6 Ways To Make Your Fitness Routine More Environmentally Friendly

Changing our daily habits to protect the environment has never been more important, and it’s something the fitness industry is seriously looking at.

It’s particularly at the front of our minds in the wake of the COP26 summit, and there are lots of ways we can all contribute on an individual basis.

Taking positive steps to make your own fitness routine more environmentally friendly will not only help us slow down climate change, but also make you feel good about yourself. So here are six things you can do.

Cycle Or Run To The Gym

Add some cardio to the start and end of your workout by either cycling or running to the gym. By using a mode of transport that doesn’t run on fossil fuels, you can lower your carbon footprint. You’ll also be adding extra aerobic conditioning to your programme without even thinking about it.

Use A Reusable Water Bottle

Single-use plastic is one of the biggest environmental issues we face. If you currently get through a lot of plastic bottles, you can cut down by getting a reusable water bottle. Check out the BFA 750ml Sports Bottle  which is designed specifically for athletes.

Recycle Kit

Athletes build up huge collections of kit and disposing of it in the right way is important. See if you can give it to a friend or family member, take it to a recycling centre or donate it to charity. If you have loads of trainers around, Runners Need run a scheme that allows you to recycle old pairs for a voucher towards new ones.

Get Outside For Cardio

Rather than using a machine like a treadmill to do your cardio work, try to get out in the open air. This will cut down on your electricity usage. Studies have also shown the endorphin hit from exercising is enhanced when you train outside.

Go Green With Your Nutrition

Our eating habits are a major behaviour that affects the environment. Try not to use beef as a protein source too regularly - go for lean meats or plant-based options instead. And avoid using protein bars or other post-workout foods that come in plastic wrappers if you can.

Choose An Environmentally Friendly Gym

It’s probably not the first thing you’d think of when you choose a gym to train at. But if you can, support one that thinks about its environmental impact. If a gym is advertising its use of green energy sources, has water recycling systems in place or invests in eco-friendly equipment, those are all good signs.