to alternate means of moving your body, including low-impact workouts, stretching, and nature walks. Sustainability challenges for the fitness industry, like other business sectors, fall into three broad categories: reducing energy use, reducing waste (particularly from plastics) and reducing pollution. Net zero resources. IDEA History Timeline: 40 Years of IDEA Highlights! Sustainability is about looking after people, the environment and our economy so that everyone can experience well-being and reach our potential, now and into the future. 2022. The company is constantly considering ways to improve, increase efficiencies and reduce waste. (Polyester is made from plastic.) For example, infrared saunas consume much less energy than other sauna types. football team Forest Green Rovers, which has become the first carbon-neutral professional club in the world. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy. Buy greenand local. Through it we can look at the microcosm of our own personal bodies and understand how our health and the health of the planet are intertwined. This article provides an overview of sustainability issues that challenge the fitness industry, the steps that some market leaders are taking to forge change, some ways to improve sustainability practices and the potential benefits to your business. (activewellness.com). Food products can be organically grown and locally sourced. In addition to conserving energy, install energy-generating equipment when possible. Unlock the latest industry research, tools and exclusive offers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Steer away from conventional gym gear that uses non-recyclable plastics like PVC and foam. You can find a variety of certified safe and sustainable cleaning products through Green Seal. Powering down equipment and shutting off lights in unused facility areas during non-peak hours saves energy, says Honas. Accessed May 27, 2022: epa.gov/report-environment/sustainability-and-roe. The company's own solar power is used for production. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Install motion-sensor lighting and a smart thermostat system to regulate and optimize energy use. Currently, Balanced Bodys manufacturing facility is equipped with solar panels, among numerous other green initiatives, and is a net-zero energy producer, or one that consumes only as much energy as it produces (EPA 2022b). The International Olympic Committee adopted a sustainability policy with three major spheres of responsibility for sustainability principles and practices: 1) in its day-to-day operations as an organization, 2) in the planning and staging of the Olympic Games and 3) in assisting all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement to integrate sustainability within their organizations and operations (IOC 2017). The fitness industry has adapted to life in lockdown and could well hold on to those changes permanently. During the pandemic, consumers were focused more on their own health, but are now turning their attention back to the health of the planet. 2022b. The big sports players, like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA, are starting to lead on this. Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy. A 2020 IBM survey reported that nearly 60% of consumers surveyed are willing to change shopping habits to reduce environmental impact. Tenants can speak to landlords about replacing fluorescent lights with LED lights and installing dimmers, for example. When packaging is necessary, sell products packaged in paper, glass or aluminum. 2021. Activity sector launches drive to net-zero. 5. Accessed May 27, 2022: leisureopportunities.co.uk/news/Activity-sector-launches-drive-to-net-zero-with-decarbonisaton-plans-new-association-SECC-Sport-Environment-and-Climate-Coalition/349277. Let people know that socially responsible, sustainable solutions have been integrated into the [fitness] experience [at your club], showing that core values are more than just a list on the wall, but are being lived every day.. I am proud to have spearheaded our revamped packaging efforts to integrate more sustainable materials, particularly in light of how our landfills are overflowing with waste. Accessed May 27, 2022: lesmills.com/us/clubs-and-facilities/research-insights/audience-insights/generation-active-the-80-your-club-cant-ignore/. Along with regional chains, colleges and universities have become customers of SportsArt due to student groups searching to bring sustainable solutions to campus fitness centers. ), See also: 40 Future Fitness Trends to Grow Your Business. The design phase is key to implementing most sustainability practices, says Justin Honas, director of procurement and design at Active in Chandler, Arizona. Alternatively, consider replacing old equipment with energy-generating machines. Meet the 2020 consumers driving change. Sustainability and environmental protection in the fitness industry - It works! Those with allergies may be particularly appreciative. 2.2. What sustainability issues impact the fitness industry? One big part of your apparel brand and the collection will be the materials in each product. In Germany, a fitness facility model of sustainability practices opened in July 2021. From there, it is a small jump to realizing that many of the things we truly want are 100% compatable with what the planet truly needs. The following are major areas for change. Cut back on plastic wrap. Tech-enabled fitness drives personalisation and immersive experiences. The term refers to alternate means of moving your body, including low-impact workouts, stretching, and nature walks. Find out about what you need to do if you are a fitness supplier. Hint: try using the name of the nearest city. The total42 percentis the largest share attributed to any single industry. We have 40 years of experience supporting pros just like you! Marcellin, F. 2022b. Basically, sustainable fitness is a long-term plan. New to the fitness scene are the Paragon Studio Diabolo Dumbbells. Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. They tend to have strong carbon reduction targets and encourage companies in their supply chain to become more responsible and sustainable by finding solutions to unsustainable practices. Making a carbon reduction commitment requires planning and specific science-based interim targets to be meaningful. In weight training, the selection of sustainable gym equipment is limited. bounce fitness sustainability policy presentation <renhua piao> Presentation's Aim To promote the workplace sustainability policy and its outcomes to key stakeholders. Why is the physical activity sector particularly well placed to make a difference when it comes to sustainability?Nearly half of the worlds population tuned in to watch at least one match of the 2018 World Cup. Together, they will generate 1.1 megawatt of power. Industry group leaders in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland launched an alliance in March 2022the Sport Environment and Climate Coalition (SECC). Oftentimes, gym goers don't have this option at home and come to the gym specifically for these machines. The global health-club industry raked in nearly $98 billion in 2019, showing little to no signs of slowing down. Say how much you love the products while imploring [the companies] to be more sustainable on pack-and-ship practices. Its about minimising your negative impacts