Green Tips for Gym/Fitness Centers

Exceeding customer expectations can mean aligning the principles of your business with the values of your client base, while also facing the challenge of reducing overhead costs to give you more money to invest on client enrollment and retention.  Going green can help you to save money while also allowing you to market your business to an increasingly eco-conscious public. Here are some thoughts from the Green Business Bureau on ways to green your fitness center, and some opportunities to share your ideas with us:

1. Look for energy efficiency with your exercise equipment: Manufacturers offer non-electric versions of some of the most popular exercise machines like ellipticals, climbers, and cycles. Even for treadmills, energy-efficient models are available that use nearly a third less energy than typical models.

 2. Reduce unneeded energy use from televisions: If your equipment features a personal television, consider looking for models that automatically shut the TV off when the equipment is not in use.

 3. Use motion sensors for classrooms or general workout spaces that aren’t always in use: Motion sensors on lighting for classrooms or other general workout rooms can help to reduce your energy costs by avoiding waste when the rooms aren’t in use.

4. Implement a “Bring Your Own Towel” policy: Letting customers know that this will help to conserve water and energy, providing a benefit to environment (and to their gym membership costs) will frame the new policy as a positive change, and allow for an easier transition to a B.Y.O.T. facility.

5. Eliminate bottled water in favor of reusable alternatives: Consider eliminating the sale of bottled water at your gym, and instead offer reusable stainless steel water bottles that can be filled at sinks or water fountains.