Climate crisis, energy costs, environmental awareness – the fitness industry is also under pressure to reduce its ecological footprint. Members are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability. And many operators are asking themselves: How "green " can everyday life in a studio actually be?
The good news: Even small changes make a difference – from equipment selection to power consumption. In this article, you'll learn how to make your gym more environmentally friendly without sacrificing performance, design, or customer satisfaction.
1. Why sustainability also counts in the fitness sector
Fitness studios often stand for energy, exercise and health – but also for:
- high power consumption (cardio equipment , lighting, ventilation )
- large amounts of water (showering, cleaning)
- Plastic & packaging waste (shakers, packaging, disposable products)
- short-lived products (e.g. B. inexpensive small devices , non-maintainable machines)
Members – especially younger target groups – increasingly expect fitness providers to assume ecological responsibility .
2. What customers understand by a “ sustainable studio”
|
Expectation |
Implementation in the studio |
|
energy-efficient equipment |
Devices with their own power, LED light, timer |
|
fair & durable products |
high-quality devices, sustainable materials |
|
plastic-free everyday life |
Glass bottles, reusable, paper instead of foil |
|
regional or CO₂-neutral offer |
Suppliers, service providers, energy procurement |
|
visible commitment |
Communication of environmental measures |
ATLETICA tip: Sustainability must be visible and tangible – in training, in design and in mindset.
3. Power guzzler cardio – how to reduce consumption
Cardio equipment such as treadmills , cross trainers and bicycles are among the biggest electricity consumers in the studio.
Sustainable alternatives:
- Self-generating devices : e.g. B. ATLETICA bikes that feed back power during training
- Self-propelled instead of motor: e.g. B. curved treadmills , AirBikes
- Automatic shutdown when not in use
- Devices with sleep mode and motion detector
Advantage : lower electricity costs, more environmental awareness – visible and measurable.
4. Lighting, ventilation & air conditioning – the silent energy drivers
Tips for more efficiency:
- LED instead of halogen (up to 80 % electricity savings)
- Maximize daylight use (window areas , mirrors)
- motion-controlled lighting zones (e.g. B. corridors, toilets)
- optimized ventilation & heat recovery
- Room temperature with timer modules or zone control
Conclusion : Most efficiency gains in the studio are not achieved through sacrifice, but through technology.
5. Sustainable materials for appliances and floor coverings
It is not just what, but what it is made of that is important.
|
Area |
Sustainable alternative |
|
Device cover |
Recycled plastic or metal |
|
Mats & Grips |
Natural rubber, cork, recycled rubber compounds |
|
Flooring |
PVC-free, recyclable, durable (e.g. EPDM granules) |
|
Small appliances |
Wood, steel, durable rubber instead of plastic |
|
Furniture & Counter |
FSC wood, regional joineries, upcycling |
ATLETICA offers modular equipment series with sustainable components – including repairability, spare parts and durable design.
6. Reduce waste and manage consumables cleverly
To-do list:
- Reusable instead of disposable (drinking cups, cleaning cloths , gloves)
- Cleaning products in refill canisters instead of individual bottles
- Replace paper towels with jet dryers
- Fewer advertising flyers – more QR codes & digital posters
- Sorted waste separation system with clear labeling
Important : Actively show that you are taking action here – e.g. E.g. through information boards or stories on social media.
7. Communicate sustainability in everyday studio life
What you do must be noticed – otherwise it will remain invisible.
Communication ideas :
- Sign “ Here you generate electricity with every pedal stroke” on the bike
- Monthly info: “XX kWh generated by self-generated electricity “
- Poster: “ Our cleaning products are 100 % biodegradable “
- Social media: Behind-the-scenes on waste avoidance, upcycling, etc.
- Sustainability page on the website: Figures, facts, mission
ATLETICA tip: Transparency strengthens trust – also in environmental measures.
8. Partners & Suppliers – how to make your studio holistically green
Sustainability doesn't end with you. Also pay attention to:
- Device manufacturers with environmental certificates & fair production
- regional partners for crafts , cleaning, maintenance
- Shipping without plastic (e.g. B. Accessories )
- energy-efficient hosting solutions for websites/apps
- Drinks & Food from sustainable production
With ATLETICA, you work with a partner who focuses on sustainability from packaging to maintenance – and supports you in the process.
9. Sustainability & profitability – no contradiction
It is often assumed that environmentally friendly actions are more expensive. In fact, sustainability saves costs in the long run:
- lower energy consumption = lower fixed costs
- Durable devices = fewer new purchases
- reduced cleaning products = lower procurement costs
- better external impact = more member loyalty
And : State funding or sustainability certificates (e.g. B. for new buildings) can bring further advantages.
Conclusion: Sustainability is a studio argument with a future
Fitness and environmental protection go hand in hand – if you want them to. With targeted measures, you can:
- Save electricity and resources
- reduce your carbon footprint
- position your studio as a responsible brand
- Creating member loyalty through values
With ATLETICA, you can make your studio efficient, powerful, and future-proof — including in terms of sustainability.
Ready to make your studio greener ?
We'll show you how to sustainably optimize your equipment , your facilities, and your everyday life – step by step.