and increasing your positive impact. SportsArt is leading the fitness industry in terms of eco-innovation, sustainability, design and quality. This seems to reduce waste, keep facilities clean and keep members happy, he says. Today, he offers The Green Read and Ride Bike for schools and is a rep for SportsArt. While it can be overwhelming and cost-prohibitive to consider radical change, its doable for anyone to use the suggestions here to integrate sustainability initiatives into their businessone step, one day at a time. Reduce or eliminate use of plastic wrap or bags from goods used, produced or sold. Want more health and fitness inspiration? Download our Media Kit Initiating smart water programs such as installing faucet motion sensors and low-flow toilets, shower heads and faucets can save 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Accessed May 30, 2022: epa.gov/greenerproducts/frequent-questions-about-sustainable-marketplace-and-green-products#One. Transparency: public progress reports that share steps made toward goal achievement (Kwak-Hefferan & Palmer 2022). Consumption of the industry's fuels creates one-third of all greenhouse gases (GHG), and operations from oil and gas companies account for another 9 percent of GHG emissions directly. The plant-tanned natural leather at NOHrD remains as natural as possible.That's why every NOHrD training device is unique. Expanding to activewear for all women, they have bright, cheerful selections of bras, shorts, leggings, and windbreakers. This goes for companies that package your products for sale, as well. To watch Balanced Bodys brief video on its initiatives, go to bit.ly/3PsxzJ2. In the fitness industry, it's often paired with words like "eco gym" and "green fitness" which refer to the practice of reducing buildings' carbon footprints in order to help the environment. When it comes to sustainability, however, it's hard to separate fact from fiction. Here, not only the effort of the members is measured in watts rather than calories, but the entire environment is designed to put the principle of sustainability at the center: the walls are made of recycled wood, the floor is made of reconverted rubber, and even the towels, offered to each member, they are biodegradable. From me to we: The rise of the purpose-led brand. Cardio Machines. How to make your gym more eco - practical sustainability tips The Customer Engagement Playbook for Your Fitness Business Workers are also more values-driven in todays marketplace: 2021 has been dubbed the year of the Great Resignation or Great Attrition, with workers fleeing unsatisfying jobs in search of greener pastures. The New York Times. SportsArt, a green gym technology company, has a whole range of energy- producing gym equipment such as their Verde Treadmill that can generate up to 200 watts of electricity per hour of use. The sports and physical activity sector's massive global reach presents a unique opportunity to positively influence human behaviour. Just plug it into a traditional outlet, and electricity is returned to the grid with every workout, says Ruben Mejia, executive vice president for SportsArt Americas, in Seattle. How does this relate to Healthy Balance Fitness? A crisis management strategy of sustainable development is thus essential to ensure competitiveness in the fitness market. Especially if you are selling products like energy drinks and protein powder containers, providing recycling can further reduce plastic waste. Added to this is the technology to improve the fan experience, optimize resources and collect data to improve performance. Further, green practices not only minimize your costs, but attract an emerging demographic of young consumers who can become great customers and great employees. Why is it particularly important for the private side of the physical activity sector to embrace sustainability?To achieve large-scale ambitions, such as fighting global warming or reducing inequality, all sections of society have to pull together and contribute. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model. Evaluate systems for both energy efficiency and wellness. Balanced Body, a manufacturer of Pilates and other training equipment and an educational provider, is a leader in sustainability practices in the fitness industry. A lot of green initiatives are simply about not wasting stuff and getting the maximum out of what you use. Established in the 1990s by a coalition of organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED-certified buildings comply with various criteria such as eco-friendly site selection, use of recycled building materials and energy efficiency. Millennials and Gen Z also represent 80% of club members, according to 2019 research conducted by Les Mills (2022). When it comes to heating water, notes Honas, Tankless water heaters can be a great solution. Strength. There are many business benefits to being an eco-friendly gym or fitness center. Refillable Water Stations Hydration is essential to any sporting event. Consumers around the world are seeking out eco-friendly brands more than ever, and the fitness industry is no exception. The first place to go is to your local utility company, says Endelman. At Balanced Body, adding skylights in the warehouse brought in more natural light and reduced artificial lighting costs. Endelman says upgrading insulation at the Balanced Body facility not only improved energy efficiency but also provided a well-insulated, stable temperature year-round, with better acoustics and a more comfortable working environment. Facilities can engage clients in supporting sustainability practices by providing incentives for active travel or carpooling. At the core of this trend is making fitness more accessible and convenientand less dauntingwith emphasis on moving your body however, wherever, and whenever you can. When it comes to the consumption of the members, clubs or fitness providers can take the lead on how to engage . You can also read more about the dangers of conventional cleaning products and their green alternatives. Non-recyclable residual wood is used in the NOHrD manufacture to generate energy. If decision-makers at the highest levels of the industry continue to either not care or to drag their feet on becoming educated on how electricity-generating equipment can contribute to transforming gyms from very-high-energy-using facilities to something much more sustainable, it will be a huge opportunity missed and a lot of money wasted.. It involves applying the familiar principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. Industry codes of practice have been developed to help businesses comply with their general environmental duty and the Environmental Protection Act 1994. The universal definition of sustainability is 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Boesel notes that sales of energy-generating equipment have grown in the last few years as a result of sustainability education and increasing awareness of energy-generating products, but he thinks the industry can do better. The reason is that it makes the experience more multidimensional and fun, resulting in more transparent fitness goals. Talk to vendors and suppliers. Read Case Study: Balanced Bodys Sustain-ability Story on ideafit.com for a real-world example of how sustainable practices are building employee-company loyalty and pride.

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